Salk HT3 vs VAS VR4jr

Bang for the buck IMO is easily the Salk HT3. Much more expensive drivers, and fabulous woodworking by Jim Salk.

The JRs are very nice speakers, but it is hard to compete against a builder who is selling speakers for not much more than cost.

---Dave

I have heard them both, and definitely prefered the Salks. Very nice speakers with a great crossover design. That have a build quality that is phenominal. Easy worth the 4K selling price that Jim charges (and a heck of a lot more). Just for disclosure, I do not own the Salks, and have no connection to the company... but I am a fan.

I really am not trying to knock the 4JRs though. They are a very good value as well, and I am a big VS fan too... The Salks just impressed me more in pretty much every area. Top-end, midrange, low bass, soundstage... etc. I would still recommend the Salks at 4K over the JRs at 2.7K. I do think you would be happy with either speaker though, so I would not worry about "missing out" if you go one way or another.

---Dave

Not sure about the VAC 30/30. I would recommend giving Jim a call, or shooting him an email. He won't try and hard sell you on the speakers... If he does not think it is a good fit, I am sure he will honestly tell you.

---Dave

I heard the SRs at THE Show in Vegas in 05... I did not like them at all, sorry. Could have been the room or the electronics (the Oracle CD player was on the fritz).

That said, in the Consonance room that same show, they were using VS DB99s to feature their tube amps and Droplet CD player... The DB99s were absolutely phenominal, IMO. If I were shelling out the bucks for the SRs, I would definitely move up to a used pair of DB99s instead, but that is just me.

---Dave

I thought that about the db99's at first, but after further listen the tweeter on the SR is much better.

Fair enough, you are certainly entitled to your opinion... I disagree, however.

"I did not like them at all, sorry" - wow, must have high standards.

I do. Tyler Acoustics has spoiled me rotten. That said, the DB99s definitely meet or exceed even my "high standards." :-)

---Dave