VA Beethovens upgrade to Strauss experience/advice

The Strauss/Mahlers have much better dynamics and can play much louder without congestion. They also have a more transparent and accurate midrange, the Beethoven while soothing is a bit warm. They also project a larger and more holographic soundstage. As far as the bass, I tamed Mahlers for a room smaller than yours by using a great amp (Pass X-350) that can control the woofers, and using Nordost Red Dawn or similar silver cables to tighten the bass. Then you have the best of both worlds, extension impact and accuracy in the bass, dynamic range that must be heard to be believed, and silky smooth highs.

The Vons are very good for the money, and are more accurate overall, and fit better in many rooms both for decor and sound. If your components are poor however the Von's will show it all, several others have noted this. For $4000 speakers they are more critical of electronics than most others, and I also "downgraded" from a Electrocompaniet EMC-1upSE to a Consonance CD-120, and trust me, the Von's will show you the sound of cheap digital even though the Consonance isnt a bad player, just not up to the EMC.

One thing that drove me crazy was the rear tweeter level, not because it didn't work, but because I putzed with it way too much, I am such a tweaker I couldn't leave well enough alone, and found myself constantly adjusting it. I am selling the Vons on here now, many people may prefer them especially if they don't have an amp that can handle the Mahlers. Tubes sound great with the Vons, not so good with Mahlers.

Remember also the Mahlers retail for over twice the amount of the Vons to be fair.