Speakers are totaly subjective and using the term"blow away" is totaly useless.Your ears should be the judge,as there are many speakers in that price range tha could meet your requirements.All VSA speakers deserve an audition as do the other brand mentioned.
Von Schweikert VR-8
your listening observations of the Von Schweikert VR-8 speakers please. Looking for around $7k used to replace Dunlavy V's must move same amount of air in the Bass as the Dunlavy can or more in a 20x23x9 room. The V plays 110dbc no problem without strain. The V is excellent speaker looking for something better? Music preference is varying from jazz to Metallica. Using VTL signature 450 amplifiers currently,Audio Aero Capitol player, harmonic technology magic, Nordost SPM reference biwire