VSA VR4 SR or JR as a match to my system and room


I want to replace my Totem Forests. I'm using a DK MkII with an FMJ23 CDP. My room tends to be brightish (lots of glass and wood) and is about 19x28x14(vaulted - approx 6000+ sq. ft.). My listening tastes are eclectic with an emphasis in Jazz and Classical, but I also like to blast alittle rock now ant then. Would the VR4 SR or JR be a good match?

Other contenders include Proac R38 (there is a dealer near by) and Merlin, but I'm just at the beginning stages of this illness and am open to other suggestions ($5 to $10K range).

BTW, I have wanted to listen to a pair of VSA VR4 SR or VSA VR4 JR's based on comments on the discussion forums. However, living in the Canadian Rockies does not bode well for having access to dealers. I've now sent two E-mails to VSA to find the nearest dealer (e.g., Seattle??)across the last two weeks but have not heard a peep from them. From what I've read, VSA seems to be a good company to deal with; however, my experience is making me wonder. Any comments regarding VSA customer service?

Thanks

John
johnrob

Showing 6 responses by gammajo

I listened to both VR's and selected about 4 months ago the VR4SR for my lots of wood and glass roughly 9,000 sf ft room. I have been extremely pleased. They were not fussy about placement and can stand near wall position, they are totally nonfatiguing yet detailed. I listen to mostly classical from orchestral to solo instrument and some pop/rock. My dealer also dropped his Dali line after hearing the VS speakers because the VS were so much more for the money in his opinion.
In terms of VS service they used to answer every phone call promptly but I think they now refer the questions to nearest dealer in an attempt to support the dealer network.
Both the JR and Sr are great, fit and finish is a real wife pleaser. Hope this helps
Joe
9rw
I had a fabulous experience with Brian at Sound and Cinema in Knoxville. He came to my home 2 1/2 hours away and personally did the set up. Very knowledgable, no pressure and believes in careful auditions as well. He sold me my Sr's.
Joe
With the conflicting feedback as to VS responsiveness, it would be helpful for those who have posted to give the time frame in which they had either high responsiveness from direct calls to the company, or nonresponsiveness. My expereince was that six months ago when I called I would immediately get either the son or father and very good response, but in the last few months these calls were diverted to the dealers who then may or may not respond.
In attempt to clear things up I called Von Schweikert today. His son, Damon picked up on the first ring and as always was friendly and informative. He said that the company is doing wonderfully. New dealers are being signed up including the one mentioned in the Far East. They have several of thier products with reviews coming out shortly. Concerning the higerfi internet sales. That was a one time overstocked situation. The big boys (VR7 and VR9) are built to order for an individual. Occasionally one can not be paid for as planned and then VS would place those speakers with a source such as Higherfi which could sell them as new, as indeed they are new.
Lastly they are aware of the variablity of responsiveness at corporate headquaters and being a small comapny everybody answers the phone but there are tons of calls. They are now in process of hiring a customer services person to handle much of this daily call volume.
Well Von Schweikert came out with news this week of a new sales policy allowing sales on one internet site and also reportedly better support for their dealers including an extra two years warentee if bought through a dealer.