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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
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
Go for the SR. You won't regret it. A three way system will outperform your Forests significantly and you have the space for the SR.

If you prefer an option closer to home, I believe Bryston (Toronto), which sells active PMC's (UK Speaker), is definitely worth investigating. PMC's are in the same league as the VR4 (used also in studios) but are more expensive as they include built in amps.
jrun
61 posts
 
I too thought it funny when I did not hear back from VSA when requesting dealer locations. What I found out is they apparently forward your email address to the nearest dealer and it is up to the dealer to respond. This is what happened to me and I am in NW Louisiana. I too am interested to hear input, especially on the VR4SR.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 
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
jlind325is
113 posts
 
There is no VSA dealer in Seattle, but four good hifi shops all within a couple of blocks of each other in the university district. If you care to hear a pair of VR2s i live near the border, let me know.
hiend2's avatar
hiend2
381 posts
 
I would say Find a great deal on a pair if vr4jrs. If you like what you hear, step up to the 4sr. The 4 sr will require top notch amplification to shine Keep this in mind.
The Schweikert factory is small and you will comunicate directly to Albert himself, or his son. they will make things correct. I purchsed My VR-8's Direclty from them. The factory favorite is the VR-4SR, The Db99 is what albert uses at home, he recommends single ended 845 amplification.
I had the vr-4 and went to the vr-8 no playing games.There is no turning back. The amps that sounded great with the vr-4 are "good" with the vr-8 Bass is MUCH more Accruate and tells everything about your amps. It WAS comical to hear my old hurricanes try to control the Lowend section on the vr-8. But sounded great on the vr-4. The schweikerts are very transparent and be prepared to not leave well enough alone.
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