Albert Von Schweikert VR-4


Hello kindred spirits; I need some advice/impressions. I am considering a pristine (truly mint) pair of Von Schweikert VR-4, first edition. These have the optional rosewood end-caps and the upgraded silver wiring. I have an opportunity to buy them for $1,200. Cost in 1999 approx. $4,000.

I have enjoyed, but gotten rid of over the last few years, such goodies as the Meadowlark Shearwater "Hotrods", Apogee Duetta II (developing a slight rattle on bass notes) and a vintage pair or Yammy NS-1000 (I bought them for $40, believe it or not). I need a fitting replacement.

I auditioned the VR-4 in an audio showroom. The components included a Cambridge Audio Azur 740C CD player, a Musical Fidelity A3CR line-stage preamp, and a Boulder SS amp (model unknown). I really liked the VR-4; wide soundstage, very detailed imaging, and great mid-range for vocals & strings. Seemed a little rolled off on the treble, though. The bass is amazing, down to a true 20hz.

I'm not sure I can duplicate the sound in my listening room, however, and at 150 lbs. each its not practical to try them out. Online research indicates they were widely used as studio monitors in many recording and film studios (hard to believe given their size and weight), and the reviews seem universally good. Does anyone have any significant experience with these speakers??
klipschking
Klipschking, it has been almost 1.5 year since your original post. Did you get them? How do you like them?
Sorry for the delay. I did buy them, and I'm still in LOVE!! It is rare for us "audiophile" types to hang on to a component for long without the itch to upgrade. While I've upgraded my digital source (to a sweet Cary Audio 303/300 tubed CD player), I have no itch to leave the VR4s. Just flat out incredible sound; I'd have to spend more than 10 grand to match them with a current speaker. Highly recommended!!!
Just got a pair of VR-4 Gen IIs and am loving them as well. Not fully appreciating how heavy each individual speaker was I arragnged an in home trial period (being worried about how they'd fare in a 13x15 room along the long wall). Even in a less than ideal room, these sound fabulous. Probably not taking full advantage of the rear tweeter but evn without that, the sound has never been better. I had been using monitors (the excellent waveguide SP Tech Minis) due to the room size, but amazingly the Vr-4s don't overload the room but still give me the sense of scale and impact that monitors cannot provide.
Personally they're not for me...nor is Albert....however, if you like the sound, you should get them....sounds like a deal.
I own the Von Schweikert vr-35s (upgraded) and they are simply amazing. Albert makes incredible speakers and is a fine man.