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Audio Physic Virgo I (or Virgo II): still considered a very good or great speaker?

 Audiogon offers a large variety of USED speaker of varying ages and design. I am curious if speakers like the above are still considered viable in terms of audiophile sound quality. I ask because any purchase of so-called "vintage" speakers  pose a risk in terms of performance and sound quality, especially against newer technology speakers


I have heard the Virgo I about 15 years ago and liked it very much, and every time a pair come up on AG or e-bay,  I am tempted to buy them, even a  VG pair especially considering the large body of positive reviews and testimonials.  However,  I always nixed the urge to buy them new because I thought the original  retail price was overinflated which subsequently pushed the RESALE price up.  I have seen decent pairs for pairs for sale for $1500-1800; however, my intuition tells me that they are worth no more than $1100 even in near mint condition. 

I guess I am basically asking....is it really worth it to buy used speakers approx.15 years old, no matter how much they have been praised .,or pursue newer speakers and speaker technology  

Thanks, S.J 

sunnyjim

Showing 1 response by bjesien

bjesien
1,386 posts
 

Only heard on AP in a big untreated room. I think any designer would argue that they came across a significant gain in performance to move ahead with a new model. Sometimes they get an overstock of a part and design a speaker around this abundance. New technologies tend demonstrate more transparency while not sacrificing listenabilty or tone. I don't know if that's better parts or tighter build spec and tolerance or both.

You can get close with an older speaker and save 70 percent in the process. Make sure they can still be serviced it they blow, get knocked over, or end up with a broom stick through a driver.

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