I had the opportunity to audition the VR4 SE and currently own the Nighthawk, so you already know which one I preferred. With that being stated, they are both GREAT speakers for their given price point. The stregnths of the VR4 in my opinion, were the bass went a bit deeper and were perhaps a bit more dynamic in their performance. The Nighthawks are dynamic, but the bass doesn't have that last bottom "slam." The Nighthawks, to my ears, did reproduce the mids more natural. Very musical, non fatiguing. The Nighthawks just got the music right, and the bass is very tuneful all the way down... no one note bass. Looking at your system, I am sure both speakers would work, however with your desire to have a speaker less forward I would opt for the Meadowlark Nighthawk. I chose strictly on sonics, however another factor is the aesthetix, and as my better half pointed out (after I chose the Meadowlarks) "those ugly black socks over that box is not going in our house." Your mileage may vary. Hope this is of some help.