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Questions on Totem Hawks & Von Schweikert VR2

Hi. I am intersted in upgrading my current Vandersteen 1C speakers to a full-sized speaker that more closely matches my musical tastes (rock of all kinds, trip hop). My budget is around the $1500 mark used, and I am very happy with my current amp (Sim Audio I-5) and source (Sim Audio Nova), so I don't want to change them; I'm only considering changing my speakers.

I've done a lot of research here and elsewhere. Based on what I have read, I have narrowed my list to two speakers that I feel would be a good match for my system and my music: Totem Hawk & Von Schweikert VR2.

My living room is 22'x14'x8', but the listening area is more like 14'x14'. Other considerations include having to place the speakers no more than 18" from the long wall, the presence of small kids (ages 7 & 4), and that I live in an apartment. I don't generally blast my music, but do listen to "lively" music, so I want more "punch." I am still pleased with my Vandy's, but think that I can do better match-wise.

My concern with the Hawks relate to ease of being driven by the I-5's 70 wpc (I've read mixed things here), and my concern with the VR2s is the apparent need for them to be placed 2-3 feet from the wall (not possible for me). I am not interested in bookshelf speakers, and my reading has led me to these two speakers because of perceived quality, match with my music/equipment, size (smaller compared to my vandy's), value/price, and sonic characteristics. Any insights or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, - Steve
walkman

Showing 1 response by lowfidelity

lowfidelity
40 posts
 
You might also want to consider the Consonance Eric 3 speakers (list is $1795). I own a pair and feel they are a great buy in speakers. Here is a link to a recent review:
http://www.soundstage.com/revequip/opera_eric3.htm
I feel the review is very accurate.

Here is what I posted previously on these forums about the Eric 3 compared to Von Schweikert speakers:
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?cspkr&1120383341
To which I would only add that the treble of the Eric 3 have indeed become smoother with break-in and have not lost any of the detail.

I have a friend who prefers the Eric 3 to my VR-4jr. I attribute this to the more forward nature of the Eric 3 (as noted by Soundstage), and the weaknesses of my listening space which really hurt the VR-4jr. The jr should be farther away from the boundaries than I can place them.

Enjoy!
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