Spendor vs. Von Schweikert?

Arkio,

I have this opinion about Von Schweikert because I have heard VR4SR with DK Design Reference Integrated Amplifier which is an integrated amplifier with Tube Pre and SS Power. DK Design has very good reputation for being a very good amp. If I remember well, the cdp is CARY cdp I guess. But VR4SR costing almost 10K did not provide the musical rhythm that a $3000 Totem Forests (or) $3500 SF Cremona Auditors (or) $4800 SF Grand Piano (or) $4000 Totem Mani-2 (or) $1800 Spendor S5e (or) $3000 Spendor S8e could do. Again, this is a very personal opinion applicable to my music taste.

Grakesh

It has been ages and ages since I have had a listen to the Spendor line, however I can indeed say that the VSA JR4's are indeed worth your listen. I find them to be truly a muscial speaker. Be it tubes or SS, there is music in those speakers.

I currently have the VR4SR with DK VS1 MK2 amp and Sony XA777ES. IC is Kimber KS-1030. Speaker wire is Signal Silver resolution biwired. No treatment in the power area. I also use Siemens CCa for the pre section.

I can tell you that music has never been better for me. Listening to Diana Krall, Sara Chang violin, John Williams guitar, and FIM sampler discs can be a real joy. It's just like I go to a live concert everytime I listen. I have no experience in Spendor speakers so I cannot compare. However, I had listened to all the big names carried in the Washington DC area such as Dynaudio, JM Lab, B&W, Aerial, Wilson, Vienna Acoustic,and others.

Since I have another setup in the home theater which includes B&W N804/N805/HTM1 with Classe CAV180 + Bryston SP1.7 and numerous different cables, I tried the VR4SR with different units to find the synergy and the setup above is best for me. I also tried to drive the SR with Plinius 8200 MK2 (which I also own) and it does not work for me.

I also want to point out that since I replaced the Mullard CV2492 with the Siemens CCa, the music becomes much more involved and detailed without harshness.

Everyone has different ears and component matching is important to suit your taste.

It's up to you, but I have the VR4jr and would not consider another speaker until I can afford the DB99s. In other words, I've heard most of the speakers that are in the price range and nothing compared to the VS. Do a search for reviews. Pretty much stunning across the board.

Robm321,

What type of music do you listen to ? I have seen reviews like this that say Von Scweikert is too good and went for audition with a high expectation. But for me they sounded so dull..un-inspiring..and un-emotinal...and un-involving. I was not disappointed with any speaker this much.

Grakesh