Von Schweikert or Westlake Audio

Bebopman, I have heard both; the VS at a freind's home and the Westlake at a customer's studio. Between these two choices I would personally opt for the VS.

The Westlake is a good studio monitor but I don't find it very engaging or exciting. Lots of detail, yes. But not nearly as muscially involving as the VS; at least to my ears.

Bebopman, my friend with the VR 4SEs is currently using BAT VK-150 monoblocks. Sounds awesome.

One of the posters above mentioned that VSA speakers love power. True, but (as always) it also depends on your room and what type of music you listen to. I have tried my modest CJ Premier 11A with the 4SEs, and while it certainly did not have the bass slam of the VK-150 it sounded very good overall. I actually preferred it to the BAT amp for midrange liquidity.

That's one of the great things abut the VS 4 speakers - they are about as versatle a speaker as I have ever heard. They can rock with tremendous bass slam, but also exhibit delicacy and subtleties in small, quiet musical passages. Great speakers if they work for you in your room.

Bebopman, what type of music do you listen to (is your A'gon name a clue)? If you don't listen to hard rock and heavy metal on a regular basis you have lots of options. Are you thinking tubes or SS?

Bebopmen, I do not have any direct experience with Boulder amps but lots of folks here on A'gon seem to like them. Personally, I have had good experience with both CJ and McCormack DNA SS amps. I also had a Krell amp that I used for years with a pair of Apogee ribons. Not as smooth and liquid as the McCormack, but plenty of bass slam. Many folks praise the Plinius amps, and years ago a friend of mine had a great big Classe unit that I remember as impressing me.

As I said before, there are lots of good choices in the SS world. Whare are you located? It it easy to find/ship used gear? That way you might be able to try before you buy - you can always sell something that you ultimately decide not to keep.