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Von Schweikert VR-1 question

At this point seriously considering getting a pair of VR-1s, but before I do was wondering just how revealing these speakers would be toward my source (Onkyo DC-C540 CD Changer)? To my ears, it's a good sounding player, but I also realize that perhaps the speakers that I'm currently using (Boston Acoustic A-60s) are more forgiving of modest components. I also believe the rest of my system should work well with VR-1s (Jolida 502A, AQ CV-6 w/DBS speaker wire and AQ Diamondback IC), and I certainly hope to upgrade the CDP at some point down the road, but for the time being, the Onkyo is going to be the source. Being that's the case, I would certainly would want speakers that would allow me to enjoy my music with the components that I currently have, knowing well that when I do replace the CDP with a better unit, that I'll be reaping further sonic improvements. So I guess the two questions are, one, would VS VR-1s work well with the components that I currently have? And two, if not, would I be better off looking for a pair of speakers that are a little more "forgiving" (suggestions welcomed) of the source? Please remember that I'm a man of modest means, trying to put together a good sounding, affordable system, one step at a time. Thanks.
cleaneduphippy

Showing 3 responses by armstrod

armstrod
620 posts
 
Cleaneduphippy,

I own the VR-1s and, like you, have tubes in my system - I'm running a tube preamp. My VR-1s sound great with all my sources - vinyl, CD, tuner and computer. I think the tubes make all the difference, so my guess is you'll be as pleased as I am. You'll enjoy them now, and enjoy them even more when you upgrade your CDP.

That said, Audiodoc is also correct. Every change you make that increases your resolution also increases the difference between good and bad recordings. Then best news is that on good recordings, you'll hear things you never heard before.

Remember that the VR-1s are considerably smaller than your A-60s, so you may need different stands. Solid stands are important.
armstrod
620 posts
 
Cleaneduphippy,

Given the goals stated in your last post, you might want to consider upgrading your CDP first, and your speakers second. I used an Adcom GCD-575 for 15 years when it finally gave up the ghost, and replaced it with an Onix XCD-88 (now the XCD-99). It's affordable and was a huge jump in sound quality. By doing your source first, you may be able to retain your system's "heart and soul" at every step, rather than sacrificing it for the new speakers.

And always remember Rule #1: If you're happy with your system's sound, leave it alone!
armstrod
620 posts
 
Cleaneduphippy,

If you're looking for better soundstaging, you might want to experiment with speaker placement and a little room treatment before you go changing speakers. You might find your A-60s can give you what you want if they're tweaked a little.

Tvad's suggestion of Arros is a very good one. Another possibility is the Ascend Acoustics CBM-170. I demoed a pair before I bought the VR-1s, although it was the older model, not the current SE version. They may give you what you want, although you'll probably want to add a sub at some point.
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