Von Schweikert VR-33


Can anyone who has actually heard them offers some feedback on there sonic traits? I have speakers which I really love in a well thought out, emotional system, but recent room layout changes have reignited an ongoing speaker placement battle which I'm growing quite tired of.

The thought of placing these things a foot or less away from the wall without concerns about toe or anything like that is exteremly appealing.

Anyone with ACTUAL experience, please share your thoughts. I'd rather this thread not dissolve into crap like the prior vr33 thread.
gopher

Showing 2 responses by bflodave

I completely second Bigswede's comments. In spite of their close to the wall placement, the speakers have the ability to completely disappear within the soundstage.
I'm effortlessly driving mine with a vintage Marantz 8B p-p EL34 tube amp, about 35 watts/ch. The VR-33's are dynamic, musical, fullrange and non-fatiguing.
I initially set them up without spikes, moved them around a few inches week by week until I found the placement where they disappeared and bass/mid integration was optimal. Since installing the spikes I have not touched them. I've had no issues whatsoever. I think they are a screaming bargain and I'm sure I'll be keeping them for life.
I demo'ed both the vr-33's at a local audiophile's home (graciously arranged by Albert) and the Triton 2's at a local dealer.

The dealer's Triton 2 setup was far from optimal due to cramped quarters and the associated electronics were mid-fi solid state(I'm a tubes and vinyl guy). Even in less than ideal demo conditions, imho the Tritons are voiced toward the home theater market.

The in-home demo of the vr33's blew me away. Driven by a small Ampino class D amp and pc audio source, the vr33's simply sounded naturally musical and easily filled a large listening room driven by a few watts. I placed my order with Albert the next day.

In a head to head comparison, different demo conditions notwithstanding, I would give higher marks to the vr33's in all categories that we audiophiles value. The Triton's bass output is adjustable with its built-in amp, which may be considered to be an advantage, but I sensed a discontinuity between the low bass and mid bass which is seamless in the vr33's. The vr33 is a hands down winner in the critical midrange. That is one fantastic driver! The Triton tweeter may have an edge in terms of detail, but again imho there may be issues with integration with the mids and long term listening fatigue.