I have the VR-4SR's that you are considering with the AH Upgraded to 2.1 Preamp that you have plus NorthStar Transport and DAC and into Nuforce V3 SE Reference amps.
I auditioned Wilson Sophias, Dali's and many other speakers before purchase. I love my VR SR's! Because they are revealing, they do respond well to a tube somewhere in the system with digital. I have upgraded my pre, IC's, amp since getting the speakers but you would have to fight me for them. They just get better though each upgrade of other equipment. Heard them with a 20K Meridian 808.3 a few weeks ago in my system and they just sounded even better. Also they have been 100% reliable.
I auditioned Wilson Sophias, Dali's and many other speakers before purchase. I love my VR SR's! Because they are revealing, they do respond well to a tube somewhere in the system with digital. I have upgraded my pre, IC's, amp since getting the speakers but you would have to fight me for them. They just get better though each upgrade of other equipment. Heard them with a 20K Meridian 808.3 a few weeks ago in my system and they just sounded even better. Also they have been 100% reliable.