Help any thoughts??
Von Schweikert VR2 verses Infinity RSIIIB
I have been using a friends VR2s and at first thought my Vandersteen 2CEs were better but after much listening I have decided the VR2s are more transparent, more vivid and have more depth and sharper imaging without sounding etched. They are also more holographic. The Vandersteen do something the VRs do not but i can put my finger on it and in the end the VRs are more my cup of tea. I would like to compare them to some older infi9nity RSIIIBs. Is this a waste of time to do this? Am I moving up down or sideways Thanks
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I would recommend you look into the LSA Design LSA2 tower speaker. It is in current production and available in three performance levels--Standard, Signature, and Statement. The Standard model is evidently inspired byif not outright derivative fromthe VR2, right down to the rear-firing ambience tweeter. However, there are changes to the crossover which (according to what I've read) improve on the VR2. The Signature and Statement versions upgrade the tweeter, crossover components, and even the internal damping material. The prices on the LSA Design website are left over from when they had a dealer network. Now all sales are handled Internet-Direct by Underwood HiF, and prices are significantly reduced. The Standard model in rosewood is down to $1299/pr, the Signature is $1995/pr, and the Statement with Aurum Cantum ribbon tweeter is $3495/pr. He's blowing out the previous gen. Standard in black for $899/pr. Check some forums of Von Schweikert enthusiasts; you should come across strengths and weaknesses of the VR-2. Then communicate with Underwood Wally and/or somebody at LSA Design to see if the LSA-2 gives you the same or even more of what you're looking for. |
I think they are byond OK. Here is the issue. Funds are beyound tight. I can keep this pair for $500. What could I could I find for $500 that would even be close? What else would give me Useful bass down to 25HZ A open and holographic soundstage with depth A vivid image WITHOUT hyper detail (which much gear seems to have now) A sense of warmth and body. For $500 what else could there be?? Thanks |
The budget narrows the parameters. I take it that you could get the VR2's for $500/pr? What else would give me: Any of the floorstanders from the Mirage Mxsi series--M1si, M3si, M5si, or M7si. They do demand power and current. I have had a pair of M5si's for almost 18 years now and they still anchor my HT rig. They can scale up and down from solo voice or guitar to bombastic orchestral/choral music. I have run the Stereophile test cd through them and they are near flat to 29 Hz and audible to 25. The M3si and M1si go deeper still. They are fast and lively, yet full-bodied and their bipolar radiating pattern fills the listening space with ease. They're hard to find used, but there's a pair of M7si's in good condition on eBay right now within your budget. Reviews: M1si M3si M7si Unfortunately, S'phile didn't review the M5si, which is what I have, and I find them to be a great balance of size, speed, frequency extension, transparency, soundstage, imaging, scale, and ability to energize the listening area. Judging by the reviews of the other three models, those are traits shared by the entire Mxsi line. |