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VSA VR4 SR or JR as a match to my system and room

I want to replace my Totem Forests. I'm using a DK MkII with an FMJ23 CDP. My room tends to be brightish (lots of glass and wood) and is about 19x28x14(vaulted - approx 6000+ sq. ft.). My listening tastes are eclectic with an emphasis in Jazz and Classical, but I also like to blast alittle rock now ant then. Would the VR4 SR or JR be a good match?

Other contenders include Proac R38 (there is a dealer near by) and Merlin, but I'm just at the beginning stages of this illness and am open to other suggestions ($5 to $10K range).

BTW, I have wanted to listen to a pair of VSA VR4 SR or VSA VR4 JR's based on comments on the discussion forums. However, living in the Canadian Rockies does not bode well for having access to dealers. I've now sent two E-mails to VSA to find the nearest dealer (e.g., Seattle??)across the last two weeks but have not heard a peep from them. From what I've read, VSA seems to be a good company to deal with; however, my experience is making me wonder. Any comments regarding VSA customer service?

Thanks

John
johnrob
g3dahl
5 posts
 
I live in the Seattle area and will soon be receiving my pair of modified VR-4's, which you will be welcome to audition. I have had several conversations with Albert, and he says that my pair will sound very similar to the VR4-SR. Mine are actually different from the regular VR4-to-VR5 mod, partly because of the addition of the same ribbon tweeters used in the VR-9 and VR-11, but the speakers can also be run without them.

Despite Holeneck's comment, VSA isn't going anywhere, and isn't secretly moving toward an internet direct company. I expect that their products will maintain resale value as well as those by other high end makers.
gammajo's avatar
gammajo
844 posts
 
With the conflicting feedback as to VS responsiveness, it would be helpful for those who have posted to give the time frame in which they had either high responsiveness from direct calls to the company, or nonresponsiveness. My expereince was that six months ago when I called I would immediately get either the son or father and very good response, but in the last few months these calls were diverted to the dealers who then may or may not respond.
pneumatized
5 posts
 
My experience occured beginning around early june through early july. Every time I have called I have spoken to a young man--who I presume to be the son, and every time he has taken note of my inquiry, taken my phone number, and let me know someone will need to call me for my answer. In total three seperate calls and one email, and no direct response from vsa on any of them during this time period.

At the moment, I can get the vr4jrs or the acoustic zen adagios each new for about the same price. I called acoustic zen the other day and was able to speak to robert extensively--he was helpful and courteous. I obviously want to go with what sounds best, but my experience will likely wind up impacting my ultimate decision.
-jonathan
kgturner's avatar
kgturner
663 posts
 
i call vsa today to inquire about a used set of vsa speakers that are listed here. the guy who answered told me damon would call back in 30 minutes. about 2 hours later, i called back. got the same guy who told me damon was still busy. i told him i wanted to speak with somebody. thirty seconds later i was talking with albert. albert was great to talk to and gave me a lot of insight on the speakers i was interested in. he spent 20 minutes talking to me about a pair of his speakers that i wasn't even buying from him. much, much, much more than i could've expected from the company. his conversation is what steered me to purchase the used speakers.
g3dahl
5 posts
 
All of my communications with VSA have occurred within the past three months, most recently today. Linda Von Schweikert (Albert's wife) is the one who usually answers the phones, but most of the time I have been connected to voice mail. Damon still works at VSA, but Kevin isn't there anymore. It is true, reaching VSA has sometimes required some persistence...

I expect to hear from Albert again within the next few days. When he calls, I'll alert him to the communication issue, and let you know what I find out.
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