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

Hollenbeck,
Von Schweikert just completely re did their web page, and displaced Wilson Audio in a HUGE Hong Kong Dealer!
That don't sound like a company that is going out of business to me ?

But, as a consumer, I could care less about some "dealer network" as long as I get a good deal on the speakers I want to buy ?

Orion sells direct only, as do many other small companies, so what ?

All I know is that Albert has been around high end audio since the late 70's.

My friend just had a pair of 15 year old original VR 4's updated, so how is that for product support ?

I don't know that Albert is going to sell direct, or remain a dealer supported company.
Frankly, I really do not care.

What matters to me, as a consumer, is that Albert will be there for me down the road, if I need him.

When Alberts original company in Upstate New York went out of business because of a flood, wiping out his inventory, Albert still supported his old customers with parts, and updates, etc.

Original VR 4's sell fast on Audiogon, if you can find them ?

So why should I, as a consumer, be "afraid" that Von Schweikert isn't going to "be around" ?

As a consumer, I see Albert still supporting 20 year old original VR 4's with mods and updates.

So, why should I be scared to buy his newer stuff, knowing his excellent track record of supporting old designs ?

Personally, I wish he would sell direct, and cut out the dealers altogether so I could get the best deal I can.

But, that is his business, not mine.

One final thought, do you remember CounterPoint ?

They went bankrupt, yet the old owner Mike is still offering mods, repairs, etc.

Even if Von Schweikeert goes bankrupt, there are many thousands of Von Schweikerrt speakers out there.

Albert would have to be a complete fool to "walk away" from all these speaker owners!

And, as far as resale goes, Celestion and Hales are long gone, but still have plenty of resale.

Resale value is high, when the product is good, because speakers are pretty reliable devices.

Look how fast old VR4's sell here ?

In attempt to clear things up I called Von Schweikert today. His son, Damon picked up on the first ring and as always was friendly and informative. He said that the company is doing wonderfully. New dealers are being signed up including the one mentioned in the Far East. They have several of thier products with reviews coming out shortly. Concerning the higerfi internet sales. That was a one time overstocked situation. The big boys (VR7 and VR9) are built to order for an individual. Occasionally one can not be paid for as planned and then VS would place those speakers with a source such as Higherfi which could sell them as new, as indeed they are new.
Lastly they are aware of the variablity of responsiveness at corporate headquaters and being a small comapny everybody answers the phone but there are tons of calls. They are now in process of hiring a customer services person to handle much of this daily call volume.

It appears to me that VSA owners are a passionate group. Although the responders to this thread are self selected (not a random sample) there are few negative statements about any of the VSA products, no one has complained about significantly poor service, and most seem happy with the service. Considering the sometimes "under the bottom" negativity that can appear on Audiogon, this says alot. Your comments have reinforced my original desire to listen to VSA speakers.

I'll be in near to Boston for two weeks. Are there any VSA dealers in the Boston region??

A good call on the feedback and excellent decision Johnrob!

Holeneck,

Thanks for your post on 7/21/06.
It seems that this post is filled with VSA supporters that just have hard time accepting what is really going on with VSA.

You however nailed it. If they don't belive what oyu have posted, they can discuss this with their local VSA dealer. But wait, where are the local VSA dealers now? Seems they have all gone away.