Why the switch from Kharma/Tenor to DarTZeel/VSA

Gladstone, I agree - that is exactly what I told my friend yesterday who asked this same question. If Albert can make a speaker like the VR-4 sound that good, it is frightening what he might be able to do with an all out assault like the 11s.

I have never heard a VS speaker I didn't enjoy. And, you're right it doesn't HAVE to sound better if it's more expensive, but why and the heck would anyone want to spend more and not expect the sound to be better.

My only MINOR concern with Mike's post is that it seemed a little unfair to say "I heard the $120,000 VR-11s, and in my book they were better than the $36,000 Midi Grands" - (as that is what they did retail for when Mike bought them).

I certainly have NO problem with Mike buying a speaker he is happy with - but the original post was asking why people were switching from Kharmas to VSs - so I thought one should be fair and at least look at that price differential in order to ascribe the proper weight to the response.

Nuf said, I'm done.

To each his own and enjoy the music most of all!

Hey Mike!

I only have one slight caveat on your comment about the Kharma/Von Schweikert comparison:

VR-11s = $120,000

Kharma Midi Grand = $36,000 - 40,000

Do the math. The VR-11s BETTER be better for 3 times the price!!! This is like saying that I compared these two automobiles and that darn Mercedes SL 500 is better than that inferior Buick Regal. I know that when I sold the Midis and went to the Exquisites (also at 2-3 times the price), my sound improved in every parameter and justified my decision to buy them. However, I tried to resist the unfair comparison between the two for this very reason.

Hey guys, it is ALL personal preference. I have always liked and been very impressed with the Von Schweikerts I have heard and if Albert can do with the VR-9s and 11s what he's done at lower price points, they surely will be special. You must also realize that a NUMBER of VR-9s have been sold to the same people who own Kharmas by the same dealer that sold them the Kharmas and that they have not heard the VR-9s because there are no VR-9s even built yet. They have purchased either on the promise of the VR-9 garnered from the impressive twice the size and cost VR-11s (no problem with that) or from their trust in their dealer's judgment (no problem there either if he has done you right in the past).

The bottom line is that we are all chasing something - whether it's the best sound, the best deal or owning the trendy component du jour, does it REALLY matter? It is OUR money and we all have the right to chase what will make us happy for our money.

For me, I am always open to anything that betters my sound but, at least at this point, I don't see my speakers going anywhere for a while. But, as I know, things may change as I have been proven wrong too many times to mention.!! :-)

Mike, I know you are getting the 9s. But the way your post read, it stated that you heard the VR-11s and then you go on to state your comparison to the Midis. I have no doubt you liked the 11s. Just remember, not every speaker in any Manufacturer's family will necessarily sound the same even if they use the same type of drivers. Since there are no 9s even built yet, it seems unfair to post a comparison to a speaker nobody has ever heard. Since you DID love the 11s, that is the sound you are hoping to get from the 9s. I just caution you because I liked the Kharma Midi Grands but never warmed up to the Kharma Grands - even though it was almost the same speaker with just another woofer.

So, there is no need for anyone to get their undies in a bunch and come to anyone's defense here - as you will note in my post, I always state that it's personal preference in the end. So when Gladstone decides, as a Maggie owner, to come to his buddy's (and my buddy BTW) defense, by taking his wack at the Kharmas, that's OK too, not everybody's tastes are similar and nobody needs to own any speaker they don't like or want - that is what this hobby is all about.

People need not justify their purchase here - THAT is what I was saying in my post.

Mike, I know you are getting the 9s. But the way your post read, it stated that you heard the VR-11s and then you go on to state your comparison to the Midis. I have no doubt you liked the 11s. Just remember, not every speaker in any Manufacturer's family will necessarily sound the same even if they use the same type of drivers. Since there are no 9s even built yet, it seems unfair to post a comparison to a speaker nobody has ever heard. Since you DID love the 11s, that is the sound you are hoping to get from the 9s. I just caution you because I liked the Kharma Midi Grands but never warmed up to the Kharma Grands - even though it was almost the same speaker with just another woofer.

So, there is no need for anyone to get their undies in a bunch and come to anyone's defense here - as you will note in my post, I always state that it's personal preference in the end. So when Gladstone decides, as a Maggie owner, to come to his buddy's (and my buddy BTW) defense, by taking his wack at the Kharmas, that's OK too, not everybody's tastes are similar and nobody needs to own any speaker they don't like or want - that is what this hobby is all about.

People need not justify their purchase here - THAT is what I was saying in my post.

Frank

PS - to be fair, you could point out that many of those Kharmas here for sale are yours and others who have switched to the VR-9s and 11s - not exactly a fire sale.

Gladstone, at first I was going to drop from shock thinking you had turned into a dynamic guy (speakers that is). I bet your home theater will sound fabulous. If you liked the Dynavector tip, check out my post on AA Vinyl Asylum today on the Loricraft )"Doubting Thomas" heading) - it is incredible and easily worth the price with a vinyl collection like yours!

Mike, good luck with the VR-9s, I am sure they will be incredible. I hope to hear them at Andrew's soon!

You guys are ALL nuts, and you ALL have terrible systems, your speakers are ALL crap, your digital stinks, your decisions are ALL stupid, your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries, now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!! (or was I supposed to fart in your general direction?)

Doc, can you up my meds? Just gimme what you take from Stimpy!

Gladstone, you are quite correct my amative and discerning friend - I believe that I have found the Holy Grail!