Von Schweikert VR-4sr MKII or Wilson Sophia


These two are the front-runners for a 2 channel rig I am assembling (although there are others in the race). The amps are going to be Nuforce Reference 9's and the pre is a Nuforce P-8, all connected by Tara Labs cabling. I have listened to the Wilson, but it was a TERRIBLE demo in Omaha, NE and I feel they weren't represented as well as they should have been (although the salesman went on and on about how great their set-up and room was.......ouch). I have owned VSA VR-4jr's and was pretty impressed by their sound and other Wilsons in the past have been impressive. Has anyone out there demo'd or better yet owned both of these speakers? This will be exclusively a 2 channel system running full-range (no sub plans yet). Thanks!!
kgb540
Both designs use aluminium cones - is that something you desire?

Metal drivers have a distinct advantage in stiffness, however, be aware that all drivers ring (like a bell) and that metal drivers ring at 10dB peaks versus the 3dB peaks of non-metal composite/woven designs. Some designers use notch filters to reduce the ringing peaks in metal drivers. Just make sure you are aware of the trade-offs, as these are both expensive designs.
I have a pair on the floor. They have been replaced in the line and I need to sell the floor demos. Retail was $12,000. If you are interested I would offer you my demo pair for 45% off retail plus shipping. We have all original packing, so no problem sending them. If you want photos let me know.