Kicking it with Albert

cstpeter

Sitting back, half in the bag on Miller High Life, listening to vinyl on my new Von Schweikert VR4jr's...and loving it. Gotta love Sly and the Family Stone's There's a Riot Goin' On.

I'm very impressed with these speakers. I previously owned Martin Logan Aeon i's, which were great in my old apartment (square, carpeted room), but didn't sound right in the new place (loft, hardwood floors), so I traded 'em in for the VR4jr's. So far I couldn't be happier.

As a side note, my TT sounds much better with these speaks. That said, I could use a cartridge upgrade. Any thoughts on the Dynavector 10x5?

halo

Those are the speakers I want to upgrade to eventually. So, since your local, if you ever want to part with them let me know first Seriously - nice speakers! Joey_V may need to pay you a visit

Maybe a Chicago Polkfest is in order?

cstpeter

Halo, a fellow VS owner! Nice. How do you like yours? You get 'em at Decibel?

Yeah, I'm down for a Chicago thing. When I had the Martin Logan's Joey and another ML owner came over for a little Chicagofest. Good times, although I had to bail and didn't get a chance to hear Joey's Summits (and now the Plinius! Sweet!). You know Joey's not a big fan of the VR4jr's, so I'm hoping to change his mind.

halo

I'm very happy with them. The only other speakers I'd consider right now are the VR-4jr's.

I did not purchase them from decibel audio. I tried but they couldn't compete with the deal I got on Audiogon.

Joey heard my VR-2's and said they sounded better at my place than at decibel. He never did write one of his famous reviews though.

I've made a few changes so he should stop by again as, IMO, the whole set up sounds better now than it did the last time he was here. More changes will (hopefully) be coming soon.

Joey_V

So far, I think there's a few VS owners, Victor (Halo), Chris, and wingnut...

The VS are good speakers and when I visited Victor and listened to his VR2, I was greeted with a slightly softer sound than I was used to when I listened to the VS at Decibel Audio.

Though they are good, there's something about the vocals....

Anyway, that's beyond the point. The point is, you enjoy your speakers and that's the important part! Chris.... we will meet again soon... Cherian is wanting to meet up again so I hope we can meet up next weeked. I'll get the emails going.

BTW, congrats on your 4s... I NEED to hear them in your setup!

Joey

Joey_V

I was going to write a review, but I got swamped and by the time I was ready, my audio memory had begun to fade and it wouldnt be a fair review. I will stop by one day, Victor. This time, I will bring a few of my CDs.

Joey

cstpeter

Right on, Halo. Keep the upgrades coming! Speaking of which, I just noted all the tube gear in your signature and need to give it a listen. Let's work out a Chicago thing. We'll wait til Joey responds then get the ball rolling.

EDIT: There's Joey! Cool, let's work something out. You wanna take charge with the emails? We need to get Cherian into Club Polk...is he allowed?

halo

We need to get SCompRacer and Normanality involved too. Check out their sig's. Tube gear is da bomb Joey (finally) has come to terms with this Now all he needs is some decent IC's and SC's

cstpeter

I just checked out SCompRacer's system showcase pictures...that's the setup on the November Affordable Audio cover right? Beautiful!

halo

Yup, that's his rig. I haven't heard it yet. Soon, very soon

Joey_V

Hey!

Those two guys are a bit of a drive though.... but I'm sure their systems are worth the trip. One day, I'll pay those guys a visit when I'm not so busy.

Chris,
I'm hoping next weekend is another ML minimeet... I'll let Cherian know and we'll see what he says.

Victor/Chris,
As for a Chicagoland Polkfest, that would be cool... maybe next summer we can get something big going.... barbecue, grilling, food, and friends.... ahhh... good times!

Joey

halo

ok Joey - you're in charge of putting it together....J/K. Summer would be cool - should we officially start an interest check?

Joey_V

Victor,

I think we should start an interest check. I vote YOU in charge!!

LOL!

Joey

MikeC78

Joey,

A little of subject, just curious on your opinion...

How would you compare the VR4jr's to LSi15's?

Mike

halo

MikeC78 - wingnut4772 had the same question here: link

MikeC78

Halo wrote:

MikeC78 - wingnut4772 had the same question here: link

Thanks Halo!:)

Sorry to interupt guys, I should of done a search.:o

Mike:o

Joey_V

MikeC78 wrote:

Joey,

A little of subject, just curious on your opinion...

How would you compare the VR4jr's to LSi15's?

Mike

I think that the VR4jr are solid speakers.... as far as the comparison. It's hard to say as I never heard them side by side. However, I really like the presentation of the LSi15 but the VR4jrs have their own way of presenting the music to you. It has greater detail, a better midrange, and better bass extension.

The only thing I have a hang-up on is the vocal reproduction with the VS VR4jr and lower. I havent heard the VR4sr and up but those use ring radiator tweeters so who knows how those sound. The hang up may be a minor one, but I'm a vocal fiend.... and it's the first thing I listen for in a system. If the system cant get the vocals right, it's not for me.

But, it's just me and my opinion. I havent heard the VR4jr that Chris has.... so maybe in his system, it's a different story. So, I'd like to listen to his system for sure.

Joey

Flash21

I recently got VR-2s after 21 years of my beloved Monitor 10Bs. I am liking them very much, particularly for the price I got these dealer demos for, and will likely have to retire the Polks from active service...

I still need to mass load the cabinet with some lead shot, and attach the plinths. I think they will sound even better when that is done...

cstpeter

Alright, the VS clan grows!

This week I swaped out my single-run Monster speaker cable (not sure what model) for some bi-wired AudioQuest Bedrock and noticed a distinct improvement, especially in the lower end. The manual says the VR series is designed to be bi-wired, so if you guys aren't doing it I recommend giving it a try.

Also, did the VS-2's come in a coffin like mine did? Crazy packaging. I also moved mine with the lead shot already in, so it wasn't fun.

Flash21

cstpeter wrote:

This week I swaped out my single-run Monster speaker cable (not sure what model) for some bi-wired AudioQuest Bedrock and noticed a distinct improvement, especially in the lower end. The manual says the VR series is designed to be bi-wired, so if you guys aren't doing it I recommend giving it a try.

I haven't biwired mine yet...I am reluctant to double the cost of my speaker cables right now. Maybe later...I am currently running single Analysis Plus Oval Nine cables...if you want good solid bass you have to give those a try.

Also, did the VS-2's come in a coffin like mine did? Crazy packaging. I also moved mine with the lead shot already in, so it wasn't fun.

Yeah, pretty much a pair of coffins...probably a bit smaller than yours but still huge. That's OK though, I still remember the condition my Polk 10B boxes were in after shipping to the dealer, way back in 1985. The corners were crushed and the little styrofoam inserts were broken in multiple places...miraculously the speakers were unharmed, but that was pure luck. Quality packaging is worth it IMHO.

Mine were heavy enough without the lead shot, I barely could handle getting them out of the boxes safely by myself and I am a big guy. 25 or more pounds of shot would've made that a two man job for sure.

cstpeter

Finally got some pictures of my system posted.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=71476

It will only allow me to have three pictures. Anybody know how to add more?

halo

StudioTech rack right? I've got the same thing for both my HT and my 2-ch rigs. Inexpensive, easy to put together / take apart / reconfigure, and solid. Love mine.

Those Bedrocks look HUGE!

You might want to rotate some of those pics broham

halo

Flash21 wrote:

I still need to mass load the cabinet with some lead shot. I think they will sound even better when that is done...

Ditto.

Joey_V

cstpeter wrote:

Finally got some pictures of my system posted.

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showcase/view.php?userid=71476

It will only allow me to have three pictures. Anybody know how to add more?

Stunning! I noticed that you have them optimally positioned and centered really well. Good job, Chris! Cant wait to hear it!

Joey

halo

cstpeter wrote:

This week I swaped out my single-run Monster speaker cable (not sure what model) for some bi-wired AudioQuest Bedrock and noticed a distinct improvement, especially in the lower end. The manual says the VR series is designed to be bi-wired, so if you guys aren't doing it I recommend giving it a try.

I just scored another TAD-60 amp so I'll be horizontally bi-amping my VR-2's.

I'm going to buy new cable to replace my BJC Ten White. Probably going with Signal Cable Ultra but I'm also considering Zebra and Audioquest Type 4.

cstpeter wrote:

Also, did the VS-2's come in a coffin like mine did? Crazy packaging.

Mine came double boxed in cardboard boxes - not crates like the VR-4jrs. Excellent packaging. Arrived safe and sound.

Joey_V

Wow, Victor... lots of changes there. Another audition should be in order... this time, a more serious one.

Joey

halo

Joey_V wrote:

Wow, Victor... lots of changes there. Another audition should be in order... this time, a more serious one.

Joey

Sure. Bring the actual CD's with you. I've not found good results with any burned CD's (even with EAC). The only thing I can't change is their location I think things sound better when you are seated just left of the pole - not directly behind it like you were.

I have to get some lead shot - 25lbs per speaker ought to do it.

Plus I have to get some new tubes for the 2nd amp. It comes with (2) EH 12AU7's, (1) JJ 12AX7, & (4) Svetlana EL34's. I'm going to use my JJ KT-77's instead of the Svets. The smaller tubes will take some time to be changed out though. Good old Andy is thorough - not fast

Joey_V

Victor,

I will tell you.. that pole was definitely a distraction for me. Whenever I think back to our audition, I always have a mind-pic of that pole infront of me. I know we talked about it before and why it cant be removed.... no worries though. I'm sure it just needs some getting used to.

I'll take you up on your offer one of the days I'm free. It should be soon, Victor! This time, I'll take notes and post a review.

Joey

halo

I'll let you know when I'm ready broham

Gotta get my ducks in a row before you come out again

I think that pole helps to "align" me in the "sweet spot".