Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: VonSchweikert Audio VR-1 Speakers by FishMatisse214@aol.com

Model:	VR-1
Category:	Speakers
Suggested Retail Price:	$995
Description:	Reference Mini-Monitor
Manufacturer URL:	VonSchweikert Audio
Model Picture:	View

Review by FishMatisse214@aol.com on February 08, 2003 at 07:45:53
IP Address: 152.163.206.188

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VR-1 Specifications

SYSTEM TYPE: Dynamic two-way, using a Pressure-Release damping system for tight bass and fast transient response. (Note that this is not a bass reflex design; the port is a aperiodically tuned to frequencies below the driver resonance, with a Q of 0.5). The port has no bass output and can be placed inside a wall unit.

FREQUENCY RESPONCE: 40 Hz to 22 KHz. (60 Hz to 20 KHz +/3dB).

IMPEDANCE: Nominal 8 ohms at midrange, 4 ohms at bass frequencies.

SENSITIVITY: 90dB @ one watt/ one meter, in room.

RECOMMENDED POWER: From 10 watts to 200 watts (peak power input for 50ms).

WOOFER: 165 mm composite-cone (mica-impregnated cellulose asetate pulp with polymer resin damping), driver by our Low-Distortion Motor design, using a Long-throw aluminum voice coil. Basket is cast polymer with venting for spider decompression and noise reduction. Large magnet assembly is shielded enabling placement near any CRT.

TWEETER: 25 mm composite-dome (semi-regid, formed of a dual layer composite of textile and a polymer-based synthetic damping compound). driven by our Low-Distortion Motor design, using a Long-throw voice coil assembly for high power handling. Large magnetic assembly is shielded.

CABINET: MFD cabinet uses 25 mm front baffle with a figure-8 internal cross brace shelf: drivers are mounted using submarine-hull damping gaskets for low cross talk. Internal damping layers consist os VSA's proprietary Gradient Density felt and Dacron stuffing designed to reduce midrange coloration and enable deep response from Pressure-Release enclosure design.

CROSSOVER: The Von Schweikert Golbal Axis Integration Network is a synthesized fouth-order acoustic filter encompassing phase alignment, flat frequency response, and a wide listening window. Using a system of stacked first-order filters and Zobel conjugate shunts, the GAIN circuit sounds like "no crossover at all" but enables a high degree of accuracy to the original input signal, including a three-dimentional sound image.

INPUTS: Rhodium-plated metal binding post are provided, CE approved. The large rhodium-plated metal binding posts accept spades lugs, banana plugs, or bare twisted wire. Large spades lugs are provided.

WEIGHT AND MEASURES: 17lbs each, 41 lbs per pair in carton. 8"w x 12"h x 10.5"d.

WARRANTY: 90-day standard, optional ten years parts and labor (excluding abuse)

AVAILABLE FINISHES: Genuine wood veneers in Black Ash, Dark Red Cherry, Light Maple, and African Hazelwood. All colors finished in 60% gloss polyester resin clearcoat.

Being known that Von Schweikert's VR-4 is a killer floorstander, I took a risk-free opportunity and home demoed the VR-1. They have approximately 200 hour of vigorous radio and CD playing time. It is fare to say that the VR-1's are riped right about now.

I've powered the VR-1's with both Solid State and Vacuum tubes. I must say that it's more tube friendly, if you know what I mean. Not to say it sounds bad with solid state, it's just my preference. Keep in mind that my description of the VR-1 is accommodated by tubes.

Free of boxiness, the dissapearing act is only done better by Houdini. I close my eyes and walk around my mid-sized room and they cannot be located. Known for imaging, who does it better than mini-monitors. In this case, needless to say the VR-1 are imaging bandits. Conclusion, you don't need to fuss about placement. No (toe in) for these babies. The separation of all sounds, top to bottom, right to left are solo. The tonal purity assists in each discrete definition of each voice or instrument. Plain and simple, I can hear the accurate reproduction of music that comes very close to reality. I like that colorless flat response that I expected.

Now the top. Details are captured with ease and fineness. The highs are extended without fatique. No thinny spashing of symbols all over the place. There's no biting, just kissing your ears. Overall, the highs are smooth and sweet.

The midrange is glorious. Voices are super natural, especially female. Diana Krall never sounded so smooth and airy. Again tonal balance is it's focus. I truly appreciate the accuracy. I love the openess and transparency. The very low distortion level is what makes it clean. It just brings you closer within the music.

The bass is very good. It blends very well with the upper frequencies. Here we have quality not quantity. Very tight and articulate, never boomy. The bass is down extended enough for a small to mid-size room. A sub is not needed for Jazz and light Pop. You may consider a sub-woofer for classical and rock music. I call it the Jazz Master!

The cabinet is solid and constructed with high quality craftsmanship. Very beautiful in African Hazelwood. They pass the knuckle test.

I've had my share of mini-monitors and the VR-1 has passed my expectations. There were alot of trade-offs and let downs with my other speakers. I can tell that you will be drawned into the music and just forget what name it is. With the right gear and cables, (synergy), I can guaranty the toe tapping, hair raising syndrome. Your soul will be sucked right in.

Your getting alot of musicality for a very reasonable, affordable price.

Product Weakness: Honestly none
Product Strengths: Tonal Balance, Imaging master, build quality

Associated Equipment for this Review:
Amplifier:	Canary 706(tube), Plinius 8200 mk2
Preamplifier (or None if Integrated):	Canary 601mk2(tube)
Sources (CDP/Turntable):	AudioNote CD3.1X
Speakers:	Von Schweikert VR-1 90dB
Cables/Interconnects:	Acoustic Zen
Music Used (Genre/Selections):	Jazz, Diana Krall,
Room Size (LxWxH):	20' x 15' x 8.5'
Room Comments/Treatments:	carpet
Time Period/Length of Audition:	200hrs.
Other (Power Conditioner etc.):	none
Type of Audition/Review:	Product Owner
Your System (if other than home audition):	own

Product Weakness:	Honestly none
Product Strengths:	Tonal Balance, Imaging master, build quality