Speaker Asylum: REVIEW: VonSchweikert Audio VR7 Speakers by mikem

I recently received the Von Schweikert VR-7 speakers. I thought I would post my initial impressions now and later on post a final review when everything is well broken in and I have a good handle on the sonics.
After owning the VR-6's for about 1.5 years and powering them with an assortment of electronics, I came to appreciate the transparency and flexability these fine speakers offered. As with most things in life, the VR-6's were not without it's flaws. My wife was not crazy about their futuristic "robotic" looks. I had problems trying to tame those titanium tweeters. So when Albert called me up one day and suggested I try his new VR-7's out, I decided go for it. Maybe I'll get a better sound and keep the wife happy too.
It took almost 8 weeks for the VR-7's to arrive. A few times during the wait, I almost called and cancelled the order. I was getting impatient and thought I would try something else...
Well.. my patience paid off.. BIG time! The day arrived and I got to unbox these beauties. The packing was well thought out and executed. All the vulnerable parts were well protected. I set them in place which took some doing as they weigh 180 lbs each.
I have NEVER seen speakers with this quality of finish. They are absolutely
gorgeous! The finish is all hand done with 10 coats of lacquer applied. The veneer is matched. This is fine furniture at its best. This is the reason it took so long. I now understand.. and it was well worth the wait. I can't tell you in words how beautiful these speakers look. The cut outs for the speakers are micro precision cut. The tolerances are very tight.. Everything looks and feels quality. The drivers are mounted to a 2.5 inch thick baffle. Cardas binding posts are used in a bi-wire configuration. I hooked it all up and sat down. Good thing! Right out of the box it sounded very good. Albert mentioned he was using drivers with a new type of motor which has much less distortion. Maybe that is what I am noticing as the delivery of the music has a sense of ease associated with it. Like its falling out instead of being pushed. I put in a Paula Cole CD which has this tremendous bass piece in constrast to her high pitched voice. Wow... clean and deep. It bettered the VR-6's by a wide margin..
I now need to put some hours into the drivers... I know the sound will open up more and change. Right now the sound is full and rich. The image is life sized and real. Not at all analytical or distracting. Just music!
I am looking forward to a full break-in and hearing what these speakers are capable of.
The reason I took a chance on the VR-7's and let the VR-6's go was because
I knew Albert had to do something special to make a comeback. He had to create something that would allow him another shot in the business. I have known Albert a long time now. I have never seen him so excited about his products as he is about the new VR lineup. I thought he was just going overboard with a sales pitch. Now I actually believe he was holding back! More to come in a month or two.
mike

REVIEW: VonSchweikert Audio VR7 Speakers Review by mikem at Audio Asylum