"Senior-Itis": The term that describes the penchant for High School Seniors to frquently skip class. Also, for me to skip some work to listen to hi-fi...
A system that will probably set a record for longevity in my listening room.
The holographic image of a live performance between the speakers is unbelievable. This has always been the case with every VSA speaker I've owned. The 4-SR does not change this perception. The largest difference between the SR and JR version is the sensitivity, not the tonality. The same volume level fills the room to a greater degree with the 92db efficient SR.
I definately love the system, but to keep things in perspective, a simple change of an IC, or speaker cable, can render a great system to "mid-fi" in the blink of an eye.
Integrated amplifier with upgraded 6H30 supertubes, sans phono section.
Lector CDP-7T
Extrordinary CD player with Mullard CV 4024 tubes. Actually prefer these to Telefunken ECC81 in this system. Three dimensionality galore. Far superior in every category to my prior, sorry foray into SACD.
Von Schweikert Audio VR-4 SR
Having owned the VR-2, and 4-JR, I was confident I would like this product. I was not disappointed. Great symmetry with BAT and VSA product. Many recordings become unbelievably life-like. I've always had this impression from all my VSA speakers, but it's like getting the same great medicine in larger doses as you move up the chain.
Audience AU24
1M RCA IC. I've tried more brands than I can list, but these seem best to my ear, with my current components. I hear a smoothness, that I just did not hear with several others. The BAT supertubes are nowhere near as smooth as the 6922s, and this "smoothing effect" becomes desirable. Too much neutrality proved to be painful for me. " I can't handle the truth"...:)
If you can get your hands on a Lector, it's absolutely no contest between it, and the models you're looking at. The Lector is a very special piece, in terms of replicating the three dimensionality you hear in analog. The other two aren't bad pieces, they just have different strengths, that don't appeal to me.
