Setup, Starting Location | Von Schweikert Audio VR-5 guide

SETUP

1.Please do not install the spikes until the proper placement has been determined. If you try to move the speakers around with the spikes installed, you can damage your floor and/or rip out the spikes, so please be careful and install the spikes only when you are confident that the speakers have been placed in the proper position. You will be moving the speakers several times in order to listen to different aspects of the optimization and the spikes will only make the movement more difficult. Since the spikes tighten the bass dramatically and also increase the image focus, do not worry about these two parameters until later in the setup process -- without the spikes, the bass may be too thick and the image will not be as tightly focused, but that’s not a concern at this time.

2.After the speakers have been loosened up for several hundred hours, first turn off the rear ambience drivers by rotating their volume controls counter-clockwise until the setup is complete. You need to achieve correct image focus before setting the level of the rear ambience tweeter, please refer to the section regarding the REAR AMBIENCE DRIVER on page 8.

Starting Location

There are a number of considerations regarding initial placement, particularly involving bass response and basic imaging. In general, bass response is strengthened when the speakers are placed close to the rear or side walls, while imaging is enhanced by pulling the speakers further into the room, away from walls. You can see that these two considerations are in direct conflict, so some compromise must be made initially for either loud bass or an open sound stage. During optimization, you will be balancing these two considerations, as both are necessary for realistic sound reproduction.

ROOM CONFIGURATIONS: If you have a room with fairly rectangular dimensions, you can place the speakers on either the long or short wall. If your room is cubic, you will have far better results placing the speakers diagonally. See next section.

ON LONG WALL: Placing the speakers on the long wall enables you to achieve a very large and wide sound stage. In fact, using an equilateral triangle as your starting point, you can space the speakers as far apart as the listening distance, even if this is 15 feet. Since the VR's have very wide dispersion, there will be no hole in the middle effect. Place the speakers about 2-5ft from the rear wall, with this distance being the bass optimizer. If you wish to achieve more depth, move them further into the room. If you wish more bass, place them either closer to the rear wall or closer to the side walls.

*Note: Do not use the same distance from the rear wall and side wall, as this distance will result in too much boost at this wavelength. Stagger this distance by 40-70%.

Do not toe the speakers in at first, place them parallel to the side walls. In general, the sound stage will be constrained to the distance between the speakers, so if you have the VR's only six feet apart, you will hear a small sound stage. Since there will be a lot of overlap between the left and right channels, the center image will be very dense and monophonic. To correct for this, separate the speakers further; 8 feet to 12 feet apart is not too much in a large room, but remember, the spread depends on the listening distance. If you have to spread the speakers well apart but can’t sit far enough back due to furniture and cosmetic considerations, you may have to toe the speakers in, with the tweeters aimed directly at your ears. Most acoustic experts recommend toe in, as this will give you

VR-5 specifications

The Von Schweikert Audio VR-5 stands as a true testament to high-fidelity audio engineering, attracting audiophiles with its impeccable sound reproduction and innovative design. This loudspeaker is part of Von Schweikert's acclaimed VR series, consistently lauded for its advanced technology and precision craftsmanship, which together create an immersive listening experience.

At the core of the VR-5's design is its unique three-way, four-driver configuration. This setup includes a large woofer, a midrange driver, and dual tweeters, each meticulously engineered to deliver a specific frequency range. The woofer is designed to produce powerful bass, capable of extending well into the lower frequencies, while the midrange driver excels in rendering vocal clarity and scale. The dual tweeters ensure that high frequencies are crisp and detailed, providing a sense of airiness and openness to the overall soundstage.

One standout feature of the VR-5 is its proprietary V-Frame design, which minimizes resonances that can color sound. This design innovation, combined with high-quality materials, lends the speakers superior structural integrity, ultimately resulting in more accurate audio playback. The use of advanced cabinet construction techniques, including extensive internal bracing, ensures that unwanted vibrations are kept at bay, allowing listeners to experience music as it was intended.

Additionally, the VR-5 incorporates advanced crossover networks that contribute to seamless integration between drivers. These crossovers employ state-of-the-art components designed to preserve signal purity and maintain phase coherence, further enhancing the fidelity of sound reproduction. The result is a coherent sonic image where instruments and vocals occupy defined positions, enriching the spatial characteristics of any recording.

Another key characteristic of the VR-5 is its ability to adapt to different room acoustics. Featuring adjustable rear bass ports and a customizable crossover frequency, users can fine-tune the speaker’s performance to suit their specific environment. This flexibility ensures that audio enthusiasts can enjoy an optimal listening experience, regardless of their space.

In summary, the Von Schweikert Audio VR-5 is a highly regarded loudspeaker that brings together state-of-the-art engineering, innovative design, and sophisticated technologies. With its three-way driver configuration, robust construction, advanced crossover networks, and room adaptation capabilities, the VR-5 offers an exceptional listening experience for even the most discerning audiophiles.