Pink Noise Listening Test

crossover circuit, which achieves the desired phase-consistent sound field over a wide listening area. If you must situate the speakers close together, with a close listening position for near field applications (such as in a recording studio), you may not need to toe the speakers in towards you, but you will need to sit with your ears on the tweeter’s vertical axis for flattest frequency response. The treble response and depth of field will be differentiated when you compare zero toe in with full toe in, please experiment. Note that recording studio near-field monitoring will require substantial absorption or diffusion of the boundaries closest to the M/T modules.

In an average room situation, where the distance between the speakers is equal or lesser than the seating distance, use the following Pink Noise Listening Test to determine the best location for image focus:

Play a pink noise source such as a CD with test tones or an FM tuner set between stations (with muting turned off). The goal of this test is to determine whether the room’s reflection patterns are interfering with the image focus built into the VR-5 design. You will notice one of two sonic effects when listening to pink noise, and #1 is what you want:

#1. If the speakers are placed properly and the room is neutral in reflective properties, your next step is to find the correct listening distance, where the focal point of the combined sound from the two speaker systems exists. In the correct seating area, you should hear a “ball” of noise that appears to float between the speakers. Although noise will appear to emanate from the speakers themselves, the center image will be strong: this is the so-called phantom center image. The sound from the speakers themselves will seem slightly detached from the pink noise ball, and slightly softer in volume level. The center ball of sound will be very strong, and you will be able to detect that the “ball” of sound is round, with depth to the image. This is a “locked in” image with correct focus.

#2. If you are not sitting in the desired focal point, or if your room has too much reverberation from side wall reflections, the noise will be diffuse, without a center image. Although you will hear noise coming from the center, it might sound as diffuse and confused as the sound coming from the speakers themselves. This is not the desired result! Even though the speakers may image music when set up like this, the imaging will be weak and lack depth and focus. There won’t be enough “body” to the images and it will be hard to hear space between the instruments.

In the event that you hear two separated sources of noise, from the speakers themselves, without a curtain of sound between them, your room’s reflections and/or seating distance is destroying the coherent sound that was engineered into the VR design. To eliminate this unwanted effect, you will need to determine whether the room’s reflections are at fault, or whether you are not in the “sweet spot.”

To find the focal point of the VR system, move forwards and backwards slowly while listening to the pink noise “ball.” You can either rock in your listening seat, or move back and forth by several feet if you are way out of the equilateral triangle. Using a director’s chair for this works best, as it is easy to move. If you have a fixed seating position that can not be moved due to furniture considerations, you will have to move the speakers either closer together, or further apart, depending on the strength of the

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.