Von Schweikert Audio VR-4SR MK2 manual BI-AMPINGTHE VR-4SRMk2, Woofer Module Binding Posts

WOOFER MODULE BINDING POSTS:

Note that two pairs of binding posts are offered on the woofer module, and are generally connected together with the metal straps provided when only one cable is to be used. These two pairs of binding posts on the woofer module enable a “quad” cable hookup for bi-wiring – this setup requires the use of the Data-Link. If you have previously purchased a “quad” biwire cable, with all four conductors inside one jacket, the woofer module is where you will connect the four wires. DO NOT USE THE METAL STRAPS IN THIS APPLICATION, AS YOU WILL NEGATE THE BENEFITS OF BI- WIRING.

If you have not purchased a “quad” bi-wire set, do not plan on using this type of cable -- a twin set of separate cables is greatly preferred, due to the lack of mutual conductance from close proximity and the elimination of the extra connections required of the supplied Data-Link jumper cable.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

The binding posts supplied on the VR-4SR Mk2 are among the finest quality available and can accept raw wire, spade lugs, pins, and banana plugs. According to WBT, the best sounding connection is made with raw wire, inserted into the side holes in the binding post shaft. After listening carefully, we concur; solder is not as transparent as a “direct” (raw) wire connection!

Use a contact enhancing fluid once a month on all RCA plugs and binding posts for best results. There will be attendant increases in sweetness, air, soundstage depth, and smoothness equal to an upgrade in cables.

Although we have tried almost thirty different brands and types of speaker cables, we can only give general recommendations due to the fact that the driving amplifier has as much to do with the type of desired wire as the speakers. Since there are hundreds, if not thousands of available amp/wire combinations, we are not in the position of having heard all of these combinations.

However, in general, stranded wire usually has a softer, fuller sound, while solid core wire has a tighter and leaner sound. If you want a “richer” sound, use stranded wire, but if your system is too “warm” then use a solid core design to lean it out.

Please use your VR dealer’s expertise when selecting wires and cables, as he has the experience with both the speakers and different amplifiers and can help you make an intelligent selection. Note that VSA will not make any amplifier or cable recommendations, this is the function of the dealer.

BI-AMPING THE VR-4SR Mk2

If the tightest bass is desired, use a solid state amplifier on the woofer modules. If you value “image float” and “liquid”-sounding midrange/treble response, use a tube amplifier on the M/T’s. You will not need an outboard electronic crossover, since the crossovers in the speakers will still continue to work. Although it is true that louder treble output can be obtained by high-pass filtering the tube amp, the loss of transparency is usually not worth it. The clean volume obtainable without a high-pass crossover will be usually satisfying for anyone but a metal head. (Note: if you are a metal head, welcome to high-end audio!) You will need a preamp that has twin outputs, but if you have only one set, use high quality Y-jacks available from your high-end dealer.

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