Breaking the $100k barrier - A new statement Loudspeaker for $50k

Damon Von Schweikert

WBF Technical Expert
Sep 15, 2016
119
276
295
California
www.vonschweikert.com
Our newest model, the VR.thirty, was inspired by the design of the Ultra.seven, our $190,000 flagship. The result is an obtainable speaker that redefines what is possible at this price point.

VR.thirty Chalk CAF.jpg

Our design objectives were:
  • Retain the hallmark qualities of our Ultra series.
  • No comprises to build quality, cabinet design, drivers and crossover components, or internal cabling.
  • Zero sacrifices in terms of bandwidth with or little to no loss in output.
  • Offer a modest spouse-friendly footprint, enabling near Ultra-level performance that is ideal for small to mid-sized rooms.
VR.thirty and ULTRA.seven.jpg

VR.thirty Specifications:
  • Three-way design with hand-soldered, point-to-point crossovers
  • Frequency response: 23hz-40khz +- 3db
  • Efficiency: 87.5 db at 1-watt/1-meter
  • Smooth impedance and easy phase angles for compatibility with a wide range of solid-state and tube amplifiers
  • Passive network with the highest quality components
  • VSA’s signature rear-firing adjustable ribbon tweeter
  • Three ceramic/aluminum 7.5” Accuton bass drivers with advanced cell driver technology
  • Ceramic midrange
  • Use of our signature beryllium tweeter
  • Time-aligned, multi-layer damped cabinet construction
  • Optional 700-watt Foundation hybrid analog bass module for increased dynamics and amplitude control for superior room integration
  • Power requirements: 50-500 watts
  • Weight: 190 pounds
  • Dimensions: 41” H x 11” W x 23” D
VR.thirty Structural Blue Production.jpg

Von Schweikert’s Next Chapter
An American Story


For 2025, you will see and hear more from us. We have doubled the size of our team yet remain a small, family-centric company true to its founding mission. We have reorganized our factory to support increased demand and will add a select group of new retailers and overseas distributors making it easier to experience what we call Visceral Fidelity.

You will also notice our refreshed brand that honors the past while expressing the company's vitality and exciting future. Our guiding principles remain our adherence to Albert Von Schweikert's design principles, commitment to our customers and passion for music and sound.

In an industry that often features a flavor of the month, Von Schweikert products stand the test of time. The VR.thirty is an example like others before, destined to become a Von Schweikert classic.

VR.thirty AM Racing Green Close Up.jpg

VR.thirty Accuton Woofer.jpg

VR.thirty Structural Blue Close Up.jpg

VR.thirty Chalk Foundation.jpg
 
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Nice write-up, Damon! I’m looking forward to once again being able to hear the VR.thirty. :)
 
After hearing the model 30 at Capital Audio Fest, I was floored by the beautiful music they played. While they projected a stunning soundstage depth and width, it was the emotionally engaging, palpable, tone (on the bone) that made you think you were listening to a bigger, much more expensive loudspeakers. Truly a remarkable acheivment!

Having been in the business decades prior, and now I’ve returned as the Von Schweikert distributor in Canada. (NorthStar Audio) We launched at the Toronto Audiofest a couple months ago with the VR50 and we had numerous folks say we were one of the best, and more still say, the room was there favourite of the all. It was a nice reintroduction party that were all proud of.

Damon and team have really knocked this one out of the park. Also very refreshing to see a speaker that can work in small to medium sound rooms while delivering world class performance to the table. (At any price) No flavour of the month audio gymnastics here, just buy your forever speaker and happily tap you toes and dance to the living breathing performance in your own home. Breathtaking and beautiful on the eyes and ears. If you can get the chance, go listen and hear how transformative these things are.
 
Next year 2025, by the end of Januari, the VR.thirty will be in Europe as well.
VSA is preparing a set in a very rare orange for us.
It's wonderful to see you here, Cor! Your special orange pair of VR.thirty is inspired by Damon's vintage scooter project, which is now underway. I have been trying to convince him to restore one for me. So far, no luck:-(
 
Well, I was mightily impressed at t CAF 2025. Be advised iy gad a hefty supporting cast. I shudder to think about the cost of those cables. I did receive a price sheet for the cost of the components on display. I don't know what I did with it.
I suspect many potential buyers will already own a supporting cast.
 
Well, I was mightily impressed at t CAF 2025. Be advised iy gad a hefty supporting cast. I shudder to think about the cost of those cables. I did receive a price sheet for the cost of the components on display. I don't know what I did with it.
I suspect many potential buyers will already own a supporting cast.
Gregg, we were using the mighty Masterbuilt Ultra cables at the show, which are undoubtedly pricey. Masterbuilt's latest-generation Reference II cables are about 1/3 the cost and are the perfect mate for the VR.thirty speakers as the VR.thirty and VR.55, which are 100% internally wired with the same.

When folks purchase our Ultra series (those pesky $100k models:), it is a good time to consider buying MasterBuilt Ultru, with which those products are wired internally.

A few additional thoughts:

1) we recommend bi-wire speaker cables for all VSA speakers when possible
2) we offer substantial Reference II trade-in allowances for our customers wishing to trade up to Ultra in the future
3) I have found mixing and matching Reference II in certain parts of the system can always provide a strong result, and we are always available to consult on those variables that are naturally system-dependent.
 
Beautiful speakers. Lucky for me I live a stones throw from Scott Walker Audio so I can drop by for a listen. I heard the Endeavor SE's there and was blown away by how good they sounded....
 
Beautiful speakers. Lucky for me I live a stones throw from Scott Walker Audio so I can drop by for a listen. I heard the Endeavor SE's there and was blown away by how good they sounded....
Scott is partial to red! We did a unique candy color pair at his request in the SWA upstairs showroom with VAC monos powering them.

1000006020.jpg
 
Scott is partial to red! We did a unique candy color pair at his request in the SWA upstairs showroom with VAC monos powering them.

View attachment 142566
I think that's the pair I listened to. They put my Aavik P300 amp in their system with a Soulution Pre. Incredible bass....
 
Gregg, we were using the mighty Masterbuilt Ultra cables at the show, which are undoubtedly pricey. Masterbuilt's latest-generation Reference II cables are about 1/3 the cost and are the perfect mate for the VR.thirty speakers as the VR.thirty and VR.55, which are 100% internally wired with the same.

When folks purchase our Ultra series (those pesky $100k models:), it is a good time to consider buying MasterBuilt Ultru, with which those products are wired internally.

A few additional thoughts:

1) we recommend bi-wire speaker cables for all VSA speakers when possible
2) we offer substantial Reference II trade-in allowances for our customers wishing to trade up to Ultra in the future
3) I have found mixing and matching Reference II in certain parts of the system can always provide a strong result, and we are always available to consult on those variables that are naturally system-dependent.
ideally athis level one would regard it as a system. Amp/ interface/ speaker. Of course. if you are buying the system, it could be a one-time purchase.
 
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They look awesome, all ways enjoy what I herd from VS at Munich.
unfortunately in my country VS representation is lacking.
 
It's wonderful to see you here, Cor! Your special orange pair of VR.thirty is inspired by Damon's vintage scooter project, which is now underway. I have been trying to convince him to restore one for me. So far, no luck:-(
Hello again Mr. Gleeds, I was here on WBF for years but lost my inlog. Now I am back again and see a lot of nice posts. I will create quite a buzz when we tell the orange VR.thirty is a vintage Vespa.......
 
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I think that's the pair I listened to. They put my Aavik P300 amp in their system with a Soulution Pre. Incredible bass....
Nice. Glad you enjoyed
Hello again Mr. Gleeds, I was here on WBF for years but lost my inlog. Now I am back again and see a lot of nice posts. I will create quite a buzz when we tell the orange VR.thirty is a vintage Vespa.......
We are pleased you are back, Cor. With your decades of high-performance audio and recording experience and having known Albert for decades, your voice will be extremely valuable to the WBF community.
 
They look awesome, all ways enjoy what I herd from VS at Munich.
unfortunately in my country VS representation is lacking.
Thank you for the positive comment. As we look to expand our point of presence, please let us know what part of the world you are in and if anyone in your region is a trusted source for better high-end gear. Thanks again, and Happy New Year.
 
Is $50k an affordable alternative for a $100k speaker? I'm going on a limb here and suggesting anyone that can afford a $50k speaker can stretch for the 6 figure unit. Room size is an over used marketing strategy now? Good luck with the new model and I'm sure the VS lovers will be all over it.
 
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Reactions: gleeds
Thank you for the positive comment. As we look to expand our point of presence, please let us know what part of the world you are in and if anyone in your region is a trusted source for better high-end gear. Thanks again, and Happy New Year.

Happy New Year

Replayed in PM.
 

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