Von Schweikert Audio VR-4SR MK2 - Manual (Page 7)

7
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.