More seriously: If the itch for new speakers becomes something you can’t resist, may i suggest Zu Audio? I’ve owned a couple pair and I always enjoy them. And most of all they offer a 60 day in home trial. If you don’t like them, they arrange return shipping at no cost to you.
Again–in home trial is the only way to know.
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I acquired MBL 120s used for $11k. Patience is a virtue. Pair the MBL 120s or 126 with two subs from Rel and you could have a great setup for $20k. My guess within a year a pair of MBLs will come up within your budget
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There will always be better. The key is to understand what improvements you are seeking. Local auditions can play a key as to improvement opportunities. Ron has it right, give careful consideration to any change.
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Sorry if I was unclear; I did not mean to equate the LSR+ and the FR20s. I would experiment with the LSR+ in addition to keeping my Von Schweikerts, whereas the FR20s would be a replacement for them.
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You are probably right from a cost perspective. I’ve thought about subwoofers quite a bit and really am not eager to get involved in everything that their use entails (including no good place to put them, since my listening area is small).
Thanks – I’ve heard of Zu Audio but didn’t know they offered in-home trial. Keeping my Von Schweikerts has always been an option, and some of the comments here have moved me more in that direction.
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One experiment im in the middle of involves using a REL classic 99. You can place it about anywhere and it looks great. Sounds great too but probably not a HT solution.
Just a thought.
Yes, used is always a budget-friendly option (as @Job_Jalink also mentioned). And I can wait – after all, I’ve had my Von Schweikerts for 20 years 
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No worries. I did not think you were trying to equate the LRS+ with the FR20. They are both fantastic speakers. Even though the FR20’s are a different league better than the LRS+, I still like the LRS+, a lot!!!
I have a pair of both, and am keeping both.
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It so happens that I was looking at the REL website earlier today. The 99 Classic looks like an excellent sub, and I appreciate the wood finish! Unfortunately, the BHK 250 amp, which I own, has an issue with RELs humming when the amp is in standby – there’s a long thread about this issue around here someplace.
I’m starting to realize, though, that I’ve been spoiled by the bass I get from my Von Schweikerts. They are listed as going down to 25 Hz, although when I play test tracks they fall off very quickly below 30 Hz. The bass is tight and tuneful since I added weight to the woofer cavities as VSA recommended.
Given that 30 Hz is the low C on a five-string double bass, I’m not missing anything musically significant except organ pedals. Even organ music (which I like) sounds satisfying and enjoyable although some low bass just isn’t there. (I don’t have a TV so stomping dinosaurs aren’t a concern 
.) Remarkable bass for such small speakers . . . . hmm, I really should keep these.
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May sound odd but I dont really consider what my mains are capable of hitting so to speak. My specs show down to 28. Its the overall fluidity and weight to the music.
Listening tonight at 1/10 of a watt or something miniscule i doubt i hear them. But not sure as they move.
But overall, the system simply sounds better with one. (May even go for dos subs)
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The only speakers I did not need a sub with were - it is ok to cringe - my BSR speakers from the DAK catalogue, with the 15" woofers that went down to 25hz
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Maybe thats the thing. I probably dont need subs. I just like em!
This time instead of going 812 high impact type i tried the classic. It supports the floor in a different way. Its there no doubt but in a more subtle way. It fits 2 channel and DeVores really well. Maybe not everyone though.
However i cant remember owning a system without at least one.
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I don’t normally think about specs either. But since I am seriously contemplating new speakers, I decided it was important to know exactly what I have now.
I appreciate the clear description of what sub(s) bring to your system. It’s entirely possible I would experience something similar. If I keep the Von Schweikerts and try the LRS+ as I mentioned above, if I like them I might get a sub since they don’t do real bass; then I could also see what the sub brings when using the VS speakers.
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No cringing needed. One of the great things about this forum is the wide variety of experience that users have gained on their audio journeys! Does make me admire even more the bass that VSA was able to get from two 6.5" woofers.
Rel sells a filter addition that solves the BHK him problem for I think around $200. Call them and talk to someone at rel
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A few years ago I decided to try a subwoofer despite my full range speakers reaching down near 20Hz with little attenuation. My main purpose for adding the sub is related to room modes/nodes where your critical listening position may have either too little or too much bass. I think it’s fair to say this is true of all listening spaces and smaller rooms can be even more challenging.
The sub I chose SVS SB3000 sealed enclosure is very flexible and easy to adjust from the listening position. There’s an app (of course) that lets you set parametric EQs, phase, level, etc.
When using REW (Room EQ Wizard) software adjusting my main speakers using the dBx Venu360 and the SVS sub parameters allowed for excellent results and it’s clearly an audible improvement.
Good luck with your speaker decision making. I’ve had my Sanders Sound Systems Model 10e hybrid electrostats for a very long time now and couldn’t be happier.
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Thanks for sharing your experience (and nice to hear from someone else who has kept speakers for a long time!). I will check out SVS – had not heard of them before.
I do recall hearing the VS speakers at a show long ago and liking them but have absolutely no real reference as to how they sound now. As such, take my trek to new speakers with a grain of salt …
I had (actually still have, but in “storage”) Vandersteen Model 5, the original version. I bought them used about 15 years ago but they were produced somewhere around 2000 (they are the last iteration of the original Model 5, Richard V was always improving his speakers without a model change). When I got them I was very happy with them. I listened to lots of speakers at shows and the occasional local store, but the only ones that stood out were hideously expensive, so I passed. And that includes later iterations of the Model 5. When the Aspen series came out I was intrigued and got a listen to the working prototype of the FR30 at PS Audio in 2021(I was one of the first people to visit post pandemic). I was gobsmacked! They sounded wonderful, but they seemed too big for my room. So I waited for the FR20. I got the FR20 in November 2023 and have loved them ever since. Definitely a significant improvement (something I don’t say often) over the Vandersteen’s. It may help I have an all PS system so there’s synergy. To reply to your thought on speakers not evolving much, not entirely true. Indeed, there have been improvements in speaker technology and Chris Brunhaver is at the front of that! The mid and high frequency drivers are the best part.
Having said all that, I fully agree with those folks saying to get a serious listen to anything you are considering. Shows can be useful, but usually setup is anywhere from meh to wonderful. I’ve said it before and will say it again, it’s amazing how different speakers sound from model to model and
manufacturer to manufacturer. Boggles my mind that some of these folks consider their speakers great sounding. We must all listen/hear a little different so you have to find what works for you.
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