Since RMAF 2017 I have been impressed by systems with Von Schweikert speakers. We have given them multiple Bongo awards, and we aren’t the only reviewers recognizing them. Most of these awards have been for speakers that range in price from $71,500 to over $300,000.
Their system at T.H.E. Show 2019 was very different. Teamed with Esoteric Audio, they paired $40,000 speakers with electronics instead of the VAC tube amps we were used to seeing them with. The Endeavor E-5 MKII speakers were also the first Von Schweikert speakers we had seen in a regular-sized hotel room, which means they would fit in the average audiophile’s listening room.
The System
The system included Esoteric’s beautiful Grandioso line of electronics, the Esoteric C1 Linestage Preamp for $38,000 and their S1 Power Amplifier for another $27,000. The source was an Esoteric Grandioso Series PIX Transport that cost $50,000. It was paired with the D1X Monoblock DAC for $50,000, an N-03T Network Audio Transport for $11,000 and a G1 Rubidium Master Clock for $26,000.
MasterBuilt cables and power management completed the gear in this room. The two racks and amp stand were from Grand Prix Audio.
The Sound
The sound of this system was a revelation to me. In a smaller than usual room for them, the Von Schweikert team had paired smaller speakers with electronics, and the system produced recorded music with almost the same level of performance as their larger speakers had in huge rooms. Not only that, they were showing that these smaller speakers are more than worthy to pair with the very best electronics.
As we left, Becky commented that she just likes how Von Schweikert speakers sound. Later when visiting with Damon Von Schweiker and Leif Swanson, I mentioned that the Endeavor E-5 MKII Speakers are still above our budget. Damon was quick to tell us that there is a new and very similar but smaller Endeavor speaker on the way that will be about half as tall and half the price. Leif was equally quick to tell us that these new speakers will still need high quality and high powered electronics. I hope to review this new speaker this fall, and I look forward to hearing them perhaps at the Capital Audiofest.
Note: To see our complete coverage of T.H.E. Show 2019, click here.