I haven't auditioned the Studio 40v3, but the Studio 20v3 is a very, very good speaker. Where it fails to compare to the VR1 is in the arena of sheer dynamics, which is not a slam because I didn't hear anything else that could either. The S20 is rated to 54hz and the S40 is 62hz (don't ask me why it's higher). The VR1 is a solid 40hz. That's a considerable difference in extension and weight and it's augmented by superior speed and control. There is no overhang with this speaker. Both exhibit very neutral midranges and excellent integration, although I felt the VSA's soft dome tweeter had slightly better extension and air. Off-axis response on the VR1's is unmatched by any speaker I've encountered. I have no idea what Albert does with his GAIN crossover, but it's enough to be patented and the results are extraordinary. The sweet spot it simply HUGE! You can literally get up, move around, and still get great sound. Unbelievable. Build quality on the S20 is very good. Build on the VSA is flat ridiculous for this price class. Consider: Real wood veneers (not vinyl as on the Studios), countersunk drivers, chamfered edges, Cardas Rhodium binding posts, braced and foamed grills(!) to control dispersion...you get the idea. The VSA is a serious speaker.

After all that, please understand my opinion means squat. As with everything in audio, you'll have to audition them yourself and determine which sound better to you. I can say, at the price they're at on audiogon, if for some unfathomable reason you don't like the VR1's, you could probably flip them without losing a cent.

Hope this helps.