Sunset Fire.
That is the name of this extraordinary new optional finish for the $218K/pair Acora Acoustics VRC-1 speakers. As I mentioned on The Occasional Podcast for the 2024 FLAX show, Sunset Fire is colorful and dynamic, and it is the central focus in any room where it is placed, but at the same time it’s a true lifestyle product in every conceivable way.
Words and Photos by Marc Phillips
Visually, Sunset Fire seems to alter the physical dimensions of the Acora Acoustics VRC-1. It’s no longer a sheer granite monolith that seems to be tipping forward, but something that both commands and blends into almost any environment. But enough about the looks–does Sunset Fire have enough fire when it comes to the sound? You bet it does.
As I’ve mentioned a couple times, most notably when I nominated the VRC-1s for the 2023 Product of the Year, this is the reigning Chocolate Chip Trip champion. While listening to Sunset Fire, I realized why I prefer the Acora version of this Tool song over all others–it has the edge when it comes to reproducing the gong strikes that occur exactly twice. Bigger and more expensive speakers than the Sunset Fire VRC-1 speaker have made the sound of the gong flat and tinny, but the Acoras–connected to VAC amplification, Cardas cables, a LampizatOr Poseiden DAC (world debut) and an Aurender N30SA, and VPI analog (with Hana and van den Hul cartridges–illustrated that the sound of the gong isn’t thin. It’s set back somewhat, but there are layers and layers of sound emanating from…wait.
I almost said from the speakers. But no.
We usually don’t associate “the disappearing act”–the ability of a loudspeaker to blend so seamlessly into a room that if you close your eyes, you can’t determine the location of the drivers–with big speakers. (That’s why I love small monitors so much.) But the Sunset Fire VRC-1s disappeared. I’ve mentioned this before, but the imaging of the Acora Acoustics VRC-1 is world-class, and that’s especially impressive when you see how far apart Val Cora places them.
That leads you to believe in the old audiophile canard that the performers really seem to be in the room. The Acora Acoustics VRC-1 has always been extraordinary in terms of imaging and soundstaging. The Sunset Fire finish, amazingly enough, seems to engage your eyes in the same way the VRC-1s engage your ears.
consistently a best of show candidate in my experience. They take on the biggest rooms and dial things in perfectly. So much respect for the team at Acora!