since the Focals you mentioned can be had for 450 new and are very run of the mill focal, I dont think they were the best of deals in the first place. if you don't abuse the VR's they do sound good and are very detailed (just weak IMO), not much of a step down from the focal's you mentioned

 

Thanks for the input all. I am going with JL VR650 CSi's new for $200. I will upgrade to Focals later.

 

I did that two years ago - big mistake!