Post by Deleted on Mar 17, 2012 9:07:20 GMT -5
So, here is the formal review of the Usher BE-718 and 616.
There was no need to let them break in because they were bought used. Some of the info was also shared from my review of the Magnepan 1.7
Background: I've had a long history of searching for speakers that would captivate me to the point I would be content. To this point, all speakers I've owned have had weaknesses that made me eventually move on from them. My favorite all time speakers that I've owned were the Magnepan 1.7's. Over the last 20 years, I've had mostly box speakers and every time I bought a pair, they paled in comparison for music to the Magnepans. The only weakness for the Maggies being a slightly limited bass response and fussy setup. But, once setup properly, with good amplification, no box speaker can compare.
For the longest time, I could not figure out how this lightweight, flat speaker, can produce such exquisite sounds compared to traditional box speakers. I stopped trying to explain it and kept being enamored with them. Another shortcoming with Maggies is you have to have room and patience for them. Also, I never really could integrate prior Maggies successfully in a home theater setup (the 1.7's fix that to a large extent). But, one speaker I've always wanted to try has been the Usher Be-718. Reviews are glowing about this speaker.
Most of the comparisons will be from memory against the Maggies and most recently, the Dynaudio Focus 160's.
First audition disc was Mighty Sam McClain's "Give it up to Love" . I am very familiar with this recording and have used it to audition many speakers over the years. The Magnepan 1.7's are on a different level from speakers I have owned. The Dynaudio's were excellent speakers but there was some magic missing in ultimate terms that the maggies gave. Enter the Ushers. I'll just come out and say it. These are very impressive speakers. The Berryllium tweeter is outstanding. It rivaled the Maggie 1.7's in transparency and even beat it in articulation of voices and sibilances. This was a shocker to me. The Maggie was still a bit more holographic but just barely.
On poorly sounded material, the Ushers will not color the sound to make it sound better. They are revealing but very neutral. I then popped in Tommy Emmanuel's "Center Stage". Wow. These speakers shine when fed a good recording. Instrument placement and coherence in sound is simply amazing. I listened through the two disc set several times and was always mesmerized. The sound of acoustical guitar and arrangements through the Ushers is something you have to experience. They were more rewarding than even the Maggies ! Hyman's Reference Recording "Swing is here" was pure joy to listen to as well. There was weight, articulation, speed and accuracy in reproduction. One of my favorite rock discs is Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here". The dynamics of the Ushers were more in line to what I crave for versus the panel speakers. These stand mounted speakers rock hard but with tight control and poise. They easily can take powerful amps to drive them. I can only imagine what they would sound like being driven by XPA-1's.
Vocals, acoustical and classical music is exceptional through these speakers. I mention this because most of my well recorded disc fit in these categories. I did pop in The Eagles "Hotel California" and was pleasantly granted with a live recording sound that kept me wondering how could so much composed sound come from a monitor speaker? They throw a huge soundstage, have a tight solid bass and a midrange to die for.
In comparison with my recollection of the MMG's, MG12's and MG 1.7, you get similar midrange magic but a more articulated and extended air in the high frequencies along with a more solid base region. This is high praise for the Usher. They are simply the best speaker I have had in my home.
For home theater, the same incredible sound was evident. Let me just say this, I am very sensitive to the quality of sound from the center channel speaker. The BE-616 is several notches better than anything I've heard, which includes Paradigm, Dynaudio, Magnepan, B&W, Emotiva and Onix.
Anyone looking to build a killer system should hunt these down. The problem is, they are hard to come by, but boy will you be rewarded.
There was no need to let them break in because they were bought used. Some of the info was also shared from my review of the Magnepan 1.7
Background: I've had a long history of searching for speakers that would captivate me to the point I would be content. To this point, all speakers I've owned have had weaknesses that made me eventually move on from them. My favorite all time speakers that I've owned were the Magnepan 1.7's. Over the last 20 years, I've had mostly box speakers and every time I bought a pair, they paled in comparison for music to the Magnepans. The only weakness for the Maggies being a slightly limited bass response and fussy setup. But, once setup properly, with good amplification, no box speaker can compare.
For the longest time, I could not figure out how this lightweight, flat speaker, can produce such exquisite sounds compared to traditional box speakers. I stopped trying to explain it and kept being enamored with them. Another shortcoming with Maggies is you have to have room and patience for them. Also, I never really could integrate prior Maggies successfully in a home theater setup (the 1.7's fix that to a large extent). But, one speaker I've always wanted to try has been the Usher Be-718. Reviews are glowing about this speaker.
Most of the comparisons will be from memory against the Maggies and most recently, the Dynaudio Focus 160's.
First audition disc was Mighty Sam McClain's "Give it up to Love" . I am very familiar with this recording and have used it to audition many speakers over the years. The Magnepan 1.7's are on a different level from speakers I have owned. The Dynaudio's were excellent speakers but there was some magic missing in ultimate terms that the maggies gave. Enter the Ushers. I'll just come out and say it. These are very impressive speakers. The Berryllium tweeter is outstanding. It rivaled the Maggie 1.7's in transparency and even beat it in articulation of voices and sibilances. This was a shocker to me. The Maggie was still a bit more holographic but just barely.
On poorly sounded material, the Ushers will not color the sound to make it sound better. They are revealing but very neutral. I then popped in Tommy Emmanuel's "Center Stage". Wow. These speakers shine when fed a good recording. Instrument placement and coherence in sound is simply amazing. I listened through the two disc set several times and was always mesmerized. The sound of acoustical guitar and arrangements through the Ushers is something you have to experience. They were more rewarding than even the Maggies ! Hyman's Reference Recording "Swing is here" was pure joy to listen to as well. There was weight, articulation, speed and accuracy in reproduction. One of my favorite rock discs is Pink Floyd's "Wish you were here". The dynamics of the Ushers were more in line to what I crave for versus the panel speakers. These stand mounted speakers rock hard but with tight control and poise. They easily can take powerful amps to drive them. I can only imagine what they would sound like being driven by XPA-1's.
Vocals, acoustical and classical music is exceptional through these speakers. I mention this because most of my well recorded disc fit in these categories. I did pop in The Eagles "Hotel California" and was pleasantly granted with a live recording sound that kept me wondering how could so much composed sound come from a monitor speaker? They throw a huge soundstage, have a tight solid bass and a midrange to die for.
In comparison with my recollection of the MMG's, MG12's and MG 1.7, you get similar midrange magic but a more articulated and extended air in the high frequencies along with a more solid base region. This is high praise for the Usher. They are simply the best speaker I have had in my home.
For home theater, the same incredible sound was evident. Let me just say this, I am very sensitive to the quality of sound from the center channel speaker. The BE-616 is several notches better than anything I've heard, which includes Paradigm, Dynaudio, Magnepan, B&W, Emotiva and Onix.
Anyone looking to build a killer system should hunt these down. The problem is, they are hard to come by, but boy will you be rewarded.
