Yes, Usher is definitely still around and is, in fact, touring now. Last I heard, he was trying to get the herpes lawsuit against him dismissed. I have not seen any updates on new releases, however.
Usher took a break from manufacturing a while ago but are now back in production. I believe they may have relocated their facilities. At any rate, new shipments hit the US earlier this year.
I have a pair of their new x-towers. I still have a pair of their mini dancer 2’s with dmd tweeters. The x-towers bass is very very good, same driver as in the be-10 and be-20, but the bass cabinet is bigger. Love the DMD tweeters in both speakers
They are. I got a few things shipped over from them at the start of the year. They just opened a new/ larger factory and have a few dealers in the states. Only one importer from what I've discovered.
Correct. Katli Audio is the importer. I am a Dallas based dealer and there are around 15 or so more dealers around the States.
Their diamond tweeters are special. Honestly, Usher is a big part of me becoming a dealer. They were the first company I worked with and Fred at Katli is a stand up guy.
Are they also manufacturing power amps and pre-amps as before? I know their speakers receive fabulous reviews but don't hear much about their other equipment (poor mans copy of Nelson Pass amps).
The SW520 is no longer a current product so you will have to seek out a used pair. I only recall seeing one set for sale in the last 5-6 years so it will probably be a tough task unfortunately.
I did confirm that the electronics are back in production as well and actually in stock.
If you see another pair send 'em my way!!! The S520's sure do sound magical for their cost. I've got a 5.1 set up of the 2 series. I'ts still always so impressive to me how crisp, clear, and accurate they sound. As I've never heard any other Usher speakers I'm exited to hear others and move up to something better in my system once funds allow! Any other Usher owners in CT?
I have the Usher R1.5 amplifier for two years now and Im seriously impressed. This is coming from a guy who has owned pretty good but affordable hiend from Accuphase , Cary Audio , Symphonic Line etc. They are absolutely a steal for the price they come at and will "Trump" systems thrice their retail price.
Even being a dealer for them I'm not sure I can sign up for that statement but I love the enthusiasm! They have always offered incredible value for the money. I've had the R1.5 and it's nice. I haven't had a chance to get the P-307a yet but hope I'm not too far away.
There are a few models of their speakers I've not heard from them but only a few. They're all great speakers and hard to beat at their price points.
To the OP, I think you should consider a pair of Mini Dancers or the X instead of trying to improve the S520. The Diamond tweeter is one of the best tweeters I've heard, bar none, and really pushes you into what Usher is about. All clients I've sold lower models to eventually move up to the diamonds in short order.
They are still in business as others have said. I own the BE20Ds with the GR Research xovers and wiring upgrade. With the GR upgrade, they easily compete with Wilsons and Magico which I've heard at local dealers recently. One of the best bang for your $ speakers and highly underrated IMO.
Then don't listen to a pair of Rosso Fiorentino speakers. These are the next logical step for those looking for speakers beyond Usher. The Fiesole, Volterra, and Siena in particular really draw fans of the Diamond series in.
I’ve been trying to order a 8948a woofer from them since spring. It’s used in a bunch of their speakers. I’ll have to send the damaged woofer to millersound if they aren’t making spare parts anymore. (I have contacted Katli and they don’t have the woofer)
Manufacturing started back up late last year and orders began shipping early this year. If Fred doesn't have any, I wouldn't expect any other place to have them. Since he is the distributor, he is the man to talk to to get one though it might have to wait until his next shipment. These are current production drivers so getting one shouldn't be an issue (I wouldn't think).
Bump, I lucked onto a pair of Usher BE-20 DMD dancers this new year. I’ve spent the last 3-4 years assembling my system and these are the 6th pair of speakers I’ve bought! the good news is that I’m done. The review I did find online does an accurate job of describing these speakers and anyone with the opportunity to hear ushers should.
ryriken - sorry I just saw your response. I sold the MD II’s shortly after I replied here. Since I didn’t want to ship them, the new owner drove over 800 miles round trip to pick them up. They are very good speakers and nothing can touch them in their price range or 2x higher, IMO. The main issue with the MD II’s is getting the bass right. I really wanted the larger Usher’s like the BE10’s and when I got a chance to hear the X-Towers, I bought them.
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