Thoughts on Usher S-520's...upgrade?


Hello all.

First let me say that I'm fairly new to the hi-fi world (about 5 years now) and have so far centered on "budget hi-fi".

I love monitors (and they fit in my office where I do most of my listening) so a few years ago I did my research and bought some Usher 520's (before the price hike) based off the glowing reviews (professional and user). I added an Outlaw LFM-1 Compact to fill out the low end (I'm not a huge bass head; the Outlaw's volume is halfway and the crossover is right at 60 where the Ushers start to drop off) and it integrates well I feel with the 520's.

Well I've loved this combo for years now (I am running it off of a Cambridge azur 640a v2 amp and DAC Magic with lossless files from my computer) and have left it alone since it is certainly "good enough", if not great sounding to me.

But...sooner or later upgradeitus hits us all right? Or, if not that, just curiosity at what other monitors might sound like and if I'd prefer them over my 520's, since, after all, these are the only "real" pair of speakers I've ever owned.

So my question is what the general consensus is of the Usher S 520's here, especially compared to more expensive speakers. Is it worth it to go up to $500 to $700 ish (new msrp anyway) monitors? Will it be enough of a step up in SQ to justify the cost (remember I got the 520's for $330 shipped)? Or do the Usher's lack in some criteria that I can't really hear since I've never compared them to other good monitors in their price range or higher? I will say that I love their neutrality and transparency, detail and accuracy (I don't like "warm" or "natural" sound), but it seems that they are a little lifeless or flat as well, maybe even a little recessed in the mids (voices can be a little distant it seems).

So, short version, is there something in the next tier of monitors that will have much of the Usher 520 SS (accuracy, transparency, revealing, detail, neutrality, tight/taut bass, etc.) while adding maybe some excitement or energy? Perhaps also go lower in the bass region so I can listen to them without a sub without them sounding as lean as the 520's do without my sub. I'd like an all-rounder since I listen to much of everything, although I mostly listen to rock (all decades and genres), synth pop, and singer/songwriter. I also would need speakers that sound good a lower volumes (I mostly listen at mid volumes) although can crank too (the 520's seem to do this).

Thanks for any input, so far I've got a list of about 20 monitors to look at, but that's fun to do and I take a long time looking and considering before I buy anything!
pw_09
Heard the Boxer at RMAF. Will not dissapoint.
Also, check Ebay for Quads. The seller you looking for is Lanemart. I'm pretty sure he is the US distributer for Quad. Usually has demo or display items for sale in new condition.
I think the boxer's are out of my price range this time. I could buy them, but I guess I'd rather try cheaper first. I did email Carl Marchisotto and got the standard msrp price, then I asked about B stock or what happened to the Nola Mini's which might be more in my price range. He hasn't answered back so far (probably doesn't want to deal with a cheap skate! :P).

Anyway, I did check ebay for Quads and didn't find much (I found some 12L2 for $1000!). Lanemart (thanks for the name!) only has Quad 9L Active's for sale.

Thanks again Mag!

Right now I'm really looking at Quad 12L2's and the Dali's I mentioned above (especially the Ikon 1). Would it be safe to assume the Quad is a safer bet?

Also, the LSA-1 standard looks interesting, although maybe has more of an "airy" or "laid back" presentation that isn't as forward or aggressive.

Still looking...
So I'm looking at the Dynaudio line now, but am concerned with some models low sensitivity and ohm rating. But they are supposed to be lively and quick speakers. Looking at:

Audience 42/52

DM 2/7 DM 2/6

Contour S1.4

Excite X12

Focus 110 140

Unsure of prices, not many used it seems. Anyone know if http://www.modia.com/ is a white van site? Some good deals on Dnyaudio speakers there!

Still considering the Quads and Dali's. I've read that the Quads are laid back though, with recessed midrange. Not what I'm looking for if true, although they were recommended for my tastes above...so now I'm confused! Why is this so hard! lol
>>07-06-10: Pw_09
So I'm looking at the Dynaudio line now<<

Therein lies your mistake.

You should be listening not looking.

Yes, it takes some time and effort but the chances of you finding a speaker that suits your personal taste by looking, checking specs, and reading reviews are small.
The S-520 is a fantastic little speaker that works really well in a small room like your office. I don't think the speakers are holding your system back. You mentioned that your office is 8x12 and I'm assuming that the speakers are sitting on your desk, right? First thing I'd do is get some good speaker stands and move them off the desk if they aren't already. Or, get some aurelex speaker pads if you must place them on the desk. Second, the Usher is actually pretty easy to setup and can sound really good close to the wall. You'll lose some depth, but it will help reinforce lower frequencies.