Usher Audio Bookshelves & Center Channel

[dorokusai]

This is one of my favorite manufacturers and I've heard almost everything they offer in house. If I had enough money to have these laying around until my HT remodel I would but some of this has to move down the road. I'm the original owner for all these loudspeakers and they have around 250 hours on them.

The Piano Gloss finish on the cabinets is deep and rich, with solid wood side panels to contrast the finish. Please take some time to read the bold links provided in the body of this FM advertisment.

Usher Audio Compass X-719 Monitor (http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/x-series/x-719) - Piano Gloss Black/Honey Oak - 9/10 - *SOLD* to Montoya

I'm also using them with the matching Usher Audio "Ultimate" RWS-729 (http://usheraudiousa.com/products/accessories/rws-729-speaker-stand) speaker stand. They don't even make this anymore and the build quality vs cost ratio is probably why. The stands are extremely heavy in solid wood/granite. The overall setup is just awesome and the sound is drool enducing...naked type shite.

Technical Information:

2-way system tweeter 1.25" (9950), mid-bass 7" (8945-42-8-32)
Sensitivity 87 dB @ 1 watt / 1m
Nominal impedance 8 ohms
Frequency response (-3 dB) 38 Hz ~ 28 kHz
Power handling 80 watts
Crossover frequencies 2.3 kHz
Weight 40 lbs
Dimensions (w x d x h) 10.6" x 16.3" x 15.4"
Shipping weight 88 lbs
Shipping box (w x d x h) 25.2" x 19.7" x 18.9"

Usher Audio Product Brochure (http://usheraudiousa.com/files/downloads/usher-products-brochure.pdf)

Stereophile Review - 2004 (http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/504usher/)

The connections have been treated with CAIG Pro-Gold and the cabinets freshly waxed with Meguiars. They will be packed to withstand an atomic blast.

Includes: Owners manual and box.

Usher Audio X-616 Center Channel (http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/x-series/x-616-center-channel) - 9/10 - Piano Gloss Black/Honey Oak - *SOLD*

This is a MAN's center channel loudspeaker @ 46lbs. As far as I can tell it uses the same pulp bass driver from the discontinued V series and its SUPER nice. It's visually impressive to behold, a beast to move around and enough center for anyone. Here's some technical information:

2-way system tweeter 1.25" (9950C-15), mid-bass 7"x2 (8836AC2)
Sensitivity 90 dB @ 1 watt / 1m
Nominal impedance 4 ohms
Frequency response (-3 dB) 38Hz ~ 28 kHz
Power handling 100 watts
Crossover frequencies 2.95 kHz
Weight 46 lbs
Dimensions (w x d x h) 25.0" x 14.2" x 11.4"
Shipping weight 52 lbs/pc

Stereophile Review - 2004 (http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/504usher/) - (Review is on a X-719 but the comments ring true for the center channel)

Usher Audio Product Brochure (http://usheraudiousa.com/files/downloads/usher-products-brochure.pdf)

The connections have been treated with CAIG Pro-Gold and the cabinets freshly waxed with Meguiars. It will be packed to withstand an atomic blast.

Includes: Owners Manual.

Usher Audio X-718 Monitor (http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/x-series/x-718) - 7/10 - Piano Gloss Black/Cherry - *SOLD*

I rated these 7/10 due to a scratch on the top of one speaker, that's subsequently been touched up. It doesn't detract from anything aesthetically or sonically nor is it really that noticeable...I'm just anal retentive.

*The Usher RWS-708 (http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/accessories/rws-708-speaker-stand) stands are still available since the speakers sold without them.*

Technical Information:

2-way system tweeter 1.25"(9950-20), mid-bass7"(8948P)
Sensitivity 87 dB @ 1 watt / 1m
Nominal impedance 8 ohms
Frequency response (-3 dB) 42 Hz ~ 28 kHz
Power handling 80 watts
Crossover frequencies 2.06 kHz
Weight 30 lbs/each
Dimensions (w x d x h) 10.0" x 16.0" x 15.4"
Shipping weight 64 lbs

Usher Audio Product Brochure (http://usheraudiousa.com/files/downloads/usher-products-brochure.pdf)

The connections have been treated with CAIG Pro-Gold and the cabinets freshly waxed with Meguiars. They will be packed to withstand an atomic blast.

Includes: Owners Manual and Original Box.

Usher Audio Compass X-718 Monitor (http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/x-series/x-718) - 9/10 - Piano Gloss Black/Honey Oak - *SOLD*

Technical Information:

2-way system tweeter 1.25"(9950-20), mid-bass7"(8948P)
Sensitivity 87 dB @ 1 watt / 1m
Nominal impedance 8 ohms
Frequency response (-3 dB) 42 Hz ~ 28 kHz
Power handling 80 watts
Crossover frequencies 2.06 kHz
Weight 30 lbs/each
Dimensions (w x d x h) 10.0" x 16.0" x 15.4"
Shipping weight 64 lbs

Usher Audio Product Brochure (http://usheraudiousa.com/files/downloads/usher-products-brochure.pdf)

The connections have been treated with CAIG Pro-Gold and the cabinets freshly waxed with Meguiars. They will be packed to withstand an atomic blast.

Includes: Owners Manual and Original Box.

SDNTSONS526817XAU
S056616XAU
S057917XAU

[F1nut]

Damn fine looking speakers. Hmmmmmmm........

[megasat16]

Holy Shittttt...Someone's in for a treat! Awesome Center and some really cool bookshelves too. I am looking for the Usher Tiny Dancer (BE-718) myself.

Good Luck with the sale!

[dorokusai]

Megasat - Thanks for the kinds words :)

I'd spend some time with both as I personally don't think the Be is that much better. A crisper, more accurate top end? Perhaps. It's a different loudspeaker but what's wrong with the X-718?

[comfortablycurt]

Wow...those are some truly gorgeous speakers. I love the finish on those cabinets, and the way they're shaped...awesome looking speakers. I've never heard these before...but have never heard anything but praise for them.

This is also perhaps the most informative listing I've ever seen on here. You put up all the information you could find from the looks of it...links and all.

These will make someone very happy I'm sure. WAY outta my current price range though unfortunately...

Good luck with the sale.:D

[megasat16]

Megasat - Thanks for the kinds words :)

A crisper, more accurate top end? Perhaps. It's a different loudspeaker but what's wrong with the X-718?

At the price you are selling, absolutely nothing wrong with X-718 or any of the other ones. "Be" tweeter in the tiny dancer is a little crisper sounding to my ears but a lot more money than X-718. IMHO, they are the entry level competition to the JM Labs Utopia mini series.

Craftsmanship and sound quality of the X-718 is hard to beat and BE-718 may be only a tick better or so than the X-718.

My other favorite bookshelves makers are Sonus Faber and Vienna Acoustics in addition to Usher.

[dorokusai]

Have you seen or heard the new Vienna Acoustics? WOW. The woodwork is beautiful and sonically much better than the early models. Sonus Faber is just drop dead sexy with the leather clad cabinets.

[dorokusai]

Wow...those are some truly gorgeous speakers. I love the finish on those cabinets, and the way they're shaped...awesome looking speakers. I've never heard these before...but have never heard anything but praise for them.

This is also perhaps the most informative listing I've ever seen on here. You put up all the information you could find from the looks of it...links and all.

These will make someone very happy I'm sure. WAY outta my current price range though unfortunately...

Good luck with the sale.:D

I accept all forms of payment including small children and goats.

[comfortablycurt]

I accept all forms of payment including small children and goats.

Well...in that case we might be able to work something out. One of my neighbors has a couple kids that are 2 and 4. I could probably manage to abduct them if you were interested in a trade.:p I'm sure I could manage to steal a goat from a farm too, if that sweetens the deal up. What type of goat do you prefer? Mountain goat? Billy goat? How about an alpaca? My friends mom has a couple of those...Do you prefer male or female farm animals? I think we might be able to work a deal out here...lol

[dorokusai]

The children are actually the base for the meals I prepare for the goat, llama or similar four legged creature.

I know it's going to be tough selling these against $5 DVD threads but it can be done. If you want to talk, drop me a line and I'm sure we can work something out.

[daboyz]

$20/wk? My first born is worth at least $2,000 so you'd be paying me............

[haimoc]

I remember my great and heavy Usher center speaker long ago..

Good luck with your sale, Doro.

[Face]

Damn fine looking speakers. Hmmmmmmm........
Time to build a surround setup for when you watch F1.


Those are some sexy speakers though, and I bet they sound great too. I would be tempted if I didn't have an overabundance of speakers already.


So how long before they hit the gon? ;)

[dorokusai]

Face - :D I like to write my copy on here, read, edit, etc....see what happens but everything is always enroute to Audiogon. Even if it's just for eye candy, it's all good.

[Ricardo]

Beautiful speakers, and I bet they sound great too. I would buy them, but you made me switch to the flat side.

[Early B.]

Damn! I would love to have a reason (and the funds) to buy a set of Usher bookshelf speakers.

Someone needs to grab 'em.

[dorokusai]

Haimoc & Early - Thanks for the well wishes :)

[dorokusai]

Cheesus? Are you there?

[brettw22]

Those things are gorgeous.......if they're around while I'm out there in a few weeks I'll have to grope them freely........

[dorokusai]

Behave yourself.

[bopicasso]

Is it possible to play a 4 ohm speaker (center channel) with 8 ohm speakers???

[megasat16]

Is it possible to play a 4 ohm speaker (center channel) with 8 ohm speakers???

Certainly unclear question to me. Please rephrase and I am sure someone will definitely answer better. :)

[megasat16]

These babies are fine! I drool everytime I look at them. But once again, there are many things in life that makes me drool. :D (u guys don't think dirty things). :)

[daboyz]

I'm waiting for the 50% off sale.;) Would love to give these a listen just too much coin.:(

[dorokusai]

Is it possible to play a 4 ohm speaker (center channel) with 8 ohm speakers???

As long as the amplifier is rated for 4ohm loads, absolutely. 8 or 4ohm is a nominal rating anyways.

[bopicasso]

Thanks, the problem I think would be what to set my onkyo 805 too. 6 or 4 ohm?? 8 ohm polk rti8s and 4 ohm usher center channel(if purchased)
I have a emotiva xpa-3 which is 4 ohm rated

[dorokusai]

The Emotiva is for the Polk RTi8 and current center channel...using the pre-outs? Correct?

[bopicasso]

Yes sir! Running all three channels with the emotiva using the onkyo as the pre.
The onkyo has the option to set it to 6 or 4 ohm. I currently have it set to 6 ohm cause all my speakers are 8 ohm.

[dorokusai]

Don't worry about the Onkyo settings...it doesn't matter. The Emotiva is AOK.

[bopicasso]

So the onkyo settings are actually for the onkyo amplifier?

[dorokusai]

Yes.

[dorokusai]

Remember the bookshelf loudspeakers are 8ohm nominal....not the scary 4ohm types.

Also, don't be afraid about shipping costs as 65lbs for me to CA is $50/insured. Talk to me Goose...let's work something out folks.

[Norm Apter]

Doro, I'm not in position to buy these now, but I did want to ask a question for future reference.

Would you put the Usher Audio bookshelves in basically the same league as the Totem Rainmakers you sold last summer. I've heard many good things about Totems -- how do these stack up against them?

[dorokusai]

Doro, I'm not in position to buy these now, but I did want to ask a question for future reference.

Would you put the Usher Audio bookshelves in basically the same league as the Totem Rainmakers you sold last summer. I've heard many good things about Totems -- how do these stack up against them?

Absolutely. The build quality, component choice and drivers are every bit as good. I'd say the Totems probably have a warmer midrange but place the Ushers as pretty neutral...neither is a bad thing. How much time you need? :)

[dorokusai]

The 7/10 Usher Audio X-718 has been SOLD but I still have pairs of 9/10 X-718 & X-719 bookshelf loudspeakers available in really nice, solid wood Oak finish.

Let's talk, let's trade, let's talk about the import of workers for the factory I'm building in an undisclosed location in "Western Maryland".

[Keiko]

Be glad to trade you an Emotiva amp. Never been used and only dropped once. :p

[dorokusai]

If I had a need for someting in the HT...who knows.

[steveinaz]

If this wasn't the year of paying everything off, I'd be on those X-719's like a fat kid on a cupcake.

Somebody needs to snatch those at that price.

[dorokusai]

Fat kids don't last long here Steve....its harvest time for my woman suit.

[shawn474]

hahahahaha......can't wait for everyone to get a hold of this guy!!! I call dibs on what he is selling.

[beardog03]

I want those 719`s so bad i caN TASTE IT !!!

[dorokusai]

Well....I'm all ears Mr. Fuzzy Pants. They respond very nicely to tube changes. I was also noticing some soundstage goodies I hadn't expected when I really spent some time with the "new" setup. Take that with a grain of salt since I've been obsessed with headphones, wearing my I "heart" the Unibomber Tshirt and basically 100% intoxicated for over 2 years nonstop.

[dorokusai]

If anyone is local, saving me shipping any of these, email me and we'll get you setup with a great deal.

[Lp1977]

do you still have the 708 stands?

[dorokusai]

Yes, they are collecting dust in the closet.

mln@polkaudio.com

[steveinaz]

WOW, we are in a depression.

[dorokusai]

I'm open to all offers. No Ricardo, I don't need any more naked pictures of you.

[dorokusai]

The bulk of these have finally moved out the door....man, the economy has really reared its ugly head. Anyone in need of some uber cool Cherry speaker stands?

[wizzy]

The bulk of these have finally moved out the door....man, the economy has really reared its ugly head. Anyone in need of some uber cool Cherry speaker stands?

I am!

[dorokusai]

My X-719's are back on the block since I gotta make room for some other stuff. One of my favorite bookshelves to date.

[Ricardo]

I want those 719's with the stands. I'll cook you dinner if you bring them over.

[dorokusai]

We can meet in the middle for a get away weekend....just you and me Ricardo :)

[Montoya]

Pm sent

[dorokusai]

PM sent back via homing pigeon.

[Ricardo]

Damn; was looking forward to a lust weekend. Traitor.

[dorokusai]

The Usher X-718 have been sold to Montoya (Gabriel).

It was great to talk with you on the phone :) Sorry for the mixup on the model number, my mistake. It's actually a better deal since they are newer and a current model. The angled baffle is to achieve time alignment and they do image better than the X-719.

Next time Ricardo.

[Montoya]

After a friend let me demo a set of Tiny dancers I had to get a pair of Usher speakers I know they are not the same but all I ever hear is praise on this brand so couldn't resist.

[dorokusai]

It has been one of my favorites for awhile. I've had the X-718, X-719, S-520, X-616 & Be-718. I'd love to get a pair of floorstanders at some point...if I can shake my love for Magnepan.

Gabriel - I tossed in a Polk Audio goodie and something rare from way back in the days of Polk. Thanks for picking up the speakers.

[Montoya]

Awesome can't wait !

[dorokusai]

Just an update...I couldn't have asked for a better transaction with Montoya(Gabriel). We worked out some payments on the X-718 and later arrangements for the matching stands. He has been awesome from start to finish, even with my slowness in getting everything packed up and shipped...mainly because I was sick. He's rocking some world class sound now and perhaps he'll post some pics and comments about his new loudspeakers :)

This is a solid Polkie and I hope he continues to hang out here....thanks Gabriel!

[Montoya]

Transaction was great 100% satisfied with everything again thanks for the awesome deal.

[dorokusai]

I still have a BEAUTIFUL pair of solid Granite/Cherry loudspeaker stands available for local pickup. They were custom made and sold by Usher Audio but the top plate will accomodate any bookshelf loudspeaker (13x13).

$175 (MSRP $500)

This would be the last stand you ever purchase. They are very well made and make stands from Sanus look like toys. The pics are on the first page....I have them mounted with a pair of Usher X-719.

Here's my original Flea Market thread for the stands as well...

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1158447&highlight=usher+audio#post1158447

EDIT: I'm on my way to New Jersey this coming Sunday....if you want to do a meet and greet. How's that for delivery options? :D

[megasat16]

Can you change your mind to ship these?

Edit : Ok! I see you'll ship them. Shipping Quote CA 91744 please?

[dorokusai]

I would prefer to NOT ship them and may just throw them in a closet. It's not cheap and even with my serious packaging and discounts, I'd rather say no sale.

Thanks for your interest.

[megasat16]

I understand. I am sure there is someone local will bite this sweet deal!

Good Luck with the sales!

[dorokusai]

SOLD to a dude named Mmadden28.

Thanks for your interest Megasat16. You guys with numbers on your handle are confusing my small brain.

[usp1]

Just as a point of reference...how much did the x-719 and x-718 sell for?

[dorokusai]

750/625

[usp1]

Thanks!