do yourself a favor and don't listen the usher 6 series speakers or you'll be in the same boat that capt. was in.
Well, I'm usually very reserved about any overly enthusiastic comments or criticism, just look at my posts. And I certainly won't do a "keep pushing with I have the best this or that" every week, and ALWAYS try to put things in perspective, because unless you have the vast experience of hearing thousands !!!! of systems over 20 years and listening to the same components in different systems and different environments over and over again (not just once or twice) and rally have a handle on them, unless you do all of that, and no 'fense, you're only talking out of your ass.
I've been also very quiet about the threat on the Starting Block by AJM, where there were some real questionable responses. Just not worth it.
In addition, I want to be really clear here as far as the Ushers ar concernd.
1. the Cap has them now simply because he needs bigger volume driver for his huge rooms since he listens at really competent levels, and since he liokes bass. As amazing as the loreleis are, obviously you can hv more bass than that.
2. The guys at Usher are fiends of mine, so I'd never bad-mouth their product or themselvs, which
3. would be bullshit, because the Ushers are really good speakers. they are a good value for what they are doing, when you compare them to other products in their price range.
HOWEVER< I also have to clearly state here that :
4. The Loreleis can't b beaten for thir value. Neither by the Ushers or othrs bar none when you keep in mind that they are indeed a $ 7,700 pair of Symphonic Line's. Identical. Also, the $ that we have in each pair is just obscene. The relation of parts cost vs. retail is probably the most consumer friendly on the market today, period. And I won't raise the prices even with the weaker and weaker Dollar. That's my promise and my commitment to my customers.
5. We don't have to survive from speakers. As a matter of fact, we're perpetually so busy that the speakers are more or less a statement for us as to what is possible for the $$$. We're making between 2-4 pairs a month, and thus, have these babies also more or less as a more exclusive alternative to other products out there. And yes, ther will be more reviews coming, which will be ridiculous and will make us re-evaluate our poduction schedules.
6. DAMMIT. You have to listen to them just like with any other speakers in your environment, and your environment only. That's why we hav the $ back guarantee, as every good company should do.
All in all, (and in the last year I had Infinitys, Maggies, Apogees, ACI's, ) right now I have some B&W's, Chapmans, Danish exotics, SF's, Swans, (onix), Numens, Loreleis, Nightingales, Epiphonies, and Symphonic Line Belcantos (my main ones) in either one of the systems, with btw 5 different preamps, 9 different amps, and 5 different pairs of cables, and a lot of different analog/digital gear. Yep, could open a shop alright. Point is that I always look for other "tastes" or "signaturs" to see if and what I'm missing. That's why there is so much flux here, and I'm buying and selling quiet a bit on the net or take some interesting gear in trade. You just have to keep yourself sharp, and also master the art of setups. Play around with gear and see what happens. See where the waves of reflections are, see how the dispersion rates interact with toe-in and room dimensions and character to avoid black hols and achieve a huge and correct 3d sound stage, etc. etc.
Man, I'm doing this for 17 years now as my livelihood and have had the very best teachers. The best !!! Just ask the guys who visited my rooms at the shows in Denver or NY or Montreal or San Francisco, etc. It can be done even in hotel rooms if you know what you're doing and if your gear is up to it, of course.
Now, my rant here:
With all the gear, and especially the speakers, if I have to point out a single "my favorite piece", I have to pick the Loreleis hands down. Yes, of course the Belcantos are better speakers across the board, but I simply connect with the Loreleis on a more emotional level.
I'm only interested in an emotional listening, meaning to listen with your ears and body, sitting back, closing your eyes and drifting out with your fave music. A sound where you don't just sit in front of it and listen to it but where the music comes and hugs you instead. That's what the Loreleis and the Shahinian Diapasons (had 2 of them over the years, but very finicky with the 360 degrees top) do, and the Loreleis are the single best in this regard for me and in my experience. keep in mind that there are tons of speakers that I've never heard, and of course, most of the systems without my gear. But I can honestly say that I've never had that particular experience anywhere else.
Anyway, just my way going overboard this time and to say that I love the Loreleis / Legatos. I really like those suckers and if you listen emotionally as well, so will you.
Late,
Klaus
