Very excited now... [Archive] - The Art of Sound Forum

realysm42

21-02-2013, 17:39

So after my brother started the what speakers to get thread, an absolute bargain materialised, with many high recommendations from the forum members.

I checked with my brother to make sure he was okay with me perusing and he said go for it.

I'm talking of course about Harry's usher 6311s.

Now I've never heard another dedicated 2.1, hi if system other than my own. I've read and queried on here to help guide my later purchases and so far everything come up trumps for me. One person in particular I've taken as inspiration is martin T. Apart from having a really cool first name his review of the TQ ultra black inspired me to take the dive and I've never looked back. So after hearing what he's had to say about his speakers (and harry as it goes) when the chance arose, I seized it.

I've not got the speakers but I'd just like to thank harry; he's a real gentleman, gave me some some good advice with the speakers, got a quote and arranged the delivery and has kept me up to date at every milestone of the transaction.

So here I sit, with a 20kg bag of lead shot, with tomorrow booked off of work, trying to pass the time until I get the call.

Its funny, my roksan k2s are the first high end speakers I've owned and its actually quite emotional knowing they'll be in the for sale section very shortly, they've served me so well.

Right, enough of this, I'll update when I've actually got them hooked up. Until then.

julesd68

21-02-2013, 18:10

I've not heard the Roksans but I'm imagining that the Ushers could be a big step up - enjoy Martin! :)

realysm42

21-02-2013, 18:59

As I've always professed, I've never heard anything to comapre my system to really so have nothing to judge my fondness of the Roksans against; but they've done me well and made many other people smile.

Still, I can't wait for tomorrow :eek:

synsei

21-02-2013, 23:47

I am really excited for you Martin, oh the anticipation :D

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 06:15

Thanks for the kind words Martin. It was great talking to you and nice to know that the Ushers are going to a good home. I hope they live up to your expectations. My money is on them exceeding your wildest dreams.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they arrive safe and sound in a few hours.

And you're spot on about MartinT. A man whose knowledge and musical taste has inspired me ever since I joined the forum.

I'm envious of your speaker cables and your lead shot. Wait until you mix them with your new speakers. Let me know when they arrive and of course when you hear them.

steviej233

22-02-2013, 08:14

I will be sad to see the Roksans go, but i am bloody excited to hear what these ushers are capable of, tomorrow is going to be a gooden!:)

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 08:40

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 09:24

A little birdy tells me they've arrived ;-)

synsei

22-02-2013, 09:26

Looking forward to Martin's preliminary post.. :)

steviej233

22-02-2013, 09:48

Hi Steve. I'm guessing you're Martin's brother.

The pressure is really on now. Not sure if its a good or a bad thing bearing in mind you are looking for new speakers.

I'm confident though. When you see the build quality of the Ushers and feel the weight you'll realise that many other brands fall well short.

Obviously I'm very Interested in hearing what you both think of them.

Harry

Ha! they have a lot to live up to, those little Roksans are giant killers but judging by what i have read these Ushers are going to be blooming marvellous! I cannot wait to see what they look/sound like! :D

steviej233

22-02-2013, 09:49

Just as an aside i am going to look at a set of Rega RS5's tomorrow, i am pretty excited to see what they are capable of!

realysm42

22-02-2013, 11:31

The left one sounds really fuzzy; no idea why, as the right hand one sounds beautiful. I'm a bit distraught really, they might have been damaged in transit, we all know what those couriers are like.

I've tried using the right channel cable in the left just to troubleshoot and it still sounds bad, so it's defintiley the actual speaker.

Any suggestions?

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 12:22

Oh no. Please tell me that's not true.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 12:36

You're a twat mate; what's there to laugh about?

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 12:55

Andre. That's disgusting. I know you're a bit odd but there's absolutely no need for that. And what the hell do you mean about humour? There is nothing funny about this situation. Martin and myself are distraught about it so I suggest you shut your trap and consider how you would feel. You've come across as a complete arsehole.

AlanS

22-02-2013, 13:00

I'm not laughing about the issue it's just how Harry posted i though it funny so don't get you knickers in a twist ;)

However humour is wasted in this place FACT.

Humour is best saved for happy times not when bad news is emerging.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 13:18

Andre, you're more than a bit odd. You're a lot odd. To explain would take all day.

Your comments were disgraceful. End of.

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 13:40

Is the fuzzy sound in the bass or treble?

realysm42

22-02-2013, 13:57

Bass Ali;

I just had a mate come round who used to work for a loudspeaker company, he felt the cone and said it feels like the driver was bad out of the factory (it's rubbing or something).

He measured it with an electrical something or other and said the circuit seems fine.

You reckon there's anything I can do, or should just persue the insurance/warranty route?

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 14:20

Have you taken the driver out? Might be worth doing so, it could be something as daft as a bit of foam or similar in the rear of the basket.

If not, you could also try rotating the driver 180 degrees. That sometimes cures rubbing.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 14:21

Would that invalidate the warranty Ali?

Or would they not be able to tell...

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 14:25

If you are careful taking the screws out so they don't get scratched, then check if the drivers are siliconed in. If not, I don't see how they could tell.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 14:37

I appreciate the advice but I don't think I should muck about with it, I don't really know what I'm doing; I guess patience is a virtue here.

On the plus side, I'm listening mono here and even like that I'm blown away, these things are very good; I can hear there's some running in to be done but I'm going to love every minute of it :)

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 14:56

It might be worth just letting it play and see if it sorts itself.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 14:58

Good idea, I'll let it run for a bit. Cheers Ali.

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 15:08

Sounds daft, but also try turning the speaker upside down and leave it running for a while. Might help.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 15:11

That's not possible, due to the tweeter sitting 'out of the box'. Plus they weigh a f*cking tonne lol!

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 15:15

Would laying it on its side help Ali? I'm no expert but quite upset over this and desperate to help in some way.

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 15:26

Wouldn't do any harm, and yes, might help. Sometimes just changing the orientation of the driver is enough. Might also be worth trying it on it's back.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 15:26

Not to worry gents, I've justy had a word and I'm going to send the driver back and they're going to look at it and take it from there.

Ali Tait

22-02-2013, 15:30

Good news.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 15:32

Not a perfect outcome but progress. I knew Hugh (usher importer) would help. Still shit luck though when everything had gone so smoothly.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 15:33

Why not ask Hugh about laying down speaker etc. He is Dr Hugh so he must know his stuff.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 16:09

So I took the driver out, one of the connectors was loose, I've tightened it as best I can and it has markedly improved the sound, but it's still not quite right.

It's also very hard to work on whilst kneeling infront of it with only one pair of hands.

I might speak to my Dad and see if he can solder it in place for a kosher connection.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 16:38

It really does sound like its been thrown about. Couriers and big heavy boxes don't mix. But at least you have a few options now.

realysm42

22-02-2013, 16:42

This is true.

These things sound bloody staggering now they're mostly working. Startlingly dynamic and tonnes of insight with a soundstage you need a map its so big :eek:

And this is straight out the box. I'm going to get the connections sorted shortly and the concentrate on falling in love. Cheers Harry :cool:

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 17:11

Martin, I can't tell you how pleased I am that you're making some progress. I've been chewed up about it all afternoon. Wife's just got in from work and I just told her and she's upset for you as well. I've sent you email with all insurance/courier stuff.

MartinT

22-02-2013, 18:50

One person in particular I've taken as inspiration is martin T. Apart from having a really cool first name his review of the TQ ultra black inspired me to take the dive and I've never looked back. So after hearing what he's had to say about his speakers (and harry as it goes) when the chance arose, I seized it.

LOL - I'm late to this thread, but thanks. Us Martins are quality people :eyebrows:

MartinT

22-02-2013, 19:00

Hugh at Hi-Audio is a very nice chap indeed and I'm sure will help to resolve the problem. I'm sad that any Usher should underperform but Martin, I think you've heard what they're capable of so I'm sure you'll be spurred on to return the driver and have Hugh look at it. It might even be wise to return both as they'll be a matched pair.

I too suffered two failed drivers, in my case the lovely beryllium tweeters. However, it was my son's fault for accidentally sitting on the preamp remote to max the volume and then switching the input on. 350W of Chord power doesn't take long to burn out tweeters. After crying a little (almost), Hugh got to work and sent me a loan pair of tweeters while he ordered me a new matched set from Taiwan. He couldn't have been more helpful and my Ushers were soon back to their brilliant best again.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

22-02-2013, 19:09

Hugh is a top fella indeed. Didn't know about your blown tweeters. What a sickener. I'm really sick that Martin's exciting day turned sour.

realysm42

23-02-2013, 19:44

Hugh no longer deals in usher speakers, but he passed me onto simon at HiFi sound who now does.

Its really funny, its so near to sounding right now that I could almost leave it, but I won't.

As per Martin, sterling advice ,I'm taking that approach.

These things are amazing, I love my roksans but I won't miss them now I've got these.

They're so effortlessly musical its made me laugh. My brother came to listen today and was just blown away and I stress they're still not setup optimally at all.

I've tried classical, drum and bass, rock, house, ambient, all sorts and they just shrug and deal with it. I don't know how to express it properly, but these are more detailed than the old ones but without sounding as analytical, they're not fatiguing in the slightest and I'm hearing new bits of familiar tracks that just didn't exist before, one of the main details is peoples interactions with instruments (no, not music) but just subtle string plucks and piano key presses, breaths. Everything's just got more intimate.

I caveat that yeah one drivers not optimal and they're not worn in properly yet but jeez, I didn't know that home stereo could sound like this. Yours guys with the dancers are spoilt and I know where my next speaker upgrade is coming from!

PS I getting a mains conditioner shortly with schuko fittings, so it will be cool to see what these things can really do.

synsei

23-02-2013, 20:05

realysm42

23-02-2013, 20:12

It's such a cracking thing to find that the equipment purchased far outweighs ones expectations, isn't it? I was where you are now the weekend before last when Mark brought the Valhalla over, I just had to have it as it makes everything I listen to sound real ;)

Sure is, I just can't get over how good they are. I think my systems backbone has been stronger than the speakers for a good while, so all of my mad cable choices, and custom xlrs have paid off all of a sudden. You'd laugh, I bought another 20kg of lead shot for the speakers, I tried to open my old speaker stands that I loc-tited and destroyed a (frankly shit) screwdriver in the process trying to get the shot out of them :lol:

synsei

23-02-2013, 20:19

:lol: Yeah, but of course now you don't give a toss coz you are well sorted with the Ushers. They were a cracking deal from Harry, he's a top bloke :)

MartinT

24-02-2013, 00:12

Really good to hear how the Ushers have worked out for you, Martin. Slowly but surely the 'Usher Appreciation Society' is growing :)

RobbieGong

24-02-2013, 00:19

Great to see the Usher Crew growing. I wanted these but sadly not at the mo pocket wise. One day though :) So glad things working out and sincerely hope you get the 'little things' sorted, the speakers sound like they are certainly hitting the spot and boy! they look brill too :stalks: !!

isuckedmandelsonslemons

24-02-2013, 05:56

Hi Martin, although I'm still upset about the problem with the Ushers, I can't tell you how delighted I am that you're pleased. There's no better feeling in Hifi than when an upgrade exceeds your expectations and it sounds like the Ushers have already done that. Keep in touch (call any time if you want a chat) and keep the forum updated on progress.

isuckedmandelsonslemons

24-02-2013, 05:58

:lol: Yeah, but of course now you don't give a toss coz you are well sorted with the Ushers. They were a cracking deal from Harry, he's a top bloke :)

Thank you very much. Though I'm not sure I deserve the praise.

RobbieGong

06-03-2013, 22:10

Hi Martin, How are things going with those lovely Ushers ??

isuckedmandelsonslemons

07-03-2013, 06:11

Robbie, Martin is in Australia. Faulty driver has been sent away.

RobbieGong

07-03-2013, 13:27

Robbie, Martin is in Australia. Faulty driver has been sent away.

Oakey dokes, thanks Harry :)

realysm42

22-03-2013, 17:09

Right, I'm back. I missed the weather here.

Got the (same) driver back I sent away, its now working. God knows what happened and I don't really care.

Thanks to Simon at hifisound for helping me out, he's a good bloke. Hugh vanished off the face of the planet, which didn't help things at all, I don't know where he is. Ho him.

RIGHT, so how do they really sound?

Again, the rooms due a proper setup but they are just amazing. They are scarily dynamic. They handle gentle passages with such delicacy, so many nuances just hang in the air in front of me. I just ran a CD recording of a rave I went to the other month through them and wow, they shook the flat and it all sounded effortless!

I'm actually going to start a system pics thread shortly, when I've got everything in place but for now, just going to play some tunes and (finally) enjoy my babies!

realysm42

22-03-2013, 17:13

BTW, I just want to say thanks to the seller of these speakers, Harry.

He was as upset as me when he heard the news and was very helpful in providing the insurance details (of the delivery which he arranged for me).

I'd happily buy from him again and it was good to speak to someone with such a passion for this hobby.

RobbieGong

22-03-2013, 17:14

Brilliant Martin, V Glad things have moved on nicely - Great news !! :)

MartinT

22-03-2013, 17:25

That's great news Martin, we all like a happy ending(!)

So a proper welcome to the Usher Appreciation Society, then? ;)

realysm42

22-03-2013, 17:31

Cheers dudes!

Yeah I'm right there with you chaps now. Can't wait to get the spikes I n the stand and my schuko plug mains filter in the mix too...

Martin, you'll have to let me pop round one day and hear your dancers, I cant imagine how good they sound!

Thing Fish

22-03-2013, 18:18

I am pleased everything seems to have worked out for you Martin. Like many others I have been following this thread with hope for a favorable outcome for you and Harry and now it all seems to have fallen into place.

Enjoy your new babies and don't forget the system pics. You know how much we love pics here on AOS...:eek: