Greetings from Australia!

[hidalgo]

Shamefully I’ve been lurking here on-and-off since sometime in late 2012 (after discovering the ‘Beresford Banter’ forum), but tonight I thought I should finally say ‘Hello!’.

My sound system is office based, where I unfortunately spend much of my time, but why not make the most if it! I started with an entry level system, always seeking out components that punch above their price points. Over time I've gently upgraded some of these components and added others as opportunities arose, but in many ways the current setup is still quite modest and true to its origins:

• Usher S-520 monitor speakers (original piano black, bi-wired with Anticables)
• REL T7 subwoofer
• Redgum Audio black series RGi60ENR 120W/ch amplifier
• Beresford Caiman SEG DAC (temporarily replacing my older Caiman MKII) with 12v battery power
• Beresford ASYNCH-1 USB to optical converter with 5v battery power
• Apple Mac mini 2011 running iTunes and BitPerfect

I’ve tried swapping out the brilliant Usher S-520 speakers over the years, but always come running back to them! Maybe one day I’ll find a suitable monitor upgrade (any suggestions?). Replacing the Usher’s standard brass bridging plates with proper bi-wires last year made a huge difference, with the highs opening up and losing any trace of glare. Such a worthwhile upgrade!

The other most valuable tip I’ve discovered thanks to the Beresford gear/forum is using a combination of batteries and optical to keep equipment off the mains power and electrically separated from each other. I don't think optical TOSLINK receives enough respect in this regard!

And finally, but most importantly is the music! My tastes are wide ranging, maybe a little eclectic, but always evolving. Any Enigma fans? Currently I’m more than a little obsessed with Erased Tapes Records and their collection of avant-garde/contemporary classical artists like Nils Frahm, Ólafur Arnalds, et al.

So, that’s a start, sorry for the long-ish read! But thank you kind folk for all threads of knowledge I’ve already gleamed from here over the years.

[struth]

Nice intro Kalon. Welcome to site. Hope you enjoy it... How is the seg doing?

[Spectral Morn]

Welcome to AoS

[hidalgo]

Nice intro Kalon. Welcome to site. Hope you enjoy it... How is the seg doing?

Thank you Grant!

The SEG (DAC component) is the best I've heard, and I've been riding the Beresford wave since the original Bushmaster! Sonically I feel it combines the fun sound of the Bushmaster MKII with the more refined sound of the Caiman MKII, and then goes much further in every aspect (that's the best I can describe it from my non-technical point of view). It will be hard going back after hearing such good sound!

[struth]

Another plus then. Maybe u should keep it lol. Not using a dac now, or id be interested in one myself

[walpurgis]

Hi Kalon. Welcome to AOS.

Good little speakers the S520. Never heard a set with a sub though.

Have a look around and join in any chat that appeals to you.


Enjoy the forum,
Geoff.

[hidalgo]

Another plus then. Maybe u should keep it lol. Not using a dac now, or id be interested in one myself

I would love to, believe me! But it appears my wave is about to come to an abrupt and unceremonious end.

Don't worry, I'm not a total digital snob, I also enjoy analogue (having a Rega RP3 turntable setup). I’m just in the process of trying to refine this side, the phono especially, so didn’t mention it.

[hidalgo]

Hi Kalon. Welcome to AOS.

Good little speakers the S520. Never heard a set with a sub though.

Thanks Geoff!

The Usher's mesh really nicely with a sub to my ears. I suspect because their bass rolls off smoothly and naturally instead of getting boomy right at ear level like other small speakers I’ve tried. Filling in the lower frequencies with a sub has that phenomenon of strengthening all the above frequencies too, so they sound very complete in this configuration.

[Barry]

Welcome to AoS Kalon,

I'm a bit of a fan of Enigma myself.

Enjoy the Forum
Barry

[TazSob]

Welcome to AoS Kalon