Dana 630 or Usher S-520

[Davidt1]

I am in the process of upgrading my speakers. Currently, I have a Polk RM7600 setup. I will upgrade the LRC speakers only. Oh man, this has been a daunting process, especially since I can't audition many of the speakers I want to try. At first, I want really small speakers like the Orb and KEF little speakers, but I realize I would give up too much in sound quality with really tiny speakers. Anyway, I think I have decided on the Dana 630 and the Usher S-520. The Dana don't have nearly as much exposure and reviews as the Usher. Nonetheless, they are well regarded too. I have an opportunity to buy the Dana for less than the Usher. Anybody heard them both? What are your recommendations? Thanks.

 

[mazersteven]

I am in the process of upgrading my speakers. Currently, I have a Polk RM7600 setup. I will upgrade the LRC speakers only. Oh man, this has been a daunting process, especially since I can't audition many of the speakers I want to try. At first, I want really small speakers like the Orb and KEF little speakers, but I realize I would give up too much in sound quality with really tiny speakers. Anyway, I think I have decided on the Dana 630 and the Usher S-520. The Dana don't have nearly as much exposure and reviews as the Usher. Nonetheless, they are well regarded too. I have an opportunity to buy the Dana for less than the Usher. Anybody heard them both? What are your recommendations? Thanks.

This is the only guy that I know that might have time spent with both speakers.

craigsub
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/member.php?u=7441406

The Dana 630's have been compared in sound quality to the B&W 805's.

 

[mazersteven]

Also ask Warp. I know he had the Dana's. Don't remember if he's heard the Ushers.

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/member.php?u=21949

 

[Warpdrv]

Hello..... I bought the Dana's for my son, and they are matched with a SVS SB-12plus sub....

He is very happy with them for 2 channel listening and the system gets pretty loud and stays clean in doing so... They are somewhat a forward sounding speaker, but I like that. I put up a review of them when I got them, but can't remember when.... should have been just after christmas 07. search my posts, and go back to that time area...

For the price I paid for them, I think they were worth the money.... I can't comment on the Ushers, haven't heard them.

 

[Davidt1]

Thanks, guys. I just learned about the AV123 ELT525. They are just same size as the Dana and Usher and cheaper. They are rear-ported though. Would 10'' between the wall and the rear of the speaker work?

 

[mazersteven]

Thanks, guys. I just learned about the AV123 ELT525. They are just same size as the Dana and Usher and cheaper. They are rear-ported though. Would 10'' between the wall and the rear of the speaker work?

Speakers should be as far away from the wall as the diameter of the port. 2" diameter port = at least 2" from wall. But most speakers it's recommended to be further away then just 2". Thats what "tweaking" is all about.

 

[Davidt1]

So I guess 10'' is OK then. I contacted Craigsub. He has both the Dana 630 and the ELT525. I no longer consider the Ushers because they are now $480 for a pair and the nearest dealer to me is 160 miles away. I can get a pair of B-stock Dana 630 and a 660 center for $520 shipped. That's a very good price for them, but their B-stock are not returnable. Anyway, Craigsub prefers the ELT525. That's good enough for me, as he is one of the people whose experience and opinion I value. As I checked out AV123 site, I noticed they still have the old XCS speaker on sale for just $90 each. I am thinking I can get three of these for a song and run them horizontally like a soundbar on steroid. Good idea?

 

[mazersteven]

Anyway, Craigsub prefers the ELT525. That's good enough for me, as he is one of the people whose experience and opinion I value.

Ask Craigsub if he likes the ELT525 over the x-ls encore.

 

[jcPanny]

AV123 speakers

There is a significant size difference between the ELT525's and the X-LS or X-CS model. Also the discount X-CS are likely the classic model and not the newer encore model with upgraded tweeter and crossover. If you use the X-CS for mains you will want them in the vertical orientation.

The ELTs are great mini monitors and the real wood veneer is gorgeous. I am using them as surrounds with Ref 1's and Ref 100 for the L/C/R.

FYI, the Ushers were included in one of the AH speaker shoutouts:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/bookshelf-speaker-faceoff-2007

 

[rnatalli]

I may sell the ELT525's I have in Rosewood as they aren't seeing much use if you're interested. I'm hesitant as they're excellent speakers, but it's shame to leave them sitting around.

 

[Davidt1]

There is a significant size difference between the ELT525's and the X-LS or X-CS model. Also the discount X-CS are likely the classic model and not the newer encore model with upgraded tweeter and crossover. If you use the X-CS for mains you will want them in the vertical orientation.

The ELTs are great mini monitors and the real wood veneer is gorgeous. I am using them as surrounds with Ref 1's and Ref 100 for the L/C/R.

FYI, the Ushers were included in one of the AH speaker shoutouts:
http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/bookshelf/bookshelf-speaker-faceoff-2007

Yes, I know how big the X-CS are, but they are so cheap (shipping is not so cheap though). Some guys paid $60 for B-stock. I try to hide everything as much as possible. If I get the X-CS, I have run them horizontally to hide them underneath the top shelf of the component rack. I know it's not optimal but compromises have to be made. Think giant soundbar. But right now I need to know for sure the new ELT525 are clearly better than their old X speakers before buying. If they are only a little better, I might just buy the old stuff and save some money.

 

[johsti]

I no longer own a pair of the Usher S-520, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair if I was looking for a new pair of small monitors. They are still a bargain at $480 IMHO. I've never heard the Danas or ELT's, but there are a couple of folks on avsforum that have compared them directly to the S-520. You can sometimes find used S-520's on audiogon in the $300-$350 range, but they sell very, very quick.

This hobby can get pretty expensive if you end up second guessing your initial decision, so I would highly recommend that you don't buy any speaker unless you have auditioned them and/or there is a return policy.

 

[Davidt1]

I no longer own a pair of the Usher S-520, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy another pair if I was looking for a new pair of small monitors. They are still a bargain at $480 IMHO. I've never heard the Danas or ELT's, but there are a couple of folks on avsforum that have compared them directly to the S-520. You can sometimes find used S-520's on audiogon in the $300-$350 range, but they sell very, very quick.

This hobby can get pretty expensive if you end up second guessing your initial decision, so I would highly recommend that you don't buy any speaker unless you have auditioned them and/or there is a return policy.

I thought I should post a picture of my speakers and setup so people who try to help have a complete idea of my situation. The room is small, about 11' x 11'. I listen at low and moderate volume. I have Polk RM7600 speakers mated with an HK receiver and a Martin Logan Dynamo sub. The sound is warm and laid back, kind of what I like. I am looking for something smaller, better and cheap because I am a cheapskate. Yes, it's hard not to be able to listen before buying.

The long rack is 72'' long and 18'' deep. It's placed 6'' from the wall, space I intend to put acoustic panels in later. Speakers can't be taller than 12''. Thanks for reading.