Usher S-520 vs Era D4 Satellite

[Deathwish238]

I'm debating between the Usher S-520 and the Era D4 Satellite. The speakers will be used mostly for music and TV watching in a living room. They will be wall mounted about 10' high and angled downwards. My current sub is a Dayton 12" and my receiver is a Panasonic SA-XR55. I understand they both will do the job well...the question is which will do the job better? Which is the better sounding speaker?

 

[mazersteven]

I understand they both will do the job well...the question is which will do the job better? Which is the better sounding speaker?

Like asking who likes vanilla, and who likes chocolate. Your going to get answers to everyone's favorite speaker.

Since it's down to 2. I would suggest you purchase both, and return one. That way you can audition in your home.

 

[Deathwish238]

I've been thinking about doing that actually...what better answer than that my ears give me

 

[Davemcc]

The D4 is one of my favorite speakers, but I haven't heard the Usher so I can't make a direct comparison. I can only suggest that the Era is much smaller than the Usher, is designed for wall mounting and may be easier to use in such a configuration.

 

[Adam]

Like asking who likes vanilla, and who likes chocolate.

For me, that depends on what mood I'm in. So, buy both speakers! Some days you might feel like an Usher, some days like an Era.

I was about to be a little disappointed because, while I have vanilla ice cream, I don't have any chocolate. Then I remembered...I have chocolate syrup! Oh, baby. The best of both worlds.

*Runs off to get some ice cream.*

 

[Seth=L]

Both speakers are very inefficient and can present difficult loads, which is not a good combonation with Class D amplifiers like the one inside your Panasonic receiver. The ERA D4 LCR is even worse than the Satelite speaker in relation to the load, so that will be pretty much out of the question for that receiver at this time.

Don't plan on playing either speaker at higher levels without experiancing amplifier clipping with either pair of speakers.

Is there a reason you are looking to get such small speakers, or would it be possible to get larger ones. It is easier to find larger speakers that sound good for the money, IMO.

 

[Seth=L]

Oh, and the ERA D4 satellites sound awesome. I have not listened to the Ushers, but they are well received.

 

[Davemcc]

For me, that depends on what mood I'm in. So, buy both speakers! Some days you might feel like an Usher, some days like an Era.

I have seriously considered that myself.

 

[mazersteven]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=890253

 

[Seth=L]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=890253

Oh,

The D4's back port is tuned to 10 hz so ERA's site says, and near wall placement isn't a problem apparently. I would not personally put them right up against the wall.

 

[dorokusai]

I have a pair of 520's on the way and am looking forward to the demo. I hope the stands I have handy work out for imaging.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

 

[mazersteven]

I have a pair of 520's on the way and am looking forward to the demo. I hope the stands I have handy work out for imaging.

Mark
Polk Audio CS

I hope you come back, and start a thread about your thoughts of the Ushers.

 

[Deathwish238]

Both speakers are very inefficient and can present difficult loads, which is not a good combonation with Class D amplifiers like the one inside your Panasonic receiver. The ERA D4 LCR is even worse than the Satelite speaker in relation to the load, so that will be pretty much out of the question for that receiver at this time.

Don't plan on playing either speaker at higher levels without experiancing amplifier clipping with either pair of speakers.

Is there a reason you are looking to get such small speakers, or would it be possible to get larger ones. It is easier to find larger speakers that sound good for the money, IMO.

I didn't think power would be an issue. The speakers are rated at 50-100W and the Panny is rated at 70W. I don't imagine the speakers will be played very loudly...but I suppose it's an option to get a new receiver if it's really worth it

The speakers must be wall mounted and thus I cannot get anything too large

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=890253

 

[dorokusai]

I hope you come back, and start a thread about your thoughts of the Ushers.

I may but really it doesn't matter what I hear. I've only had formal demos at CES from this manufacturer so something in-house will be fun. I would be very suprised, given the driver selection, that they don't sound pretty good, sight unseen.

Mark
Polk Audio CS