Anyone know where in NY area I can audition Usher?

Well unfortunately I haven't heard back yet. However, it's only been 24 hours, and in this modern age I think I'm a bit impatient, also worsened by how long its taken me to find someone who has these locally..

I hope to hear from him soon.

With China at the cutting edge of technology, I think it's outdated to refer to so-called cheap parts from China. Plus, doesn't Usher supply drivers to Von Schweikert,which, if so, points to the quality of their drivers. I just think it's putting your head in the sand to not acknowledge that quality products, including audio products, can be made in China.

For what it's worth...I owned the Dancer AC-10's for about 6 mos. before I went back to an electrostatic and can tell you first hand they were anything BUT cheaply made. They used the same Accuton (sorry if mis-spelled) ceramic drivers as those used in much more expensive Talon's, Avalon's, etc.

Cabinets were the finest I have ever had the pleasure of owning, premium parts in the x-over, details even right down to the solid brass gold-plated 5-way binding posts.

And yes, even though I sold them due to a personal dipole preference, they were GREAT sounding speakers.

They were the closest to an electrostat (in terms of midrange purity and overall coherence) that I've heard from a dynamic speaker.

Does anyone know if the wood panel on the side comes in a shade other than birch? I need something darker like Walnut, to match my furniture and decor.

This article highlights the quality that goes into Usher speakers. I'm not shilling for them but I'm actually considering Usher speakers for myself and have been doing some research on them...

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:6uyB8J84pJMJ:www.soundstageav.com/onhifi/20051115.htm+usher+dancer+loudspeaker&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=11