I've been into audio gear on and off for the better part of 30 years. Always tinkering with something and for the past several years more so with room treatment. Almost all treatments are DIY and mostly diffusion.
January 2022 update: Moved to the matching Audionet max amplifiers' Pre G2 preamp. If synergy was in doubt, this combination refutes it. Upgraded Music PC - newer Intel processor, motherboard and memory. upgraded to M.2 NVRAM SSD for the OS and 5GB Samsing SSDs for music. Also added EMI/RFI shielding to music SSDs, copper shielding to the OS SSD, added copper plates to the internal base under the motherboard, added neoprene absorption to the chassis, further shielded the top cover with EMI/ RFI 3M shielding. Due to the added weight of the music server upgraded to the larger Isoacoustics Orea feet. I expected minimal if any sonic gains but I was wrong, just incredible. Blacker blacks, and more details with a bit more body. All digital cables are now Shunyata Venom ethernet. Upgraded sub cables and F113 power cables to Audioquest. Upgraded monoblock amps, preamp, streamer and DAC footers to Critical Mass CS2 footers.
May 2021 update: Moved to Echole speaker cables. Upgraded the preamp to a Shunyata Anaconda Alpha PC. Added an Etherregen network switch + an external clock both powered by an HDPlex HD100 LPSU. Upgraded to a Shunyata ethernet cable from switch to the LinQ streamer.
March 2021 update: Moved to Audionet Max amps with Shunyata Python CX PCs and Echole ICs. Changed power conditioning to the Audioquest Niagara. Paired the Aqua DAC (now with Shunyata Ztron Digital PC) with the Aqua LinQ streamer (now with a Shunyata Black Mamba PC). The Max amps + Echole cables + Giya G2S2s are a magical combination IMO.
July 2019 update: Switched from Usher BE20D speakers to Vivid Audio Giya G2 S2s.
November 2019 update: Added 2 JLA F110 subwoofers now a total of 4
January 2020 update: Switched amplifier for the bass from a MF A308CR to my Wells Audio Innamorata and added a Wells Audio Innamorata Signature for the mids and highs.
Thanks Jeff. The Giyas are amongst the most effortless, seamless and most natural speakers I've heard (and in my search I listened to Vandersteen, Evolution Acoustics, Magico S series, Rockport, Wilson, YG acoustics and more). The Ushers are quite good speakers and once modified with GR Research Xovers and wiring they were substantially better (more clear sounding, more detail, tighter more articulate bass). However, the Giyas are several leagues better, there really is no comparison. The Ushers like most speakers are drivers in a box, the Vivids incorporate significant technological advances and it's plain to hear IMO.
Thanks Sebrof. Your system took a nice leap recently also.
@Arnie - Thanks, there is simply no comparison WRT Giyas versus Ushers. I am biamping them and eventually need to get better amps or a better stereo amp.
@babybear - Hope you liked it Arnie, slowly getting better. The pre really helped IMO.
@tboooe - I liked the Usher sound very much but decided to upgrade the xovers, internal wiring and binding posts via a GR Research kit - made a world of difference. Not only better components/wiring but completely redesigned xovers. Stock the Ushers are warm sounding with the woofers gently sloping off at ~400Hz. With the GR kit it's more like ~200Hz, so the sound in many ways is quite different. You gain bass speed and detail and mid range and tweeter clarity. IMO for the $ Ushers are exceptional speakers.
Nice to see another Usher user. I used to own the BE-10 and the Esoteric gear. I had to go to smaller speakers when I moved my system into a much smaller room in the house. Details of the Usher system can be found in my Virtual System. Anyway, would love to hear your thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of the big Ushers.
