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B&W 804s vs Usher Dance Mini-One

Hello Forum,

I currently own a like new pair of B&W 804s speakers. I am considering selling these speakers (approx 3k) and purchasing the Usher Dancer Mini-One or BE718. I think I can get the Ushers (used on Audiogon) plus an integrated amp (used around $1500) with HT bypass. I know I'll have to add some cash to get both. I've heard the Ushers and really enjoyed the sound, but I don't want to have any regrets on selling the B&W. The speakers would live in a small (11x12) room with only about 5ft. from the listening chair.

Anybody have opinions. For the Integrated amp, I'm considering Vincent, Creek, Bel Canto.

I am astounded at the knowledge on this forum and would really appreciate any feedback.
giantsfreak
thesoundhouse
250 posts
 
The best I have heard the little Ushers 718s was in a small room with a Pass Labs XA30.5 power amp and an XP10 pre-amp. They also sounded very good with a Krell KAV400XI. Infact I like the 400XI better than the new Krell S300I. For $1400 to $1700 you can buy a very clean good condition KAV400xi here agon. Be sure to get the Danny Richie upgraded cross overs for the little ushers, it is huge. The Pass stuff sounded excellent with the 718s but that is above budget. If you could find a good deal on a Pass Labs INT 30. that is basically the the XP10 and XA30.5 in one chassis.
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
Keep the b&w's This is a sideways move, if that.
everest_audio
285 posts
 
You said you'd like to "futureproof" a bit, so between the BE-718 and the Mini Dancer One, I'd definitely go with the MD1. It does extend a little bit deeper and is more room filling, but more importantly, it sounds better than the BE-718, IMHO. Plus, by the time you add a high quality stand to the BE-718, the price difference isn't that big. Plus, if it helps, the MD1 will take up a smaller footprint than the BE-718 on a sizeable stand and actually looks less imposing than a BE-718 on a stand. Don't get me wrong, I like the BE-718, but the MD1 is definitely worth the extra money if it was my choice and the budget allowed.
giantsfreak OP
4 posts
 
Thanks to all for the responses.Jaybo - why do you think it's a sideways move? I was hoping to sell the 804s for more than the Mini Ones and put some of the extra cash into an integrated amp.
james63
534 posts
 
I would keep the B&Ws and save up for a big speaker upgrade. The Ushers will be different but not worth all the trouble IMO.

You can get used Sophias for $6000, I have seen used dynaudio C2 go for as cheap as $5200....

Then there are the big hitters for price for performance PSB,Thiel,Gallo,Magnepan... maybe usher too. The list goes on and on
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