Usher BE-10/20, what do you use to drive them?

semi, normally I would agree with you about Ayre and Usher. before the MX-R I did not care for the Ayre house sound at all. I have always thought Ayre sounded clean and transparent but a bit thin. The MX-R retains the transparency but does not sound thin or tinny at all. By the way, I hope you do not think the Ushers sound too detailed or etched. Yes they sound transparent, dynamic, airy, etc but I dont think adding good components that share these same attributes will lead to a bright or etched sound. You will run into trouble if you mate the Ushers with upstream components that are too detailed since these speakers are so uncolored and true. Personally, I think the Edge would be a good match. By the way, I also have the MBL 5011 preamp which is incredibly musical which brought all of my components together nicely. Some say it is ever so slightly warm which may help.

Anyways, good luck!

Why not, bring your amps to a local dealer? I am sure they would allow you to hook them up.

I heard the BE-20s at dealer's place, they were using antiques soundlab monoblock at the time. They sound very good, indeed, I think they are one of the best sounding box type speakers I have heard so far, the beryllium tweeters and mid-ranges really work wonders. I have also heard Be-718s with a pair of newly arrived VTL MB450 signatures while I visited, again it sounds amazing, it hard to believe the sound (music) is actually coming from two smalled boxes. It will be very interesting to hear the BE-20/10 with the VTL MB450 sigatures.

Having owned several pairs of Ushers, they do like power. My PS Audio GCC 250 (250 wpc @ 8ohm/500 wpc @ 4 ohms) grabs hold of them. FYI, one is for sale on Audio Sylum

Hi
I own Usher Audio 6381 upgraded with Be tweeter
I tried a lot of amps to drive them and what I found - they really like power and solid state amps. Tubes did not match my tastes. I tried manley and Dynaco mark 6 (2 monoblokes 120) and the sound always was a bit dry in midrange which i do not like and pay much attantion to avoid it. The best result i got was with Electrocompaniet stuff. So I can surely advive this brand to drive Usher. Perfect combo (my friend in Holland auditioned EC and Plinius and chose EC either).

I would also recommend to be careful with cables. I personally did not like silver stuff because it added dry taste in midrange as well (i tried a lot of brands)

good luck!
:-)

Humm I have Be-718 on Electrocompaniet integrated.

But if I had Be-10/20 I would serious consider Burmester, Ayre mono blocks.

I REALY REALLY like the Burmester sound.