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[sidvee]

Ok so finally my humble bedroom set up is complete. Star of this setup is undoubtedly the Usher s520. I wanted a small speaker since they were going to be sitting on the bedside table (where real estate is at a premium) and the Paradigm Studio 20v3 was taking up too much space not to mention an Ugly black color as well. The Usher s520 is in a beautiful cherry finish that sort of matches my other furniture (and WAF is wayyy up:lol, but what I was not prepared for the beautiful sound they produce. I have heard them before and was always struck by them but never had the opportunity to own them till now. Amazed at the huge soundstage they are throwing in my 20' x 14' room and also at the bass extension these tiny 5" drivers are displaying. Also need to mention that the tiny Belles Soloist 5 amp. is an excellent amp. as well, synergizing beautifully with the Ushers.
System:
Sources - Sony Vaio with Jriver MC19 and m2 tech hiface converter
Dac: MF Xdacv3 with PSU
Pre: Parasound JC2
Power: Belles Soloist 5
Speakers: Usher S520
Cabling: QED, Audio Art, Tara Labs

 

[Staxxx]

Very nice Sidvee. I am also contemplating setting up a bedroom system and am trying to audition a few speakers - high on my list are the small Harbeths (P3 ESR), but I think at over 2L now new in India, they are way over my budget.
There are some other alternatives I have come across from the US (Vienna Acoustic Haydn, Soundfield Audio M2) so it is good to hear about the small Ushers as well.
Did you have the Parasound monos as well as some point? They are great amps and VFM.

 

[sidvee]

Very nice Sidvee. I am also contemplating setting up a bedroom system and am trying to audition a few speakers - high on my list are the small Harbeths (P3 ESR), but I think at over 2L now new in India, they are way over my budget.
There are some other alternatives I have come across from the US (Vienna Acoustic Haydn, Soundfield Audio M2) so it is good to hear about the small Ushers as well.
Did you have the Parasound monos as well as some point? They are great amps and VFM.

Thanks Staxxx. I had contemplated the p3es, the spendor s3/5r2 and Dali menuet. The Dalis are best priced especially when considering international pricing, and the spendors are better priced in India as well, but ultimately due to compromised speaker positioning (could not use dedicated stands but had to use bedside table) and my acoustically untreated room I would never gain the full capabilities of these level of speakers, so I settled for the Ushers, but my ears do not reveal too much of a compromise. Indeed these are excellent speakers, especially for their price (IMO even if one is considering spending upto $1000 on speakers, they ought to listen to these and now they come with add on bass modules as well for future upgradability to large speakers). In this room they have decisively outclassed my older Paradigm Studio20v3 which cost $800.
No I never owned the JC1's, but I have heard them before and they are excellent amps. I, however had strongly considered the A21 before I got the Soloist, but realized that the size would not work in this system.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[himadri]

Great going Sid
Congrats on the completion of the project.Looks nice and pretty and Im sure sounds as musical as any.
cheers

 

[sidvee]

Some of the amps. I considered both integrated and power for this system are:
1. Regar Brio R
2. Arcam A19
3. Creek Evo2
4. Odyssey Khartago
5. Parasound A21/A23
6. Wyred for sound St500
7. Emerald physics EP60.2
Reason I chose Belles Soloist 5:
1. Small footprint
2. Class AB, therefore cool running and a pre-requisite, decent power 65 watts and 110 watts into 8 and 4 ohm
3. Having heard the belles 150a hot rod extensively, I was somewhat familiar with its house sound which I liked - does not suffer from solid state drawbacks, enough warmth.
4. Did not prefer Class D amps. specifically Bel Canto s300, which I replaced with this, hence ignored 6&7 as well.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[sidvee]

Recent update to my second system - added an arcam irdac. I am quite pleased with the sound. However the biggest surprise was the ability of the provided remote control to control tracks in JRMC which I use to playback Flac's and Wav's. For me this is a huge bonus and really helps simplify remote operation in a computer based system. I wonder if their higher end DAC has this feature as well. If anyone one is using the FMJ d33, kindly chip in.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[sidvee]

Small update to my main system, just replaced the Audire Zephyr with a Sine S30A power conditioner. While the unit is settling in, I am quite pleased with the sound. The fit and finish of this unit, and indeed of all other sine products are superb, and they seem to have a good market in HK and surrounding markets.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[darshanjoshi]

Can you share more details for power conditioner like exact model, its price and whether the performance is truly remarkable ?

 

[sidvee]

Can you share more details for power conditioner like exact model, its price and whether the performance is truly remarkable ?

I pmed you details. Regarding the performance, it is easily as good as my previous Audire Zephyr, which in itself is an excellent conditioner. Beyond that I feel that the Sine is allowing better dynamics of my SL Kraft250 to shine through as it has 2 unfiltered/unrestricted outlets for connecting power amps. Also I feel that treble is smoother through the sine. I am told by the dealer that it will improve further after about 100 hours so looking forward to that. And of-course in fit and finish it is light years ahead of the zephyr.
They have larger models available and I wanted to get their TOTL unit the gateway 2, but at 25kg I could not carry in my baggage, so the S30A was the best option.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[IndianEars]

I have tried Sine interconnects in my system and I was VERY happy at the sound and their Value For Money.

 

[sidvee]

I have tried Sine interconnects in my system and I was VERY happy at the sound and their Value For Money.

Yes they have some decently priced, well made power cords, IC's and speaker cables (If I am not mistaken) as well. Overall I am thoroughly impressed by the products of Sine.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[IndianEars]

I believe the Sine Brand has been created by Hong Kong audiophiles, and all their cables are Cryogenically treated.

Yes, they do have Interconnects (Single Ended & balanced), Power Cords & Speaker cables.

 

[blackisback]

The Sine cables and interconnects are really good...
I am currently using their speaker cables and interconnects too...
Have tried a couple other brands, but always end up going back to these...

Sidvee, could u pm me the contact where i can get the Sine Power conditioner and what the approx price would be?

 

[captrajesh]

could u pm me the contact where i can get the Sine Power conditioner and what the approx price would be?

Why PM? It would be helping the cause of entire HFV community if it could be shared in this thread itself.

 

[sidvee]

No biggie.
Here is the dealer from whom I got it, pricing is indicated. He is authorized dealer for singapore and Malaysia. Not sure if he will ship to India, I picked it up on a visit there.
Alternatively you can buy direct from Sine. They will ship to India.
Cheers,
Sid


Power Conditioners - Products

 

[blackisback]

That's great ! Thanks a lot..

 

[sidvee]

Substantial upgrade in the form of a pair of Ascendo C8 Renaissance to replace the Harbeth Shl5's. Subterranean bass response, best I have heard so far and exceptional imaging with an open airy sound. Also excellent resolution of details and smooth, extended treble. I believe I have surpassed the Shl5 with this. They are still breaking in so I expect the sound to improve further.
Some further additions:
1. Vicoustics wave wood acoustic panels.
2. My own DIY design upgrade for my equipment rack.
Cheers,
Sid

 

[Nikhil]

The Ascendo's look great in your room Sid - the black piano gloss blends very well.
Seems like you have a lot more space now.

Once again congratulations on the speaker upgrade!

 

[mpw]

nice pic sidvee..

njoi !!

mpw

 

[sidvee]

- the black piano gloss blends very well.

Nikhil, the finishing and general build quality of these speakers is amazing. Easily amongst the best I have ever seen. Also the quality of accessories provided - like white gloves to handle the speakers (not the generic, cheap made in china cotton gloves that are thrown in by so many suppliers - but with proper rubberized grip and excellent fit), the round bubble level for levelling , the spikes etc. are exceptional.
Having bought many speakers in the past I am very pleased with the attention to detail with the Ascendos.
Cheers,
Sid