USHER AU-8500II Integrated Amp- Vintage Audio Review Episode

In this episode I look at the performance & features of an Usher AU-8500II integrated amplifier
00:00 Introduction
01:34 “Tour” inside and out
04:39 Measurements
07:16 Frequency Response
09:06 Output Impedance
11:21 Max Power Measurement (8ohms)
15:03 Loudness Switch
16:55 Max Power Measurement (4ohms)
19:15 Input to Input Isolation
20:19 Listening & Final Comments

[@mddawson1]

There is an interesting YT video showing the construction of Usher speakers. Worth a look.

[@vintageaudioreview]

I will check it out- thanks!!!

[@garyteng999]

I got usher be718 pair with au8500 and benchmark dac1, great sound system

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for taking the time to comment and I am glad the system is working great for you!

[@garyteng999]

@@vintageaudioreview btw, usher sells preamp(which I personally won't recommand), that's a part of reason why au8500 can use as direct in. And usher have power amp called R1.5, this series is bascially inspired from Pass labs amp.

[@vintageaudioreview]

@@garyteng999 Thanks for the additional info. I see no more Usher Gear in my future testing, unless I test the bookshelf speakers that my friend has...

[@jakedavis2838]

I never heard of the brand until I met a guy that had Usher loudspeakers in Tucson. They were very large and impressive looking. I bought tube amps from him and tried to get him to sell the Ushers too, but they weren’t for sale.

[@vintageaudioreview]

Thanks for the comment and I had not heard of Usher until about a year ago. THe owner of this has a pair of smaller Usher speakers and they sound ok. Did not know they made tube amps. I appreciate the comments!

[@jakedavis2838]

@@vintageaudioreview My apologies. The tube amps were Cary audio, but he demoed them with his Usher speakers. Said he was selling because him and his wife were opening a nail salon. But he was keeping the speakers because he loved them so much. Thanks for your videos.

[@vintageaudioreview]

@@jakedavis2838 Interesting story. The owner of the Usher speakers also had Cary tube amps that he ended up selling, but he was not opening any nail salon.

[@jakedavis2838]

@@vintageaudioreview This happened in 2021. My memory may be incorrect about the nail salon, but he planned to open a business of some sort.

[@jebrehbaker8613]

Hair comment 😂

[@vintageaudioreview]

Not really sure what to make of your comment, but I will thank you!