China 2006

I walked into Usher's room, where the $8000 (USD) Dancer II Beryllium held pride of place. I thought the sound was a little small and every so slightly forced, but I loved the rhythmic tautness and drive. "Not the best sound I've heard today," I thought, "but not too shabby."

"Not bad for $400," Paul Chen, Usher's export rep said.

I pointed to the floorstanding Dancer IIs and said, "Those cost $400?"

"We're playing these," he said, pointing to the two-way S-520s sitting on top of another pair of speakers.