Amazing how changing scale changes perception. The sound I found small and forced became far bigger and more open when I discovered the speakers cost one-twentieth of what I initially had thought.

At $400/pair, the Usher S-520s were pretty exciting. "The Absolute Sound reviewed the Dancer IIs," Paul Chen told me. "I'm sure we could get you a pair, too."

"But I want to review these," I whined. (Too late, Bob Reina already reviewed them.)