Established in 1972, Usher Audio has been producing audio systems that blend technical accuracy with a classic and sophisticated aesthetic. Usher is particularly recognized for its proprietary tweeter technology, which includes the Beryllium and DMD diamond tweeters.
Usher Audio has reportedly seen a revival under new management. Following a period of quiet development, the company began refreshing its product lineup in 2021. This initiative led to the introduction of the flagship ML series, which includes the ML801 and ML802 models, alongside the more versatile and budget-friendly LS series, catering to both music lovers and home theater fans. The latest addition to their offerings is the Usher Nereo ND-5, named after Nereus, the wise sea god from Greek mythology, recognized for his prophetic abilities and a unique blend of gentleness and strength.
Symbolism is nice, but speakers are of course mainly technical things. The distinctive design of the Usher Nereo ND-5 consists of curved birch panels formed by a precision cold-pressed lamination process. This technique is designed to ensure stability, precision and visual elegance while minimizing unwanted resonances. Inside, carefully calculated structures and acoustic damping materials eliminate harmonic distortions and standing waves.
Usher Nereo ND-5: D’Appolito MTM configuration
The semi-circular front baffle features D’Appolito’s MTM (Mid-Tweeter-Mid) configuration. The tweeter is positioned between two midrange drivers, resulting in favorable dispersion behavior. The design is slightly tilted for optimal sound dispersion and improves phase consistency, and according to the designers, reduces vertical dispersion and increases the listening area.
The Nereo ND-5 features Usher’s cutting-edge drivers, prominently including an enhanced DMD diamond tweeter. This tweeter is both lightweight and sturdy, capable of achieving frequencies up to 40kHz with minimal distortion, facilitated by a precisely CNC machined waveguide and an optimized neodymium magnet system.
The seven-inch mid-bass driver, which was previously utilized in the flagship Grand Tower, boasts a German-engineered membrane made from a wool and wood fiber composite, complemented by a distinctive damping layer.
The low-pass crossover is designed with OCC monocrystalline copper conductors, while the high-pass crossover incorporates silver-plated conductors insulated with Teflon.
Details regarding pricing and delivery have yet to be disclosed.
Technical specifications
- Type: Dynamic two-way loudspeaker
- Tweeter: 1 x 1.25-inch DMD diamond tweeter
- Woofer: 2 x 7-inch composite driver
- Sensitivity (1 Watt / 1 meter): 90 dB
- Impedance: four ohms
- Frequency response (-3 dB): 28 Hz to 40 kHz
- Load capacity: 120 Watts
- Crossover frequency: 2.1 kHz
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 30 x 54.5 x 130 centimetres
- Weight: 44.5 kilograms, including base
