The Usher R-1.5 stereo amplifier is built like a tank. Its utilitarian industrial design bears a striking resemblance to the Threshold 300 Stasis designed by audio guru Nelson Pass, which should come as no surprise. In 1972 Usher Audio’s owner and head engineer, Lien-Shui Tsai, built the first Usher R-1.5 amplifier as a copy of the e300 Stasis amplifier whose patent expired, and its designer, the venerated Nelson Pass, had welcomed others to use it. It began as a fun project, however, it soon became a hit with customers and eventually many audio enthusiasts throughout Taiwan became proud owners of this phenomenal amplifier.