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Magnepan .7s' vs Zu Omens

Greetings Friends. I'm getting the fever again. I currently have a pair of Magnepan .7's which I really like with 2 caveats. One is that my studio apt. isn't 100% conducive to the ideal set up for them. The other is my primary listening is electric blues and classic rock (Tull, Zeppelin, etc.) and the Maggies (to me) lack that nth degree of impact that suits that type of music, too "polite" maybe? I've been intrigued by the Zu Omens and have been told they might be a better choice for my listening tastes. I know we are talking apples and oranges, hence I'm reaching out for thoughts and advice. Amp is Wyred A500 (needed the current for the .7's). Source is an Oppo BDP 105.
Thanks!
dan
128x128beernut
jay23
210 posts
 
It sounds to me like you want dynamic speakers, but ended up with ribbons. The Zu's, plus an integrated tube amp will probably make you very happy.

Sean is one of the good guys in audio. I met Adam and him when they were first starting off, with one of their early tours of the original Druid. Their speakers weren't quite for me, at the time, but I know they've gone through generations and generations of advancements, since then.
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
297 posts
 
Thanks. As much as I like the Maggies, they lack the nth degree of "weight" my taste in music requires, I think....
gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
Jay23, I agree that some of the earlier Zu's , esp the ones with ribbons, weren't up to snuff ( and were quickly updated).
Beernut, I still think you should try adding a sub or two. You might be surprised by the difference. I, too, had a crush on the Maggies. 
I think if you look at Agon archives there are a lot of Maggie owners that paired them with Vandersteen subs to great acclaim. 
Should you really want to try the Zu's, the Vandersteen subs will work with them, as well. Both ways, you can't lose.
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
297 posts
 
I have to add that I do have a sub right now though admittedly not audiophile level, Acoustech (BIC) PL-200 which did garner a "10" rating in it's price range.
gdnrbob
4,445 posts
 
Your Maggies deserve a higher end sub. I think it will give you more of the sound you want. 
I never thought a sub could integrate so seamlessly as the Vandersteen until I bought a pair.
As far as the Zu's go, you will probably enjoy the 'more dynamic' sound, but I think you will need to add a sub unless you go with the Definition line. As I said, I have the Union, and they do go down low, but not way down-Though the low frequencies are well produced.
I bought the Union's because they were cheap and I wanted to have something to contrast with my Vandy 3a sigs. So, if you have a hankering to try them, why not? I don't think you will be disappointed.
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