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Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

I just pick up a pair of Zu Omen Definition, and I have mixed feelings. It sound very different from my B&W.

First of all, the height of the sound. For my B&W, the sound is a bit higher than my ear level. But for the Zu, it is the same or a bit lower than my ear level. This sounds a bit weird. Because usually the singer will be on a stage, so, it is more natural to expect the sound is higher from my ear level.

Secondly is the depth. For my B&W, the singer is behind the speaker plane. For the Zu, the singer is very forward. It almost feel it is in front of the speaker plane. I don't know which way is better. Due to this difference, for the 30 mins or so .. I feel very weird listening to Zu.

Why would 2 speakers have so much different in presentation? The zu is much taller than the B&W, so, I expect it will project a bigger soundstage. And usually the sound stage is behind the speaker. But with the height and forward sounding, I can't say produce a big sound stage. Or can I say it produce a sound stage in front of the speaker plane, and I need to sit back further?
gte357s
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Gopher,

what is the output impedance of your Shindo? I know F3 is a very good amp and good match with Zu based on all the reviews and comments, and I am almost set on it until I realized the input impedance. The rule of thumb is that it should be 10x the preamp's output impedance.

So, if I use F3 (input impedance of 10k Ohm) with my PrimaLuna (output impedance of 2800 Ohm), how would it affect the sound? Of course, i can change the preamp too ... but I want to keep it if possible as I like its sound.
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
ok, based on my research, if the input impedance of power amp is not high enough (10x of the output impedance of preamp), then the system will be more prone to sonic distortion. This is because there is a reduction of signal from preamp to power amp. And the reduction is a function of frequency. So, the reduction is not a constant that can be balanced out by turning up the volume knob. That means, the sonic is changed, whether it is good or bad will then be subjective, and depends on each unit, I guess.
gopher
499 posts
 
My Shindo has a 5k ohm impedance and seems to match better well with the Rawson F3 clone I'm using.

This is an excerpt from an email with the buddy that turned me on to the F3:

"I did not run the Aurieges with the F3 and am not sure it would match well. Actually, it probably would - I now recall Dr. Pass saying that the F3 requires an extremely tiny current to drive and so even pres with high output impedance are nearly always fine."
telescope_trade
555 posts
 
Hey Shakeydeal, If you mean my Omen Defs?? Yea I put them up
just to see what the deal is with the Lores or maybe one
of their higher speakers.
I love the Defs and do not care one bit if they sell. In fact
I (and my wife) think I'm crazy for even bothering!?!? Probably true!

If they sell, I'll try the Tektons for fun, (What it's all
about right?) and if not, I'm way good, and may try another
amp...maybe tubed. As as much as I love the sound with the Emotiva, I can't help think of how they might sound with
something else. Thinking Naim...Sim...or???

The Omen Defs are great speakers for sure!! I'm on my second pair! :o)
shakeydeal
979 posts
 
That's cool. You sold me a pair of Roman Audio Centurions back in 03. You go through speakers like I used to. Those things were sure purty....... but I couldn't get em to sound very good in my room.

Shakey
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