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The $3,600 gamble

So I'm selling my Vandersteen 2ce's and my Zu Omen bookshelfs to buy the Zu Omen Def Mk ii's - blind (or is it deaf?).  I have had no way of hearing any of the gear I've bought up to this point so the same can go for the Mk ii's I suppose. I figure with the 60 day return policy at least I have a way out if they don't live up to my expectations. I've not been able to find any videos with the Mk ii's so that makes it even more of a gamble for me. So we will see. 

Im using a Musicical Paradise Mk ii tube integrated with an old Pioneer PL 530 with Denon 103r cart and dynavector mk iii phono pre. Will this beat the gear in my main system?  Most definately not, I'm just hoping for a fun system that gives me the "live" music sensation with a bit more bass than the Zu bookshelfs. 

Wish me luck, they come in Monday!!
last_lemming
randyhat
156 posts
 
"I've not been able to find any videos with the Mk ii's so that makes it even more of a gamble for me."

How would an Internet video be helpful in auditioning loudspeakers?  To me they look the same whether in a video or a still photograph and they all sound exactly like the speakers on my computer.
whoopycat
169 posts
 
As a Superfly and Defhead owner, I'm guessing your gamble will pay off.  You're getting a pretty serious upgrade over the Omen bookshelfs... a second driver, Event wiring, more bass... plus the ability to swap in some Radian tweeters down the road.  Report back and enjoy!
last_lemming OP
639 posts
 
Randy,

while i agree listenening to speakers over over the internet is far from optimal, I do think you can get a general idea of tone and voicing. I don't use computer speakers I use a pretty good set of headphones. I've listened to internet videos people have made with speakers I have owned (and currently own) and when you look at them as a whole they all have the tone and voicing I know them to have "in real life". In other words videos with Vandersteens 2ce's sound pretty much like Vandy 2ce's in my room.  It's all pretty much academic anyway because it's the only option I really have.  I wish I lived in a city that gave me good options to go listen to  
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 

Rarely have I seen such reckless behavior. ;)

audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Last lemming
I would at least try Randys advice above ,
 you can get a ball park idea of timing etc.
 My take on this is consider the measurements of Vandersteens
 They are by design a unique product of form following function and considered superlative.
A quick look and a Zu product there is a forest of stored energy within the  Box design. Of course you may be taken by the fashion of the design.

Some other thoughts to consider take 3K and check out a pair of the new Belles Aria Mono Blocks.
  Run some AQ wires and interconnects to your existing Vandersteen speakers make sure you have a decent Phono stage.
 The Vandersteens in my opinion are a more sophisticated foundation to build on allowing you in the long run to achieve more solid performance.

 Dealing with your set up tilt back,Bases filled and snug, proper power response speaker position, perhaps wider spacing speakers, reading manuals
 doing the basics etc.
I have seen many come full circle with Vandersteens, chase their tail in denial for years and come back home to music at mamas.
 JohnnyR
 Vandersteen dealer
 
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