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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
gdnrbob
4,441 posts
 
As a Vandy and Zu owner, I can attest to the virtues of both speakers.
I also have a pair of Omen bookshelf speakers, but coupled with a pair of Hsu subs for my office system. 
My main system has the Vandy 3a sigs with 2w subs. 
I can honestly say the main system is the better of the two. But, taking intoconsideration the differences between the enclosures, I have to say the Zu Omens are pretty darned good.
So, I think you will be pretty impressed with the Def 2's. And, as you say, you do have a return policy should they not be what you want.
As always Johnny R gives good advice. Those Vandy's have a 'je ne sais quoi' that keep me in thrall. As much as I admire the Zu, a pair of Quattro's may be in my future.
sbrownnw
686 posts
 
I bought my ProAc Studio 148 towers without an audition, but I did audition similar ones in their reference line. 
last_lemming OP
632 posts
 
So day one with the Omen Def mk ii' she.  Definately a big improvement over the bookshelfs. Highs are smooth, but room placement will be everything with these.  Bass goes, low and seems tight. I also need to figure out the gap a the bottom to optimize the bass response. Not sure if more gap means more or less bass. I've read the literature, but it's not quite direct in answering that point. 

My my room is probably a bit too small for these, but so far they don't seem to suffer too badly. 

Couple questions regarding small room acoustics. There seems to be a large bass null spot when you're not near the wall boundaries.  No sure if there is a fix for this. Also what treatment is best behind your head when your back is close - if not right up on - the wall?
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
I strongly suggest going on Gik website and filling out there form with a couple pics.No affilation,just a fan and firm believer it has been one of the best investments in awhile. 
jkontuly's avatar
jkontuly
59 posts
 
Please tell us how it goes as I might make the same gamble.  The Druids v are the best speakers I have ever heard but new they are just too $$$ for me. 
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