Of course, I didn't meant to imply otherwise. But, let's be honest, the industry is catering to older people who already have the money to spend on very expensive systems. They are doing nothing to foster relationships and bring new, young people into the lifestyle. I have walked into every stereo shop in my area and been treated like a second rate citizen because I'm young, and I don't dress to impress the salesmen. The industry is missing out on a huge opportunity with the revival of vinyl in younger circles. HiFi shops and exhibitors should be falling over themselves to talk to young people that visit them, not shun them for not having $100K to spend on their first set up.
You hit the nail on the head when you said that Sean and his colleagues are, "invariably customer friendly." They will talk shop with anyone and that is why it is so maddening to see how they are treated at times (not all the time). They are the nicest, most approachable people in the industry. I am very appreciative of companies and reviewers who put information on Youtube. I used to walk up to them at shows and thank them for their work and information. Not a single time did they look me in the eye and engage me in conversation or give me more than a one word reply. Trying to engage the AV showrooms crew was the worst experience I've had since entering the hobby.
Back to the OP's original post. I have never had the pleasure of hearing the Defs, but I have a good friend (that is twice my age) who has the new Druid Mk VIs and they are the best speakers I have ever heard. They were good at RMAF, but in his home, they are mind blowing. They are a completely different speaker than the Druid Vs and there is very good justification for the big jump in price.
One point that was brought up earlier in the thread is that people don't like how Zu's product sounds with the amps they are paired with at shows. I can tell you, that when you pair their speakers with the proper gear, you will be greatly rewarded.
My wife and I researched and listened to every option in our price range and not a single thing came close to the realism, sound stage, clarity, or emotion that our speakers produced. Ignore the haters, most of them are shops or salesmen who don't like when a company sells direct and produces a significantly better product for a fraction of the price.
You hit the nail on the head when you said that Sean and his colleagues are, "invariably customer friendly." They will talk shop with anyone and that is why it is so maddening to see how they are treated at times (not all the time). They are the nicest, most approachable people in the industry. I am very appreciative of companies and reviewers who put information on Youtube. I used to walk up to them at shows and thank them for their work and information. Not a single time did they look me in the eye and engage me in conversation or give me more than a one word reply. Trying to engage the AV showrooms crew was the worst experience I've had since entering the hobby.
Back to the OP's original post. I have never had the pleasure of hearing the Defs, but I have a good friend (that is twice my age) who has the new Druid Mk VIs and they are the best speakers I have ever heard. They were good at RMAF, but in his home, they are mind blowing. They are a completely different speaker than the Druid Vs and there is very good justification for the big jump in price.
One point that was brought up earlier in the thread is that people don't like how Zu's product sounds with the amps they are paired with at shows. I can tell you, that when you pair their speakers with the proper gear, you will be greatly rewarded.
My wife and I researched and listened to every option in our price range and not a single thing came close to the realism, sound stage, clarity, or emotion that our speakers produced. Ignore the haters, most of them are shops or salesmen who don't like when a company sells direct and produces a significantly better product for a fraction of the price.