Zu Druid MK IVs vs. Essences

Shadorne-

I've owned Wilson Sophias, Dynaudio C1s (one of your favs), and had Barefoot MM27s in my room as well for an extended audition (pro audio speaker).

Zu Definition 2s are the real deal, driven by the correct amplification. Whizzer cone or not. I'd love for you to hear a pair some day. Over time, i am getting used to not having a passive xover in the way---which seems to suck the life/dynamics of many speakers even when driven by 1000 watts. As for the Druids--I think they sound rolled off to me in previous interations and the bass didn't satisfy me, but Superflys (at least at THE Show) were anything but.

Wilson W/P 3/2s sucked terribly 10+ years ago and no one brings up their measurements compared to a Sasha. They had a hole the size of 18-wheeler in the midbass which took 9 iterations to get rid of. What gives. The Wilson Witt was a complete joke.

Zus are designed to go with warm amplification---after owning 9+ amps, I can guarantee that. Here is my list (which is growing--Sophia 845s could be next):

Bat 300xSE
McIntosh MA6600
Shindo Haut Brion
Triode Corp 845SE
Shindo Montille
Vac Phi 200
McIntosh 601s
DeHavilland 845s
Mastersound Due Venti

Mac for SS and 845s have worked best imo.

Cheers,

KeithR

I should also add, if I didn't own the Zu Def2s---the Reference 3A Grand Veena was really impressive at THE Show and would probably be strong consideration.

Okay, check the listing for the Essence Time Warp Candy Gloss direct from Zu. Original price $10,200 selling for $6,000 new. Great deal since they are new at $6000, well under the list of $10,200.

The Zu site lists them for $4,000 a pair. The Essence goes for maybe $2,200 used if lucky.

Where does the list of $10,200 come in to play?

I came to the realization quite a while ago that there are generally two broad camps of listeners.
1)The higher the power the better the amp and sound,this group tends to prefer lower efficiency speakers with 300,500....watts, hey how about 1000 watts anyone.

2)This camp prefers high efficiency speakers with simple first order, or no crossovers at all driven by low power but high quality amps,SET and PP usally with DHT tubes.

There`s no right or wrong approach as many roads lead to Rome. Threads like this one are a reminder.

As for me, after spending time in the former camp, I found the latter more satisfying and real. Just one man`s humble opinion.

Charles1dad,
I agree with a lot of what you say in your posts. Your post above reminded me of a "paper" I read several years ago. Here's a link.

http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/vaughn/downloads/SE-v-PP-Part1.pdf

It's very balanced and I think you will enjoy it. I did and have re-read it a couple of times over the years. If you do, let me know what you think of it.