Correct, but that's only my opinion.
Zu for Pass Labs?
Just buy an INT-25 and XP-17 phono stage, and after dozens of speakers (and really expensive ones), still remember the Zu Omens as my favorites. (also can get my hands on Heresy IV, and before Zu Heresy or Forte III were my choices).
Would they match good? I might can get Omen MKI or Soul VI.
TT: TD1500 and VPI Classic Signature, Rose for DAC/Streamer.
My other amp are a Mastersound Dueundici and Dueventi.
Hi - You should stick with the MK II versions, be it the Omen or the DW. The MK II represents a sufficient enough upgrade from the MK I to justify the extra cost. As for whether to go with the DW or the Omen floor standers. I have DW MKII floor standers and Omen MK II stand mounters, so it's similar comparison, but not the same. I am testing my memory here, but I thought that the major build differences between the DW & the Omens were that the Omens have better inside wiring and the drivers are matched. That is what brought Zu Audio to introduce the DW's in the first place, they had all these spare parts that they could make a speaker out of. They weren't expecting the DW's to become so popular and the DW's wound up becoming a product line on their own. Is that worth a 1000 Euros ... don't know what your wallet looks like. Does your hearing make distinctions at the level that it could detect those differences and would those differences matter anyway? 3 years ago, I paid USD 1200 for the DWs in walnut & earlier this year, I paid USD 2000 for the Omen bookshelfs in ruby. Both finishes were extra cost, the ruby more so. I use the same speaker cables with both set-ups (QED silver anniversary); same turntables (Technics 1210); similar level cartridges; Prima Luna amp (all tubes) with the DW's; Rogue Audio Sphinx (tube hybrid) with the Omens. Similar level, though not the same. Both the DW's and Omens sound very similar with both vinyl & CDs. I don't know if I could tell the sound differences between the two in a blind test. From a build perspective, the Omens seem to be of a higher quality. Admittedly, I am getting stuck on the 1K price difference. As you can tell, I am leaning towards the the DW's, though I could not blame you if you went with the Omens MKII, just not to have any lingering doubts about your purchase. Finally, are there any other upgrades or changes that the 1000 Euros could go towards ... perhaps a new cartridge? Rich
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@rar1 all clear now, I’m going for DW and put those 1.000€ in a good soundsmith cartridge. Thank U all!
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Contact Reno Hi Fi and ask for recommendations. I purchased used Omens and run on a budget with Had Inspire or Akitika, and enjoy them. The gentleman that sold me the Omens regrets letting them go. However he has in his rotation Devore 0/96’s and a pair of Zu Druids with 2 sets of drivers that were Mr. Dans personal gear at Modwright. They pair well with Pass, Modwright and 300b tubes. I’ve not tried the new generation Omens, but the early ones spiked, work great on my shag carpet. A clean pair of DW Omens are always a good value and worth holding on to. Happy Listening, Mike B. |