I have followed this thread with interest . . . as the owner of a pair of Zu Definition 2s that I also consider a big tent speaker, albeit an expensive one.
I agree with Phil, there are many music lovers more than willing to spend 2-3k on a pair of musically satisfying speakers; I know that I am. I am talking about people who want good, involving music when they cook, eat, work, read, relax, play, walk about the house, visit with friends, etc. People who are willing to make real-world compromises to incorporate music into the rest of their lives, for whom aesthetics are important, and who need speakers that are modest in size and that can be placed where they integrate into their environment. Not people for whom the only acceptable audio experience is sitting in the middle of the sweet spot in a dead-quiet, isolated space, totally focused on the sound. And, no, mass-market hi-fi is not an adequate solution. It seems that Soul Superfly may fit this bill nicely . . . and at a reasonable price. (If Superfly had been available 3.5 years ago, I probably would have tried them first . . . and maybe last.)
I have found Zus direct market approach to be totally consumer-friendly. Whoever answers the phone at Zu is polite and helpful and knowledgeable and if unable to answer my question, quickly finds someone who can. When Ron Williams was in my neighborhood, he spent an hour tweaking my speakers' placement. And, yes, it did make a difference. This is the opposite experience that I have had at most B&M audio stores. However, while Zu stands by their 60 day home trial something no B&M store has ever offered packing and unpacking and shipping speakers of this size is not a cakewalk. What I do not understand is how Zu expects to reach the music lover with its current, direct-market approach. How can a music-loving consumer discover Zu when most audio stores have barely heard of them? The internet levels the playing field for small companies, but the consumer must still search . . . and sometimes search diligently.
I have also learned what Phil means when he says that Zu speakers shift the focus of the sound to the amplifier. Every amplifier that I have tried sounds very different on the Definitions. Not better or worst, but always different. (I should thank Phil for the time that he spent answering my questions and those of others on Audiogon and similar forums.) Like the Zu speakers, my current electronics have been chosen for their visual appeal and craftsmanship (works of art, really) and ease of integration into my environment . . . not just for their rich sound.
Gary
I agree with Phil, there are many music lovers more than willing to spend 2-3k on a pair of musically satisfying speakers; I know that I am. I am talking about people who want good, involving music when they cook, eat, work, read, relax, play, walk about the house, visit with friends, etc. People who are willing to make real-world compromises to incorporate music into the rest of their lives, for whom aesthetics are important, and who need speakers that are modest in size and that can be placed where they integrate into their environment. Not people for whom the only acceptable audio experience is sitting in the middle of the sweet spot in a dead-quiet, isolated space, totally focused on the sound. And, no, mass-market hi-fi is not an adequate solution. It seems that Soul Superfly may fit this bill nicely . . . and at a reasonable price. (If Superfly had been available 3.5 years ago, I probably would have tried them first . . . and maybe last.)
I have found Zus direct market approach to be totally consumer-friendly. Whoever answers the phone at Zu is polite and helpful and knowledgeable and if unable to answer my question, quickly finds someone who can. When Ron Williams was in my neighborhood, he spent an hour tweaking my speakers' placement. And, yes, it did make a difference. This is the opposite experience that I have had at most B&M audio stores. However, while Zu stands by their 60 day home trial something no B&M store has ever offered packing and unpacking and shipping speakers of this size is not a cakewalk. What I do not understand is how Zu expects to reach the music lover with its current, direct-market approach. How can a music-loving consumer discover Zu when most audio stores have barely heard of them? The internet levels the playing field for small companies, but the consumer must still search . . . and sometimes search diligently.
I have also learned what Phil means when he says that Zu speakers shift the focus of the sound to the amplifier. Every amplifier that I have tried sounds very different on the Definitions. Not better or worst, but always different. (I should thank Phil for the time that he spent answering my questions and those of others on Audiogon and similar forums.) Like the Zu speakers, my current electronics have been chosen for their visual appeal and craftsmanship (works of art, really) and ease of integration into my environment . . . not just for their rich sound.
Gary