Question for Zu owners

You don't need a center channel speaker in a properly-set-up Zu 2 channel installation. On the contrary, a center channel will degrade your imaging and can make dialog less intelligible.

The Definitions acoustically manage the midrange and treble dispersion well, by virtue of the vertical MTM array. They are designed to limit vertical dispersion to reduce ceiling and floor effects, and to broaden horizontal dispersion relative to the single-main-driver Druids. So with Definitions it is very easy to obtain a rock-solid alignment of dialog audio to speaking image, for excellent speech clarity on movies.

With Druids, toe-in is more critical to achieve the same, but when dialed-in the effect is just as stable and focused. The window for ideal sound dimensioning will be somewhat narrower than with the Definitions, but in most situations should be quite satisfying for everyone watching.

In general, the extrapolation of the Zu ideal is that simplicity pays, and that holds true for HT 2 channel as well.

However, for anyone who regardless of this advice insists on center or 5 channel, Tones and Druid Studios can give you the industry-encouraged coverage.

Phil

I contacted Zu about this question and they sent me back an email letting me know they're working on a Center channel speaker design. It will be out sometime in 2006, however they could not give me an exact date. They recommended Tones for the surround sound speakers.

Sounds intriguing!

It seems that the strength of the Zu speakers is their simplicity and directness. I imagine that would be compromised by the kluginess of multi channel. On the other hand, if you are going to do it, there is nothing better to do it with. Zu has a lively spirited character that I have never encountered before. Sountracks really come to life.