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Magnepan .7s' vs Zu Omens

Greetings Friends. I'm getting the fever again. I currently have a pair of Magnepan .7's which I really like with 2 caveats. One is that my studio apt. isn't 100% conducive to the ideal set up for them. The other is my primary listening is electric blues and classic rock (Tull, Zeppelin, etc.) and the Maggies (to me) lack that nth degree of impact that suits that type of music, too "polite" maybe? I've been intrigued by the Zu Omens and have been told they might be a better choice for my listening tastes. I know we are talking apples and oranges, hence I'm reaching out for thoughts and advice. Amp is Wyred A500 (needed the current for the .7's). Source is an Oppo BDP 105.
Thanks!
dan
128x128beernut
oleschool's avatar
oleschool
722 posts
 
I loved my maggies with two subs . I had smg with velodynes way back . Had 3a then 1.7 with dual sunfires cj tubes it sounded fantastic . I must also say placement and treatment made the maggies soar . I am in the process of treating my new room .. Dual subs are great with maggies imo . dual 8" -10" although for rock i loved the 12" hsu sunfire for a g its pretty nice 
gsm18439
895 posts
 
I have had mixed results buying used - admitedly, though, buying only electronics. Conversely, my experience dealing directly with Zu has been faultless. My first pair of Zu speakers were the Def 1.5s that I swapped for an early pair of Zu Def 2s since they were released during my Def 1.5's home audition period. When the Zu Def 4s came out, I was able to swap the Def 2s for the Def 4s. Just my own experience and preference.
beernut's avatar
beernut OP
296 posts
 
gsm, thanks. Wish i could here the Zu's in person. Where I live that's nil. Thanks for the input, ZU seems to have a great reputation.
gdnrbob
4,444 posts
 
Beernut, enjoy your sub. I hope you can get a second, it really smooths things out. Those Maggies are fine speakers.
When a pair of Zu Omens or Superfly's come through Agon at a good price, I think you should try them. They really are pretty sweet.
hanfrac
22 posts
 
I listen to primarily classic rock and 80's/90's college alternative.  I've been running Klipsch Fortes for the past 18 months, but have always been curious about Zu's and Tekton's.  I was able to pick up some used Omen's 3 weeks ago.

As much as I want to love the Omens - they look better, they take up less space, I've read so many great things, etc. - I believe I have concluded that with my room and my gear, the Fortes are a better, more live-sounding, more impactful speaker.  They just give me more "rock."  Now, I have an Outlaw sub (perhaps not a great sub) that I'm using with the Zu's, but I wouldn't say I've done a perfect job of blending the sub with the Zu's, either placement or levels.  It is definitely true that the Forte's go much lower with more authority.  Maybe if I got the sub set up properly, the Zu's would shine.

I have never heard Magnepans, so I can't opine on them.
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