Zu Druid questions


For some reason I've ttally overlooked these speakers. I've seen them mentioned many times and am unsure why they didn't catch my attention until now.

Anyhow, I'm very curious. I am currently running a pair of Usher 6381's. Has anyone listenedd to both the six series Ushers and the Druids? I'd love to hear your observations.

These appear to be basically a horn type speaker in the way they function. Do they have a sound similar to that of say the Klipsh heritage series, or am I way off bass?

I once owned a pair of LaScallas that I loved, but just could not put up with the size. These have peaked my interest.

Thanks.
jack_dotson
Jack don't worry too much about the specifics, just know that a Zu speaker will never drop, and will stay a stable load, and as for 4 or 8 ohm taps thats fine with a 12 ohm speaker, via tubes it is different than solid state, the 8 ohm taps would most likely sound best and run just fine, also most tube amps don't change power output at all between the 4 and 8 ohm taps, if its a 40 tube its 40 at either tap, normally a solid state is 40 w at the 8 ohm for example and 80 w at the 4 ohm...

But even solid state amps like 12 ohm loads, but might not be optimal all the time I would assume cause your not getting the full juice out of it cause it never has a reason to break a sweat, but I don't know, some amps are just better being driven harder, Class A tube amps are full output all the time even not driving a music signal thats why they probably sound the best, but then again thats why they run hotter too.
Jack, thanks for your detailed answer about the Cornwalls. Those should be nice for you. Sounds like I should check that model sometime just for fun.

Steve
I've had the Druids for nearly 2 years and the importance of properly setting the base gap cannot be overemphasized. Right now I have the gap set at about 1/16th of an inch (using a stack of paper under each speaker). This is contrary to the owner's manual instructions, but I confirmed this setting with Sean at Zu. First, with a bottom port, if you have carpet you should put a piece of butcher block or acrylic under the speaker, to start with a precise flat surface. Setting the gap correctly will make the speakers sound totally different. The treble will sound like it extends beyond the walls, the transients will speed up like lightning and the resolution will increase dramatically. If the gap is not set right, the speakers will be quite unremarkable and you may have no idea what you are missing.