2. speakers
  3. 148698-40359

Help me understand how to optimize bass on the Zu Definition Mk IV

I am a longtime owner of Zu Definition Mk1.5 speakers and recently also bought a pair of Definition Mk4's. I based this decision partly on the reviews / feedback posted here on Audiogon in various threads by members such as 213cobra, gsm18439, spiritofmusic and others. I'm really hoping some of you Mk4 owners can chime in and help me out here!

Basically, my issue is that I found the Mk1.5's put out incredibly deep and impactful bass, especially with some of the music I love, like R&B and reggae. And this was with the bass amplitude knob at 12 or 1 o'clock. However, after setting up my new Mk4's, I find the bass underwhelming and anemic, even after fiddling around with various settings and with the volume and PEQ cranked. I have them on spikes into bases on a hardwood floor, with about a 1.5" gap on the bottom. What am I missing here?? Based on the reviews I read, I was expected the bass to equal or exceed the lowly 1.5's. 

Thanks so much in advance for any helpful advice! 


temicxoch
millercarbon's avatar
millercarbon
12,531 posts
 
For context, I am also a bass guitarist, so I do love some very deep low frequencies!


So when you get these the best you can then if you want a whole lot better get four cheap subs, place them near the walls spread asymmetrically around the room, and be amazed how deep and low and tuneful and focused the bass is with a distributed bass array.
almarg's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
almarg
9,670 posts
 
@temicxoch As a SET amp the 300SE is neither balanced nor bridged, so you're fine in that respect.

Good luck.  Regards,

-- Al
 
spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
Temixoch, good luck. There's no doubt that 4x 10" woofers firing 6" into a wall would produce a very pressurised bass, whereas 1x 12" firing down into the floor is a whole different concept.

My Revopods raise the Def4s 1.5" off the floor (I also situate the Zus on Panzerholz pieces).

FWIW, Jaco and Geddy sound pretty good here.
gsm18439
895 posts
 
My Def4s are 6" from the back wall, and the floor is wood glued to reinforced concrete. Sean delivered the speakers, dialed in the bass amps, and the output curve is flat (see the owner's manual):

Volume=9
Low pass=45
PEQ Gain DB=3.0
PEQ frequency=35
Phase in degrees=0
Gap=1-1/4"

Bass is tighter and more cohesive than either the 1.5s or 2s. You can always call Sean for suggestions.



spiritofmusic
828 posts
 
GSM, I've just tried yr settings and really quite like the sound.
More to discover