What amp are you using with your Zu Essences?

Been reading, and have a pair of Omen Def's on the way, and
wonder why no mention of Peachtree as a recommended amp for Zu's as they were what was used at the shows mainly??

The Peachtree is a fine choice and you will likely be happy with it. The truth is, the Omen Defs and the Superflys are so transparent that every amplifier change will produce dramatic changes, all of which are of course just a matter of taste and personal preference I have heard the Omen Defs with many amps and a very good solid state integrated is the Virtue amps with the tube buffer (also recommended by Zu). There are many good options, and what I have found is it is just best to try several amps to get a different taste so to speak so that you can determine what you like best.

Peachtree integrateds sound fine on Zu speakers, though better on the 12+ ohms speakers than the 6 ohms Definition configurations. "Fine" being the operative word. That is, for their cost Peachtree integrateds are beyond reproach. If you can afford more, by all means put more money into your amplification for more engagement, presence, musical intimacy and more convincing recreation of the recorded event. It will be quite worthwhile. You will get no-apologies, serviceable fidelity out of Peachtree + Zu, but you'll be leaving quite a lot of the speaker's musicality, involvement and sonic potential untapped. Peachtree is far less than optimal, and far more than objectionable, the classic mid-fi dilemma as to where you put your cash.

As I've written many times before: going lighter on the Zu speaker (lower in the line) and pushing more of your cash into exceptional amplification is generally the better route with Zu if funds are constrained and you have a set total spend allowed.

Phil

Thanks Phil & Morgan! I do have a XPA-2 that I was running with my standard Omens and thought it sounded way better
than (using Peachtree as a pre/dac) just the Peachtree by
itself. I guess thats the way I will run the Omen Defs.
Also, I was thinking (hoping) the Peachtree would be a better
match for the 6 ohm Omen than the 12 ohm...no??

Morganc... very interested in your thoughts about how the 845-based Carissa plays with your Omen Defs! Please keep us posted!