What amp are you using with your Zu Essences?

Well, I just sent away for a new tube compliment for my LA-Audio 100r. KT-94s produce plenty of grunt (90 wpc into 8ohm) and a good deal of image saturation, which is something that is missing with the Sharp. Less pristine and sweet than the Sharp, I'm betting that Essence tweeter gives a more artful presentation with the LA Audio.

I'm curious to know, why are the Essences considered different from the more typical Zu sound/models. I know they are less sensitive, but how does that actually play out in the listening arena?

After reading up on some suggestions I'd really like to hear the Pass XA30.5; thanks again all--fascinating discussion.

I will start with the disclaimer that I am no audiophile or expert, and I have to say that I enjoyed the Essence until I upgraded to the Omen Defs. However, the Omen Defs are not that far away from the Def mk ii (especially with a few mods)and maybe even better in all categories except the bass (direct quote from Sean Casey). Both the Omen Defs and the Superfly excel with dynamics, sound staging, and are both very musical. The Superfly produces a bit more of an intimate feeling for me, though they both sound like you are at a live show....with great presence and tonality. I never got that from the Essence. The Essence excelled with vocals and jazz, but when things "got busy" so to speak, especially on the high end, my ears fatigued at even low volumes. This only happens with the Defs for me at higher volumes for longer periods of time, and with better amplification, it keeps getting louder and longer before I fatigue!

I am loving the Pass XA 30.5 at the moment, though I do have a Carissa 845 on the way. If the Pass is displaced, let me know and I will give you a great price on it.

FWIW, the Essence ribbon tweeter output is "aggressive" with solid state gear, but nothing that can't be accommodated/resolved through careful (small) changes in positioning. I found that toe-in so that the tweeter output intersected on the rear wall behind the listening position minimized this in my room. Listening height plays into this as well.

That said, all of this went away with tubes. The impedance curve of the tweeter shelves down the output just a little on my Manleys. My Manleys are a very good match for the Essence albeit a pricey one at the new list price.

PMB

Telescope: are you still running the XPA-2? How is it treating you?