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Some impression on Zu Omen Definition

I just pick up a pair of Zu Omen Definition, and I have mixed feelings. It sound very different from my B&W.

First of all, the height of the sound. For my B&W, the sound is a bit higher than my ear level. But for the Zu, it is the same or a bit lower than my ear level. This sounds a bit weird. Because usually the singer will be on a stage, so, it is more natural to expect the sound is higher from my ear level.

Secondly is the depth. For my B&W, the singer is behind the speaker plane. For the Zu, the singer is very forward. It almost feel it is in front of the speaker plane. I don't know which way is better. Due to this difference, for the 30 mins or so .. I feel very weird listening to Zu.

Why would 2 speakers have so much different in presentation? The zu is much taller than the B&W, so, I expect it will project a bigger soundstage. And usually the sound stage is behind the speaker. But with the height and forward sounding, I can't say produce a big sound stage. Or can I say it produce a sound stage in front of the speaker plane, and I need to sit back further?
gte357s
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hey Paul,I know what you mean in regards to curiosity. The First watt amps intrique me based on their very simple(I love) design and reviews/word of mouth reputation. I have absolute passion for my Coincident Frankenstein 300b monoblocks, but would love to compare/contrast with a First watt amp. The tone,harmonics and pure naturalness of the Franks is the best I`ve heard so far. Paul have you heard the F5 or the J2 versions? This truly is a great hobby if approached with the right attitude.
paulfolbrecht
603 posts
 
I also had an F5 once. I liked the F3 better by a decent margin. I think I had AN/Es then (also a great match with the F3).
gte357s OP
281 posts
 
Just an update on this thread and share with you guys. I am not convinced that my Preamp with such high output impedance (2800ohm for mid and treble, 11.5k ohm at 20Hz!!) will match with F3 with input impedance of 10k.

I decided to give the AES SE-1 a try. It is good, it has 7 wpc with the 300B tube and can drive the Zu no problem. The problem of having too much gain is also alleviate. I can now turn the preamp to about 10 - 11 position, with the volume control in iTunes at about 1/4 of the bar.

The sound is also improved for instruments like piano. It seems the treble frequency is improve. There is no significant improvement on vocal, which surprise me. Because 300B is well know to deliver very smooth vocal. Don't get me wrong, the vocal on my system is very good, I am quite satisfied, that means the McCormack can delivery vocal as good as a 300B SET amp, this is what surprise me.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Gte357,
Congradulations with your new amp. The 300b is a very good tube, but keep in mine there are quite a variety of flavors among them. They can sound very different from one brand to another ,i.e. frequency extremes,dynamics, midrange tone,harmonic overtones etc. Change a tube and vocal performance changes along with it.
Best of Luck,
morganc
255 posts
 
I finally got my system up and running again after a lengthy downturn recently. I have the Frankensteins going finally after having constant ground loop hum issues and break in on the Black Treasure 300's. Also I just bought a Dood Tube Buffer as my new pre......both of those and my upgraded Tranquility Sig DAC, and we have definitely found some magic.......
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