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Zu Druid MK IVs vs. Essences

I'm trying to decide between these two speakers and, after reading lots of reviews and impressions on-line, I'm more confused than ever. I'd like to hear what differences Audiogoners have experienced between the two. Of course, I'm not looking for the final word, or consensus - just folks' subjective impressions.

I won't get to audition either speakers, because I'm in northwest Wisconsin and a bit isolated. But I've bought a fair number of speakers without hearing them, so that doesn't worry me. I like revealing speakers that are a bit upfront and I'd rather have scintillating highs and great mids than thundering bass. I even like a little thin-ness in the bass.

Thanks in advance for any impressions you can offer.
128x128klein_rogge
jdoris
972 posts
 
This does not quite answer your question, but have you considered the current Zu models, Omen Def and Soul Superfly? Zu does demos, b-stock, etc., that will bring you in at a price competitive with the models you are considering, and the Zu guys are good to deal with. I can't do comparisons, but I heard the Superflys, and I think they could be described as upfront and revealing.

John
klein_rogge's avatar
klein_rogge OP
13 posts
 
Thanks, John. I thought about that option, but Zu isn't selling directly online right now. They have a notice up that says they will be again soon, but there's no date listed.

I was also thinking - but I could easily be wrong - that the new line of Zu speakers were supposed to fill in some of the lower price points that Zu hasn't met before. I know cheaper doesn't mean worse sound, but I thought the Druids and Essences might be built a little better than the Omen or Soul Superfly models. But I'll be happy to be corrected.
morganc
255 posts
 
Hi Klein,
I owned the Essence before and now the Omen Defs. I have also heard the Superfly's extensively. The new production are far superior to the Essence in all regards IMO. Much larger soundstage. Great dynamics. Great tonality. Intimate vocals. I have not heard the Druids, but I do believe the current models are supposed to be an improvement so to speak on the Druid line, whereas the Essence were an outlier in the Zu lineup so to speak.
If you don't want a lot of bass, and you like tube amps, then go for the Superfly. Just give Zu a call, I guarantee you that they will make you a pair. Also, they have very good B Stock pricing on EBay where the sell maybe 1 pair per week.
sibelius
256 posts
 
At one time I owned both the Druids and then the Essence. Have not heard any of the new Zu's so I can't comment on them. Between the Druids and Essence the choice probably depends on what kind of music you like. For Rock, I prefered the Druids. For Classical and Jazz I prefered the Essence. I think Zu is very good value for the money but I thought those models lacked the detail that better high efficiency drivers can provide. However, as a stepping stone into the world of high efficiency speakers I think they do a good job.
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