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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
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
I came to the realization quite a while ago that there are generally two broad camps of listeners.
1)The higher the power the better the amp and sound,this group tends to prefer lower efficiency speakers with 300,500....watts, hey how about 1000 watts anyone.

2)This camp prefers high efficiency speakers with simple first order, or no crossovers at all driven by low power but high quality amps,SET and PP usally with DHT tubes.

There`s no right or wrong approach as many roads lead to Rome. Threads like this one are a reminder.

As for me, after spending time in the former camp, I found the latter more satisfying and real. Just one man`s humble opinion.
onemug
784 posts
 
Charles1dad,
I agree with a lot of what you say in your posts. Your post above reminded me of a "paper" I read several years ago. Here's a link.

http://homepage.mac.com/tlinespeakers/vaughn/downloads/SE-v-PP-Part1.pdf

It's very balanced and I think you will enjoy it. I did and have re-read it a couple of times over the years. If you do, let me know what you think of it.
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi,
Onemug, I had come across this article by Eddie Vaughn about 3 years ago. At that time I was using a push-pull amplifier but was becoming aware of SET amps. It was fun reading it again last night, thanks. The article is well written and informative. I reaaly liked the explanation of fixed bias vs auto bias.

I`m enjoying my SET 300b Frankensteins so much(exceeded my high expectations) not certain I`ll ever go back to PP amplifiers(who knows though).

By the way Onemug I must tell you I`ve enjoyed reading your fine and informative contributions on this site. Please keep them coming.
Best Regards,
evank's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
evank
317 posts
 
08-19-11: Bjesien
Okay, check the listing for the Essence Time Warp Candy Gloss direct from Zu. Original price $10,200 selling for $6,000 new. Great deal since they are new at $6000, well under the list of $10,200.

The Zu site lists them for $4,000 a pair. The Essence goes for maybe $2,200 used if lucky.

Where does the list of $10,200 come in to play?

Answer:
The finish
bjesien
1,338 posts
 
Got it.

I tried to run the scenario so many different ways but got lost. I came up the with the high school friend who owned the 2k car with the 8k stereo. That didn't seem right. Next thought the opposite... 8k car with 2k stereo. That started to make sense.

You have enlightened me though that it is the paint job that we are going with more than any other part of the car.

That helps me clarify the situation but why would the owner/manufacturer discount over $4,000? Seems like building to loose money or a really great deal on a pimped out Pontiac Fiero.

http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/11/fiero-kit-car-madness-murcielago.html

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