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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.
klein_rogge
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
evank
320 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
1,382 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

bjesien
1,382 posts
 
The Zu Essence with Candy Gloss went for $3300. What an awesome deal for the buyer.
plangco's avatar
plangco
158 posts
 
I can't comment on the Essences, haven't heard them. However, I have heard the Soul Superfly and A-B'd them with the Zu Druid MK IVs. The Superfly in comparison was a little more linear and clearer and perhaps a smidge more bass. However, the Druids to me were slightly warmer and more pronounced in the midrange, with a very likeable midbass bump.

The bass has a very good presence all the way down to close to 40 Hz. Claims about inadequate bass are only valid when talking about below 40Hz. Otherwise, both speakers are wonderful sounding. Any musical sub like REL or MJ Acoustics should blend in very well. The Druids to me sounded a smidge more 'tubey' and analog.

I found that lower powered subs tend to blend in better, whereas the more powerful subs seem to take more power to 'get going' and then stand out a little too much. So, the MJ Acoustics REF100 or the REL Strata are good matchs.
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