Zu Definition owners who stepped up to the Def 4

Markpao,

All other things being equal, more cone area to move air is "better." But all other things aren't equal in this case. Four drivers don't deliver the same absolute dynamic unity as one. The 12" in the Def4 is a substantial cast-basket driver with a more powerful motor and it is bolted horizontally to the massive machined aluminum plinth rather than screwed on the vertical plane to wood. And even if that weren't enough difference, Def4 adds an array of five controls for the sub, against just a level control in Def2. The one area of theoretical compromise is that the sub's internal amp is proximate to the 12" driver. If you really worried about that the amplification could be externalized, but then the elegant unitary integration of all Def4 elements into one simple box would be ruined. Anyone so inclined can always save their money for Dominance if they hanker for more boxes and cable on the floor!

Phil

Phil, is there any reason Zu haven't fitted an internal amp for the 15" sub driver in the Dominance? I would love to be able to afford this model one day, but need for more expenditure on bi amping the speaker takes it further out of range.

There's certainly room for an internal amp in Dominance. In designing a SotA speaker, Zu just took the absolutist route to require external amplification & control for the 15". As a Zu customer I've expressed my preference for a version of Dominance with the Def-like integrated amp/control module internally mounted. It remains to be seen whether the market gets it. I'm sure it's not Sean's highest priority nor should it be.

Phil

Phil,

"The one area of theoretical compromise is that the sub's internal amp is
proximate to the 12" driver"

I just had a talk with Sean about this. I was reassured that the amp being
close is not a problem with the woofer doing its job. And that more of a
concern was the woofer vibration to the amp. He mention that is why they
use extra measures to keep the amp assembled strongly as so not to let the
vibrations of the woofer rattle anything in the amp.

" If you really worried about that the amplification could be
externalized, but then the elegant unitary integration of all Def4 elements into
one simple box would be ruined"

Yes, very true. We also talked about this too. Sean mentioned to me that they
are coming out with a kit that will allow one to remove the amp from the Def
4 (and I'm thinking possibly the prior defs as well?) and incorporate their own
amp to drive the sub. There will be a plate that will fit over the amp opening
to cover the hole and you will receive a credit for returning the amp. This kit
will be posted on their website soon. What a great idea for those who want to
go that route.

I am with Phil on this. The integrated solution is so elegant and in only a 12"x12" foot print. Plus, some of the hassles with accessing and servicing the built-in amplifier in the Def 2s have been solved with the design of the Def 4s. As I understand it, Zu did consider eliminating the built-in amplifier in the Def 4's design; I am glad that they did not.