ZU's AFFORDABLE AUDIOPHILE speaker for QUIET and LOUD Listeners!
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- Опубліковано 20 лип 2024
- ZU's US MADE speakers ship worldwide www.zuaudio.com/loudspeakers/dw6 Zu ships worldwide, shipping is expensive, but cheaper than the added costs of having a distributor.
AUDIOPHILIAC viewers comments on VERY LOUD and VERY QUIET Listening make for interesting reading • For truly REALISTIC so...
AUDIOPHILIAC's ZU Soul 6 speaker review • ZU SOUL VI Speaker Fir...
0:00 The new Zu!
1:33 Looking back on the Zu Soul 6
2:01 What's special about Zu speakers
4:38 Loud Listeners/Quiet Listeners
6:11 The Price
8:33 The three amps I used w the Zu
11:18 The Sound
12:39 The Music
19:44 So Steve, what do you really think?
20:31 Audiophiliac Viewer System of the Day!
21:52 Outro
Twitter: @AudiophiliacMan
Instagram: / steve.guttenberg
#zu #madeinUS #hifi
Steve’s System:
Technics SL 1200G turntable
Grado Epoch 3 cartridge
Ortofon Cadenza Blue cartridge
Van Den Hul Grail phono preamp audioshield-distribution.com/...
Parasound JC3+ phono preamp
Mola Mola Tambaqui DAC
Jay’s Audio CD Transport www.jays-audio.com/
Pass Labs XP30 preamp
First Watt J2 power amp www.firstwatt.com/j2.html
Mytek Brooklyn Amp+ mytekdigital.com/hifi/product...
Decware Zen Triode
Klipsch Cornwall IV speakers • Klipsch Cornwall IV wi... - Наука та технологія
I'm another person here in the comments that landed on Zu Speakers long term. I have two pairs, Druid Credenzas that have been upgraded to the latest internals, and Zu Cubes hanging above the screen in my living room. Both are paired with Scanspeak subwoofers. I have heard a large number of great speakers, because I used to go to RMAF in Denver every year, but after getting Zu speakers at home I still went to the show but rarely heard anything I would consider upgrading to.
There is personal preference of course. Not everybody appreciates the dynamics focused sound of Zu speakers, either because of the genres they listen to or because they have a preference for a more mellow presentation. But for those of us who like dynamics and tone over other attributes, Zu speakers can be just the thing.
In relation to the genres you spoke of how would it handle varied artists like RUSH, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tony Bennett, Iron Maiden, The Eagles, and Lyle Lovett?
@@nostradamus7648 i'd always thought: "how can a good speaker not be equally good on all genres of music?"
When somebody says "this speaker is best on classical" (my most common heard remark) that tells me it must lack bass, but any genre inc' classical needs an equally good bass response, if live albums, for audible ambience clues of the venue size but just for lifelike instrument reproduction, Kettle drums are felt in the chest when heard live & a grand piano covers over 8 octaves, wider than any other accoustic instrument & one reproduced by bass-shy speakers completely looses it's scale & sounds weedy & not like a grande pisno at all, more like a harpsichord on bass shy speakers. All my most fave' speakers have served all genres equally well, as will my last ever final & next speaker purchase. My weakest link since one of my previous fave irreplaceable (in my price range) vintage speakers died. (Made in 1969, one chsnnel dead by x-mass 2021 but excellent till that time)
Same as any other genre, do those artists you memtion require a speaker with a different frequency response, tonal ballance, efficiency, dynamics or whatever else? My last 'worthy' speakers could reproduce Frank Zappa (inc' tne ones with Stevie Ray Vaughn on guitar) Lee Perry, Dylan, The Cure, Frank Sinatra, appagelos, Zep, Kinks, Dusty Springfield etc etc as well as they could a J.S. Bach solo piano sonata, A Beethoven Quartet or a busy Sibelius symphoney with equal aplomb. Surely, is it not just a matter of taste if somebody likes, say a super detailled hi-mid/treble forward bright sound that others (inc' me) would find fatiguing? When a voice or instrument(s) has a sound that is lifelike, I find that a good starting point for whittling down a group of speakers to select the right (for me) pair from. I suppose realism is my major marker towards a 'worthy' speaker.
I wonder how many other Zu owners have more than one pair? I upgraded to a pair of Zu Presence because I wanted an all in one widebander and sub. I couldn't part with my Druids so now I have both playing - sort of a Frankenstein Zu Definition. I listen to all kinds of music and Zu can handle the dynamics from classical to rock to industrial, they do need help in bass so if you're into rattling the neighbors windows you would need a separate sub. Their 10.5 widebander is more than enough for my listening enjoyment. Finding the "perfect" speaker is a fun journey that for me started with afternoons in stereo stores, and going to the CA Audio Show and just listen to music in the various rooms.
Would you consider Zu tweeters bright? I have a reflective room with lots of glass, and I'm concerned about the aluminum.
Can we just acknowledge how damn cool Steve's demo music examples are?
Oftentimes it takes me quite a while to get through the vid because I quickly bounce over and stream the artist's material Steve mentions ... at times leading down a rabbit hole of exploration I wouldn't have otherwise pursued.
Bravo Stevemo
It's what it's all about.
Lol, I do that too.
Yes! I just listened to a Cul de Sac album that SG posted on IG! I love it!
Glad to know I’m not alone in this respect. I was feeling guilty for interrupting Steve mid review to sample his musical suggestions but it has lead to many recording purchases that I would otherwise have not discovered on my own.
Hahahaah! That’s what I did too!😁
Same hear 👂 😂
It always puts a smile on my face when you're this happy and enthused about what you do. Good things to you man!
I bought a pair of second gen Omen Standards largely based on a review you did of the DWs for CNET about 10 years ago. I have no plans on replacing them even after owning them for 9 years. Using a Schiit Aegir to power them. I’m very happy with the results. Thanks, Steve.
Nice! Same here. Same article, same speakers. Around the same time as well. I think 2008. Using the Schitt Modi 3 DAC and MiniWatt N3 tube amp. LOVE them!
Cool
Dude, same! Love that Aegir.
I purchased a pair of Zu Druid MK IV in 2008 followed by a pair of Zu Presence six months later as an upgrade. I ended up bi-wiring both pair to a Manley Stingray amp set to triode (24 watts per channel) and use a Decware Zen Triode phonostage. These speakers just sing with a tube front end no matter what I'm listening to and I am still super happy 14 years later.
Steve, you make me want to buy every speaker and amp you get excited about! Love these reviews from you.
That's his job, don't fall for it
Man, your videos are looking so crisp and good. The info is great as always.
This review is so complete and entertaining...great!
Looking forward to your review of other new ZU Union 6 models 😉. Thanks for a great review once more!
Maybe the coolest name for a speaker ever! An American hi-fi looker for sure and I’m all in.
I’m looking at these right now so thanks for this Steve!!
Bought my DWs last winter. 3 months wait time. Great build, great sound, no regrets.
I have a pair of omen's mk2 that I have had for 6 years. I really enjoyed them with line magnetic 211ia the most. I currently have them hooked up to Gato amp 150 and they sound great. Great all around speaker!
I have a really tough room, a three-story open plan with weird angles and curves and I just wanted drop a system at the bottom of it which would be good for close listening and fill the space as well. I watched a TON of YT videos about hifi including all of Steve's. I can't say how much I appreciate his unique voice on this topic. That said, I created an upgrade plan which involved starting with a small set of KEF Q350's or Klipsch RP-600M's (got them both) moving to a pair of Zu DW Mk II's, then getting a bigger more expensive pair of KEF R3's and then eventually getting a pair of Klipsch Forte's. The whole plan was shot once I got the ZU ODW's. Game over. I was done. Paired with a Cambridge CX61 they are all that I'll ever need and I never get to turn that amp up even halfway. Some EQ will be necessary if you have a tricky space like mine or you might solve it with a good subwoofer. If you are streaming your music in a way that allows for EQ, you will not need a sub and you will be golden. If you listen primarily to vinyl and your room is not straight forward, you might find that you need either an amp with EQ or with the ability to add an EQ into the signal chain. The life that these speakers have is no joke. That full-range driver is just magical and I'm so glad to see that Zu has brought the DW back with this 6. If it really is an improvement, I wouldn't hesitate to get it.
I got my DW’s last year in black with the upgraded tweeter capacitor and fat rubbery feet. Running a custom 3 wpc tube amp and there’s plenty of volume. Also run a Mark Levinson solid state amp and it’s great too. Love it!
I am a Zu Druid owner from 5/25/06 when I purchased a pair. I have been tempted to upgrade them, but have resisted due to the fact that I find value in leaving what is not broken alone, don't try to fix it. So after this many years I have come to the conclusion that the Druids of my vintage don't sound all that great with specific amplifiers. With Atma-Sphere M60 OTL amps they sound like fingernails on a chalkboard. With my 3 Watt Single Ended 2A3 Stereo amp they do quite well with Acoustic Music, but lack the slam to Rock. The Druids do so-so with Tube Push-Pull amps, yet surprisingly they sound stellar with Solid State 50 Watts or above, especially 100 to 200 Watts. They literally come alive with startling realism. I run them 2 CD's thick from my hardwood flooring with the provided spikes. Love Zu.... but the Mini-Method has not been the same happy place as both Plate Amps broke in less than 2 years each one. So I can highly recommend Zu speakers as a fleshy, fast, quick, nimble and realistic sound. They are not boring, but have an energy that is contagious. And lo and behold they can take power without breakup. The Bass is phenomenal for the size. Zu are the masters of dynamics.... not boring. If you want a pair of Speakers that will party like a Frat house, Zu's do that extremely well, with Zeppelin, Purple and Miles Davis for Dinner.
I have a pair of Omen DW that I have had for 2 years. Liked them so much I bought a pair of Soul VI. Not sure if the Soul VI are worth triple the DW but they are indeed brighter and faster and are amazing with vocals. I do hook them both up to a subwoofer (Klipsch SPL-150) if I want to rock. If you are on a bit of a budget, the DW are a no-brainer and you are not missing out on a whole lot versus the Soul VI. If you have a bit of extra cash to burn, and it does become a pride-of-ownership thing, the Soul VI are beautiful.
Really enjoyed the video. Very informative and dynamic as well! I've got a lot to learn so I'll be watching, thank you.
Thanks for watching!
I had the omens, I thought they were really really good, alot of depth and detail, that tweeter is pretty amazing and being down ported helped that low end of the eminence driver quite a bit.
Got a pair of these a few weeks ago (hickory w/silver). WAF is high.
These need at least a couple weeks to break in. I knew that going in, but the difference is night and day.
Right now I have them with a Dayens Ampino and it’s a surprisingly great combo.
I am very happy with these. Solid build. And they sound great.
Thanks so much for the heads up on Sean Shibe....some wonderful ethereal tracks on that album!
I've had my Dirty Weekend Mk2s for a few years now and have no intention of upgrading them just yet. However, I did switch to a tube amp and I can say they sound much better.
Which tube amp did you end up with? I have same speakers and have been looking for a better amp. Thanks!
@@Mike_Jones68 Rogers 65 V1
I bought Zu DW's 2 years ago. I have thoroughly enjoyed them. They sound better than speakers 3 times or more their price in my opinion.
Zu and Tekton on on my short list of speakers... Thx for the review!
Steve, this review was on point, loved it thanks.
I have an older set of Zu Omen DW speakers. Hooked to a 1976 Technics 48w receiver and an Angel's Horn turntable. Absolutely amazing sound! Old Zepplin, Mountain, or the Stones. Newer stuff like Type O Negative, Slayer, or Slipknot. All of it sounds great. Warm and rich. Love to hear how these sound in comparison. Might have to snag a pair myself. That walnut finish looks really nice (mine are natural hickory).
1970 Sansui 4000 receiver and Mofi Studiodeck here, and rocking it with the DW6 Supremes! Vintage receivers and Zu's were made for each other.
Great review, I have been looking at this speaker for a while and am also considering a Caintuck 15 inch baffle.
Not really an apples to apples comparison and I had settled on the baffle until you released this today.
Any thoughts?
I also find myself really enjoying the musical selection you are introducing me to during these reviews.
I just had another thought, how would these speakers be with a pair of the amp camp amps as mono blocks?
Another great video Steve thanks for sharing.
46 years with same speakers. I used to have roommates that we augmented. These Zu are the speakers that I want. Now I know what you feel is low levels at 80 dB. I listen at 50. Trying 60 dB now. That's alot. Approximately double loudness for every 3 dB. It's logarithmic.
Still very much enjoying my Mk.2’s
I’m intrigued by the idea that the 6 might be a bit warmer and fuller, but on the whole I’ll stick with what I got. I find that my Mk.2’s scale well when you upgrade components upstream
Means a lot when people stick with speakers for a long time - I've owned original Energy Veritas 2.8s (rated Class A by Stereophile in 1995) for 20 years. So might be time to try out some new speakers.
Hi Steve - my sole experience with Zu speakers has been at audio shows, primarily the Rocky Mountain Audio Fest. In each instance Zu was exhibiting in largish rooms. The music was invariably rock played at loud volumes, certainly louder than I'm used to. Very often that sound was a refreshing change from rooms playing soft music at low volumes. At one show Zu speakers were even used by a band playing live music. As a result of that I came to associate the Zu sound with loud rock, fun at a show but not something this British speaker aficionado would consider for home use. But after your review I'm thinking perhaps I was wrong. There's more to this brand than I thought. That's one of the values of reviews like this. We learn something new and perhaps adjust old opinions. Thanks for that and for the music recommendations. Sean Shibe is amazing.
Zu is one of the few companies that will play rock and roll.
Using DW with all upgrades since 2020. Amplifiers (2) Schiit Vidars with Freya Pre Amp and balanced connections. AWESOME
Thinking about getting the EXACT same set-up for my home. Was considering the Klipsch Heresy IV speakers, but after hearing this Review and reading the Comments, I'm now leaning toward the DW6 with all of the upgrades. Thanks for your Comment, @slimp5041.
another thing I'll bring up as well that kind of goes along with what you're talking about is I've often found that people tend overestimate the power that they need. now don't get me wrong I've heard fantastic sounding high power amplifiers but I've often found personally that the essence of good sound to me and what really tickles me has come with low wattage amplifiers. Even supposedly hard to drive speakers I've always just preferred the sound with 10 to 30 watt amp. now that's not always the case but generally I am a low level listener and so I don't need to crank something up to 100 decibels to be able to truly enjoy the sound I'm typically around a 70 DB listener myself. One thing and I don't think you mentioned it is according to the specification that they provide the dirty weekend will work with a low power amp but paradoxically it will also work very well with a high-powered amp, I think they specify up to like 500 Watts.
Fortunate enough to get in on one the last sales DW Mk II with Clarity cap I found the High Fidelity footers help anchor them to my wood floor and tighten the bass. Have a HSU sub for below 60hz they sound like the instruments are in the room, there not going anywhere
my regular listening level, considered loud by my family, meaning they have to raise their voice to be heard, is in the low 80's at the listening seat, about 8 feet from my Qacoustics concept 40s and svs sb1000 pro sub. That's measured peak capture mode with music.
RMS voltage peak capture at the terminals is a little over 4 volts, assuming 6 ohm load, that's about 3 watts of power.
I think listening loud is the only valid reason to get a DW over the Omega. They're both in the same price and type range but having owned the previous generation DW and having made a number of mods to it, it's a great speaker for the price, but it doesn't really wake up until you crank it. My current Omega XRS Alnico are alive from 60 dB at my listening position and sound better in the mids. Glad to see Zu continuing to improve the DW though.
I got DW's a few years ago for a 2nd budget system, and really love them! However, the idea that the tweeter is coming in at 12kHz is a bit misleading. I've played the 10" driver alone with the tweeter disconnected, and it's unlistenable. There is a LOT missing. That horn tweeter crossover is only 6 dB/oct, so it's reaching way down into the midrange. I'm just mentioning this as a curiosity..... not a fault at all. I upgraded the stock cap to a Clarity Cap, and I did notice an improvement in the mids and highs. It's worth it.
Still love my Druid Mk IVs driven by a Cary SLI-80. Picked up a pair of Omen DWs for a second system - tough to beat for the price.
Steve- Ivan appreciate your review for a speaker that can play well at low and high level demands;
Big sound does usually require large speakers. I use vintage and some modern equipment, but my speakers can play low level but are truly full range down to 20Hz, with 4-8” woofers in each cabinet, with 4- 1” dome tweeters.. Unfortunately, the acoustic suspension cabinet requires a decent amp- up through 500 watts per channel. At 180#s, 73” tall, it was bargain at 1k per speaker ( epi 1000)..
Can't tell you how happy I am to hear this review. I listen to mid to low volume - classical, jazz, easy rock.
As well, I have long wanted a Decware amp but have found it near impossible to find a speaker that I could
"believe", (based reviews) could play within mid to low volume without bottom and top end falling out.
(Fletcher-Munson curve??) Anyways, the Decware along with these speakers and, considering the size
of my room ..... could be a match made in heaven, not to mention, made in North America. Big thanks Steve.
I have a 24 watt Manley Labs Stingray amp and Zu speakers are so efficient I have no problem driving them. Love my Decware Zen ZP3 Phono stage!
Sounds quite mouth watering, almost everything what has been said. Buyers abroad are just a little bit screwed because of that USD not stopping to skyrocket against almost any other currency around the globe.
Icing on the cake would have been a revised tweeter, but you can't have it all incorporated into their entry level model of course. Curious what's behind the elegancy of the Decware Zen Triode at low volume listening in sheer technical terms, and if there's any possibility to emulate it's low volume elegancy with an equalizer and class D amp e/g. Is it something related to Loudness we're talking about?
Great review! Are you planning to review the Union 6 (Supreme) in the near future? I would be very interested in a review and comparison with Klipsch Forte IV. Both are on my radar for pairing with my LTA Zotl40 Reference Amp and MZ3 preamp.
Thanks Steve for a great review. Love your content. A bit of history.. after over three decades of various Martin Logan speakers, ended up with a pair of Sinus Faber Sonetto III. OMG .. so beautiful in appearance, finish and soul (gloss black). Love them because they are great a low volumes (live in an apartment). They can also rock. Back in the 80's and 90's, I DJ'd using a Bryson 4B Pro amplifier and Peavy speakers. So miss those dynamics and alway wanted something that would bring back those memories (just acquired a Technics SL1200Mk7 50th Anniversary turntable so going back to my roots.) Anyway.. Have been looking a Zu DW for a while and missed them on sale a couple of times.. So, after this review, checked the the site and immediately ordered the DW6 in rustic Hickory.. may be a month or so before I get them but so looking forward to it. Don't think I'll sell the Sonetto III as they are a work of art visually and musically but the DW6 may just fill the void of a super dynamic speaker. Crossing my fingers.
Well? Did you get them yet? Mine took around 6 weeks to arrive, DW6 Supremes in triple black.
Yes, had them for a while now and they're fully broken in. All I can say is WOW! Much more than expected especially being them blind. So much so that I have a hard time hearing the difference between the DW6 & Sonetto's other than the DW6 being a little more dynamic. Totally enjoying them. Now the decision is whether to sell of the Sonetto's. Such a beautiful looking and sounding set of speakers. Probably keep them both and now totally satisfied with the SQ of my system. The DW6 are a special gem. @@Steven-cs5cw
@@MickVeeGood to hear! They are something else in the world of speakers, mine are not going anywhere.
All I can say I pray my Christmas bonus is good this year.
Holy continuity Batman. All the shirt changes!
Okay I'm late and this week got the Zu Omen Dirty Weekend and boy getting the setup with my NAD M10 80watt and Parasound PA21+ 200watt right is hard. A magazine under it helped drop the base a bit. Somewhere between parallel and the triangle tow in was better. Not all music sounds great. Lots of fun!!!
Still love this channel. Cheers
I listen quiet when i want to be critical. I have a nice big room 20x45 with 9 foot celings... i have found eq sitting back 30plus feet at low volume. During a quiet time of night. Seems to always work well for me in getting the sound i like or the best settings for a speaker. In my room I can set a speaker up by ear like this and it works great for some reason.
Love my DW mkii. Two amps that sound great with Zu's, the First Watt J2 and F8 seemed to be closing out. Any news on replacements?
Great review Steve. Glad to hear the bass is improved over the last Zus you reviewed. They could be the match I'm looking for with my Unison Research Triode 25. Wonder if I'd need a sub for the jazz, classical and things like Terje Isungset that I listen to. But does the 2x spend on your speakers vs. your Amp still hold true?
Hi Richard, I have DW mkii with a Triode 25 and it sounds amazing!!!
Awesome Vincent. Thank you. Steve's review will help me sneak them in BEFORE my upcoming wedding. 😊
Yeah, full range drivers. Mine are old enough to vote. Dynamic, efficient, and coherent. Great for 'hearing' movie dialog.
Moving the bass port to the back from the bottom was the best change they made to this model. The downfiring ports didn't work well in a carpeted room, even when placed on plinths.
Great review. I've been going back and forth between these and the Klipsch Heresy IV. I know they are completely different speakers, so you can't do an exact comparison. I haven't heard either. I'm leaning towards the Heresys. I guess I can always return them if I don't love them. I currently have Golden Ear Triton 7s. They're nice but they feel like they are lacking warmth.
Ah! You had an open to title this "The New Zu Revue"… which would be a very esoteric, but appreciated reference for those of a certain age.
I have the Omen II DW, clarity cap upgrade and love them. But...the Zu factory plinth/ base retrofit kit that fixes the bottom bass venting gap instead of the footer/spike feet sitting on the floor or carpet: Have you tried them, do you like them? What do you hear that is different from the original configuration?
Waiting for someone to do an Omen DW2 vs DW6 comparison. The rear bass port is a big improvement versus the bottom ports
Steve, you frequently recommend different speakers in the same price range. Could you perhaps make some videos of comparisons between them? I'm deciding between Zu and Dynaudio and Triangle, and the LSA. They all have your recommendation but since it's very difficult to audition them, we only have reviews to go on. A direct comparison would be helpful. What would be the best purchase?
Hi,
Love your channel. I was wondering if you can compare the Zu to the Teton Lore Reference?
I went to a friend over the weekend and we assembled some Quad 2812 speakers after the Mylars got fixed by another friend, and after listening to these miraculous speakers i have a problem to „lean my ears“ against any other speaker…. I know, this does not relate to your review, but i‘m still shocked by this experience…..
The First Watt J2 should be a Class A with JFETs so I suspect many well designed Class A amplifiers should really make most very efficient speakers to
Sound really nice.
70 to 80 db sounds about right for me, too. 90 if I'm trying to party. Anything above that belongs in a very large space (like outside).
Steve,
FYI, While Sean Shibe's cover of Chick Corea's "Cildren's Song No. 1," on his Lost & Found album is lovely, there's an even more compelling version (featuring Chick himself, along w/Dave Grusin, among others) on Lee Ritenour's 2012 album Rhythm Sessions. There's a 24-96 version at HD Tracks, and the whole thing is droolworthy from an audiophile standpoint: virtuosic playing from the best players there are (too many to mention them all, but George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Vinnie Calaiuta, Tal Winkenfeld, come to mind) and just a killer recording. Kurt Elling's version of River Man (vocals) is particularly compelling. I bet you'll like it!
What am I thinking? You undoubtedly already know it...
Hey Steve! Great videos; love your channel.
I need to decide which one to buy between Buchardt S400 MKII and Zu DW6. I know they are very different speakers, but if I had to choose one pair, which one would be?
I hope you decided to go the Zu route. Buchardt is great stuff, but it's not Zu. Once you've experienced them, it's very difficult to go back to anything else. Love my DWs enough that I recently bought the newest Union 6 Supreme. Holy smoke. Insanity. The Union 6 Supreme made me put my Magnepans into storage. Yep. They're THAT good.
It would be interesting to hear your comparison thoughts between the Zu DW6 and a pair of Magnepan LRS+ with a sub...
HI Steve! Would be curious to hear if your opinions have changed? I go pick mine up from Ogden in 4 more days. Curious if they've opened up any more since you've been running them? Looking forward to finally get nice speakers for the first time! I fell in love with my friend's Omen MK2, so I can't wait to grab these. I'm actually going to be using my Denon PMA-800NE to drive them.
Hi Steve, enjoyed the video. In the shot where the Nirvana cd is on the speaker (around 18:58) you can see the finish up close. Am I wrong, or is the quality on the corners not on Monitor Audio levels?
Yeah, that's kind of discerning.
Nice explanation Steve 👍🙂
DW6 with the Supreme package, triple black, rocking my world! I have them paired with a vintage Sansui 4000 stereo receiver. The Zu's were made for this receiver. Airy tube like sound, incredible bass, the treble side, just hits that sweet spot, no fatigue to be found. Buy you some Zu's and pair them with some vintage audio from the 60's or early 70's and you too may find audio nirvana. And don't get me started on the Sansui phono stage and vinyl. ;-)
Keep doing what you're doing!
Yup. I never have caps or coils between the speakers and amps in my active systems. That's the major advantage with active systems IMHO... OK I've blown up a few tweeters and midrange units over the years, but hey, I've got a large supply of spare voice coils and a screwdriver.
And wow!!! What a great Ray Charles instrumental record from 1957....youza!!!! Thanks again!!!
Try Ray Charles at The Hague, 1980 with the phenomenal Raylettes...UA-cam, you'll hear and see Ray Charles do one of the best "Knock on Wood" versions ever done, and the interplay with lead singer of the Raylettes is unforgettable. Audio quality is medium, but the performance is what it's all about...
Thanks!
Hey Steve.. just took delivery of the Zu DW6 in Hickory/Silver (really after a few drinks and watching your video half a dozen times.. wanted the previous version but missed out on them) .. no upgrades.. so.. first couple of hours.. OMG.. what did I do? Dissapointing. Needed to get acclimatized to the different prestnation. I'm in Canada so with $ conversion and shipping & import fees, nearly C$3K. Currently using Sous Faber Sonnet III which are amazing!
Breathe.. 5 hours later, getting used to the difference in sound (source is Apple Music into a Naim Unity Atom) and WOW! These are nice. More forward, dynamic and the mids are killer!! Ya, needs a sub (Martin Logan Dynamo 800). So wanted to use them without the sub and listened to my favourite tracks, with & without.. Sub required even though I'm in an apartment.
Going to keep both speakers.. easy to move the cables from one speaker to another.
Will take some pics and then send to you. Hopefully you'll feature on User Systems.. Simple apartment system.. Naomi Unity Atom, Technics SL1200 50th LE in black, Rega Fono and Sony 800 BluRay for discs (which I rarely use)
Thanks for the recommendation.. enough to push me over the edge to get them.. Happy camper!
I m from Toronto, might I ask how you order from Utah? US made doesn't need to pay duty, am I right ?
@@robertng138 Only way to order is from their website. Paid nearly $500 in taxes, duty & fees. :(
Im considering the same combo. Do you feel the Naim Unity Atom has enough power to drive the DW6's effectively?
@@JohnTaylor-ee7jm Absolutely! More than enough.
hey @steve, do you think you could power these speakers with the Emotiva TA1 integrated amp? I'm considering upgrading my Klipsch RP-600ms and these are top o fmy list
for a small room, 13x13, where I'm not able to place the speakers 3-4 feet from the wall would acoustical panels behind the speakers allow the speakers to be placed a foot away from the wall with good results?
Steve, also my preamp volume range goes from 0 - 99. I generally listen between 60 - 70.
The ZU's look pretty nice.
Glad you like ZU. They are not the last word on refinement. Perhaps not even the first. Love their return policy.
They are for sure an enjoyable and fun speakers to listen to though.
I suppose the relevant question is: Is it 60% better than the $999 Omen DW? Assuming it's not, how much better is it than the previous $999 speaker?
Thanks for your Channel, it is very entertaining and informative,
The units you reviewed had all the bell and weasels or the where the basic at 1599$?
With your experience are the upgrades (besides the finish) of any value?
As mentioned, had the Superfly upgrades.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac so it not a 1599 set of speakers…,
by the way you convinced me I ordered a pair with the big upgrade blue, can’t waite to get them, 57# each 2 flight of stairs! It will be fun….?
I've gotten to where I watch Steve for the music recs as much as the gear reviews.
Nice to hear that!
For thought, If you were to add a center channel to match, what would be your recommendation?
I am currently running a refurbished hh scott lk72 tube amp with a pair of recapped klipsch heresy 1. Would the dw6 be a major upgrade? Also using rel sub with this setup, would that be necessary with the zu's ?
ZU's are a fun speaker for Tube amps 2A3s - 300B -822s
I had to sell my entire LuminStreamer/HoloDac/VanAlstineMonos/Vandersteen2CeSig3 because Vandersteens are not impressive at low db and my new living situation doesn't allow for loud listening. I have DW6 Supremes in Ruby Red on order as well as a Van Alstine Control amp, and for my source a Modwright modified Cambridge CXN V2. I'm excited for my first efficient system, as previously I've been all Vandersteen or Maggie. thanks for the great work, Steve.
How are you liking the Supremes? I just ordered a pair in triple black. I have a pair of the original DW Omens and love them. But, I wanted more of that Zu sound and other than the clarity cap upgrade on the Omens... I said screw it, let's get a new pair of Zu's. I looked at the Union 6, but Gerritt over at Zu suggested the DW6, just an easier to work with speaker compared to the Union 6. So, how are these working out for you?
Thinking about buying a Willseton 300 B amplifier. How do you think it will do with the Zu DW 6 speakers
Sounds like it would even be a fantastic home theater speakers
I only have two channel, but use these with two SVS SB3000 subs... Movie night is KICK ASS!
How would these fare w class d? Have always been fascinated by zu. Never have heard them
Just ordered a pair. Can't wait.
WELL?
So, it’s the New Zu Review, comin’ right at you!
Somehow we survived children's television and became adults -- or have we? 😊
I caught that 😄, love it!
No news is good news with Gary Gnu
Beat me to it! 😆
@@jsbach6529 I became an adult, but I refuse to grow up.
just wondering if you were ever considering reviewing OJAS Artbook Shelf Speaker Kit?
I like the full range drivers myself
70-80 db peaks is where I listen to music. When watching movies, peaks are 88-90 (not consistently that high, just explosions and such). Hoping that's a safe volume.
I doubt i'd hear much after 12'Khz. I remember my father testing us kids hearing when i was about 12 & my sister was 16. He had a record with rising frequency tracks for testing Cartridges, he was getting in to the Quadraphonic fad & had all 3 of the decoding types but you needed a cartridhge that could retrueve the 30'Khz carrier-wave thst de decoded the sound-stearing process. (He went full-on & had the SQ, QS & CD-4 discreer, made by Sony, Sansui & JVC respectively, many big concerns tried jumping on the bandwagon but it didnt help the fad last) Not that anyone could hear the 30'Khz carrier, the test record went to about 22 or 24'Khz & i remember Sure's V15 Mk2 or 3 being one of the cartridges that could retrieve the 30'Khz carrier wave on Quadrsphonic encoded records. Anyway, me & my sister got to about 19 or 18'khz, out mother the same, before we could hear no higher & our dad got to 12 or 14'khz on AR 11's. Women (to a much older age point) & children hear far higher frequency then us men as we age, a bioligical fact of life. Now i'm 65, & older than my dad was at that Qaud' fad time, i don't think i'd notice the supertweeter although, 'just out of band' harmonics should strengthen the lower frequency fundamental* (*not written in stone but just a personal theory ive not heard elsewhere, yet)
I'm 55 and tested my ears recently, only got to about 13.8Khz before there was just silence and I'd turned the volume up for the last 0.8Khz to hear that. Considering most music doesn't get past those ranges anyway I wonder why speaker manufacturers bother beyond 15Khz .
@@doctorbritain9632 That sounds about right for your upper frequency limits. I remember telling my dad at about 12 (or 14 max) years old that although I couldn't hear the 19 or 20'Khz bands, I could feel what felt like a pressure on my eardrums or somewhere in my inner ear. Dog whistles do a similar thing to younger people. When say a clarinet & an oboe plays a note of the same pitch, the only reason you can tell the difference of which is the clarinet & which is the oboe is purely due to harmonics & nothing else, the whole construction of the 2 instruments causes those differences in harmonics, some will be in our frequency range but they go beyond it also. I'm open minded to the possibility that higher frequency harmonics do make some difference.
1 e.g. is that a CD Brickwall is filtered at 20 or 21 Khz, & csnnot reoroduce frequencies higher thsn half of the sampling rate or 22.05 Khz. But a high res recording with a far higher sampling rate of 300+ Khz will reproduce more harmonics that are theoretically well beyond our threshold of hearing BUT many folk who have heard such recordings say they are more natural & lifelike than the 21'ish Khz Brickhill filter limits of CD resolution. Ive only heard CD so cannot comment but many folk do say the higher res & hence higher harmonic capture ability of new hi-res recorded albums do sound more lifelike. Maybe those out of band harmonics that good tweeters can reproduce are adding more substance to the fundamental audible sound of the instrument or voice that caused the harmonics. It's maybe a psycho accoustic fact that our brains do add it all up, the fundamental frequency & higher pitched harmonics like the dog-whistle effect that makes people feel a pressure on the eardrums although no sound is heard, like our sight, it's the brain that sees & hears using all the clues it can get. I better stop here, hoping I made some sense, it's a thesis that isn't even a polished finnished packaged theory ...yet. I just need a lab, volunteers & a huge grant. Good luck dude
@@doctorbritain9632
My ending piece was rubbish. There are many tweeters that can do 30 to 40'Khz & some manufacturers claimed 50 to 100'K on certain ribbon or high tech domes & AMT types, maybe many decibels down on those high claims, i dont know. Point is, as you suggest, can we hear them? or does their high frequency resonance upon our hearing biology & brain or our whole body effect how we hear the instrument that made the causal note of the hsrmonics, in terms of it sounding life-like
Maybe it's similar to the other end of our hearing spectrum. Like a live baritone saxaphone is felt in the chest & further, you can tell wether it's a live or reproduced miusic from around a corner before you see the band playing, i noticed once, something the best hi-fi can't capture.
I'd like to see Steve's hearing test.
Wondering how a Schiit combo of Freya+ and (single) Aegir would mate with these speakers ?
I’d say a very nice match.
@@SteveGuttenbergAudiophiliac Thanks Steve
interesting, the drivers don't seem to be flush mounted. Doesn't this create weird reflections?
How would these work in a large rm? Say around 7mtrs x 5mtrs x 3mtrs high
Nice hair today Steve!
Nowhere to compare so I'm asking instead. Anyone can write a short list ZU vs Klh model 5?
Check out Alan Mearns if you like classical guitar. Alan is highly praised by Rick Beato. It's not my thing, classical guitar. I'm just passing it on.
The speakers in that finish with that package sell for $2397 plus $199 shipping. Just saying....
That’s cheap considering
Wow that much?
And.....are they worth it? You brought it up.
Is a company similar to ZU’s products and quality available in the U.K.