Zu Audio Omen Dirty Weekends

[Guido57]

I came across an interesting review of ZU speakers, though not the DWs. The reviewer maintained that the ZU "full range driver" was essentially a woofer design modified to avoid bad behavior, distortion/breakup, in the frequencies where it would roll off. The first order crossover for the tweeter would have a shallow enough slope to allow it to reach down to the upper levels of the "woofer". In many of ZU's designs this would be aided by the "lens" which is effectively a horn. Just presenting this as food for thought.
On a different level, I replaced the standard DW Erse caps with Obbligato films. The result is pleasant enough to put Clarity caps for the DWs much further down my project list. (It's not the difficulty, it's the cost. So little dollars, so much to do).

 

[Navy_Goat]

(It's not the difficulty, it's the cost. So little dollars, so much to do).

Glad you are happy with the results, I can certainly understand that point of view....

edit: I had a chance to watch the whole video and he made some interesting points. Makes me want to experiment with tilting mine back much more than they are now.

I also wonder if putting them on some sort of platform or plinth. I might try either wood or granite?

 

[donjonmin]

Does anyone have experience with Bowers and Wilkins 606 s2 anniversary edition? I would be interested in hearing some comparison with the Zu DWs. Purely on how they both sound in comparison. Can't really compare the aesthetics since they are different.

To me the B&W 606 s2 is voiced differently when comparing to any other speakers mostly american brands like Infinity, Klipsch etc. The voicing is unique that I have never heard in any of the speakers I have encountered. More vocal focused.

 

[Navy_Goat]

I have been experimenting with placing my DWs on a platform. I picked up 2 cutting boards from Amazon and added spikes. The jury is still out, but I really do like the way it looks (for what that is worth). I will take a closer picture when I get home. I am just sitting in a boring conference call listening to a bunch of people who have no idea what they are talking about.....



I would be interested in your thoughts.

 

[Guido57]

I am just sitting in a boring conference call listening to a bunch of people who have no idea what they are talking about.....
I would be interested in your thoughts.

At least with a conference call it's harder for them to tell how bored you are than in a conference room. Retirement has some advantages.
Actually I've been considering putting my DWs on platforms with casters as some people with whom a share my home don't appreciate where I place my speakers and they're starting to get annoying. (the people, not the speakers that is) Might not hurt to put them out of harm's way when not in use. (the speakers, not the people)

 

[Navy_Goat]

Closer pictures.


Amazon link.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SN64BCV?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details

 

[Navy_Goat]

Does anyone have experience with Bowers and Wilkins 606 s2 anniversary edition? I would be interested in hearing some comparison with the Zu DWs. Purely on how they both sound in comparison. Can't really compare the aesthetics since they are different.

To me the B&W 606 s2 is voiced differently when comparing to any other speakers mostly American brands like Infinity, Klipsch etc. The voicing is unique that I have never heard in any of the speakers I have encountered. More vocal focused.

I have no direct experience with the B&Ws you are asking about, but it does not look like they would have much in common. Stand mount vs floorstander, crossover circuit vs single cap. However when I had a pair of Polk Audio Reserve 200 in the same room with my DW I was surprised how similar they sounded. The R200 image well produce a ton of low end for their size and much like the DWs, they do a great job with vocal content. Despite all the differences I found them two speakers did a lot of the same thing well. Sorry, not a direct answer, but maybe give them a shot and see what you think.

 

[rudolfo]

I have been experimenting with placing my DWs on a platform. I picked up 2 cutting boards from Amazon and added spikes. The jury is still out, but I really do like the way it looks (for what that is worth). I will take a closer picture when I get home. I am just sitting in a boring conference call listening to a bunch of people who have no idea what they are talking about.....
View attachment 2414215
View attachment 2414217

I would be interested in your thoughts.

Interesting setup. Can you fill up your information like equipment's and room size so we can get closer. Thanks,

 

[Navy_Goat]

Interesting setup. Can you fill up your information like equipment's and room size so we can get closer. Thanks,

The room is smallish 14x12. There is a door sized opening to the kitchen to the left of the speakers (as pictured) and a large opening to the front hall behind the listening position that adds another 4 to 5 feet.

Mac desktop to Marantz ND 8006 to Anthem Per-1L to Adcom GFA-535. I have a TT in there too, but it is rarely used. This is all set up for eas of use as my wife has claimed this set up. Hope this all helps.

 

[rudolfo]

The room is smallish 14x12. There is a door sized opening to the kitchen to the left of the speakers (as pictured) and a large opening to the front hall behind the listening position that adds another 4 to 5 feet.

Mac desktop to Marantz ND 8006 to Anthem Per-1L to Adcom GFA-535. I have a TT in there too, but it is rarely used. This is all set up for eas of use as my wife has claimed this set up. Hope this all helps.

Nice looking setup! That amp should be enough to drive the DW's. Might need to experiment with speaker placement. I had one before on a 600 sq ft room and I tried tilting. Instead it sounded best when I turned it a bit sideways...
In my opinion those speakers sound best with an excellent sounding subs (which I don't have). But a lot of people praise them.
Try pushing the speakers as far as from your listening position (even next top the wall). You might get some more bass dynamics from its down port vents and focus the front speakers little by little away from your face. It will tone down the mid-highs.. or even tilt it little by little.

 

[Guido57]

To me the B&W 606 s2 is voiced differently when comparing to any other speakers mostly american brands like Infinity, Klipsch etc. The voicing is unique that I have never heard in any of the speakers I have encountered. More vocal focused.

Over my time at AK I've read more than a few comments about the "British Sound" being different than the varieties of voicings used to describe various American designed speakers. Have you listened to any KEF or Warfedale models to compare to the B&Ws? Just wondering.

 

[Lou G]

To me, the old school KEF speakers (pre 2000) and the latest Wharfedale Dentons and Linton Heritage have a warmer, smoother and more laid back sound compared to B&W. The B&Ws that I have heard are more forward and brighter sounding to me. All are very different compared to any Klipsch speaker that I have heard.

 

[eyewanders]

PSA - this just went out via email.

Frankly, I have to say this is not terribly surprising given the quality of the builds, the size of their operation and all prevailing b.s. in the economy recently.
Still a bummer, but I suppose I am certainly glad I made the plunge back when I did.

 

[davidflas]

I was sorry, but not surprised when I got this email today. I feel fortunate to have gotten my pair while they were still available.

 

[Poultrygeist]

They need a higher mark up or less expensive drivers. The next model may be some of both.

 

[eyewanders]

They need a higher mark up or less expensive drivers. The next model may be some of both.

Agreed. They've said time and again, under the breath as it were, these were the hook and a bit of a loss leader. As the sales became more frequent and more popular this was probably inevitable even without the COVID issues every industry has strained under, or it sure seems that way at any rate.

 

[Guido57]

Agreed. They've said time and again, under the breath as it were, these were the hook and a bit of a loss leader. As the sales became more frequent and more popular this was probably inevitable even without the COVID issues every industry has strained under, or it sure seems that way at any rate.

Actually I never saw a great difference between the DW and regular Omen and really couldn't see that the difference in price would really provide much in the way of improved performance. Considering the DW seemed to become ZU's public image I kind of get the feeling that it was taking over the company to a certain degree.

 

[Smitty43]

The original DW's where used drivers and new cabinets which is what I have had for years and when I found out that I could trade in my old Druid drivers and upgrade to the Soul superfly speakers I have never looked back. Now I have the original DW's with Soul Superfly upgraded speakers. With the clarity caps.

 

[Guido57]

The original DW's where used drivers and new cabinets which is what I have had for years and when I found out that I could trade in my old Druid drivers and upgrade to the Soul superfly speakers I have never looked back. Now I have the original DW's with Soul Superfly upgraded speakers. With the clarity caps.

So the higher end ZU drivers seem to work well in the DW cabinets? Thank you for the information.

 

[Smitty43]

So the higher end ZU drivers seem to work well in the DW cabinets? Thank you for the information.

They are a direct drop in replacement for your old drivers I started a thread on it I just have to find it. But yes I have the DWs with Soul Superfly drivers. Just look for upgrades on the Zu website but now with this shortage of supplies I can't say.