Art K.
The Voodoo You Do!
Not sure if this has been posted. Interesting piece.
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue66/zu_omen.htm
http://positive-feedback.com/Issue66/zu_omen.htm
Zu Audio Speakers...Not a Discussion!
- Thread starter Art K.
- Start date
livestrong
Well-Known Member
That was a fantastic read, Art - I really want to give these speakers a shot! Thanks for sharing the article.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
I have not heard them but I see they're coaxial.
Since the tweeter is mounted in the main driver it would have to be much smaller than the conventional tweeters Zu uses on it's other models. I'm sure it would share the Zu house sound.
Since the tweeter is mounted in the main driver it would have to be much smaller than the conventional tweeters Zu uses on it's other models. I'm sure it would share the Zu house sound.
I run a set of the Omen Defs and also have the matching center for ht. The are pushed with an Emotiva amp. I would say what actually sold me was the mids, hearing the breathing on vocals and the decay on the guitar. Prior I was running Klipsh Chorus IIs and Quartets. I liked the fat bass of the Klipsch probablly more than the fast tight bass of the Zu so I made a midbass module out of a Klipsch KLF 10 set up and no feel that I have the best of both worlds. I listen mostly to rock, blues and some jazz. And for the center for ht, I have never heard clearer dialog.
I run mine with a vintage Marantz 2252B receiver without issue. The 12 ohm rating simply means they are an easy load for most all amplifiers. They are very efficient so you don't need a gob of power to get to loud listening levels. Lots of owners use very low watt tube amps with great results. I think they will sound great regardless of what quality amp you throw at them.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
It shouldn't be a concern. I tried the 12 ohm Omens with 16 ohm tube amp taps and could tell no difference between them and the 8 ohm taps.
Full range high efficiency speakers like the Omens are ideal when paired with low powered single ended triode amps but the Zu website wants you to buy them no matter what amp you have. They even promote them for home theater using AVR's. When marketing a product it makes sense to cast a wide net.
Full range high efficiency speakers like the Omens are ideal when paired with low powered single ended triode amps but the Zu website wants you to buy them no matter what amp you have. They even promote them for home theater using AVR's. When marketing a product it makes sense to cast a wide net.
AlphaEcho35
Super Member
I've got a pair of Omen Dirty Weekends on order for the last five weeks - I should have a fresh review shortly. I will be pairing the Omens with the following tube amplifiers - Fisher 800B, Harman Kardon HK250, Magnavox 8802, and Magnavox 196. I am currently using a pair of Monitor Audio Silver 5i's, so it should be an interesting contrast.
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
I think I posted this somewhere already but this is the way my Omens were set up.
I picked up several lag bolts from HD of the same thread pattern as the stock feet. I used longer bolts in the front than in the back so I was able to get a nice back tilt for the low mounted tweeters. I used plastic cups over the hex heads of the bolts.
Underneath I used a 12X12 stone tile over a ribbed mat. Had I been able to find a larger stone tile I would have used it. Zu recommends the Omens be placed so close to the floor to barely slide a CD case underneath. I tried that but the bass sounded flabby.
Even on carpet I'd still go with longer feet in front and with more height both front and back. It's important to allow those bottom ports room to breathe. If you need to use spikes you can take lag bolts and grind them to a point with a angle grinder. That's what Zu does. Angle grinders are dirt cheap at Harbor Freight.
As others have said pull the Zu's out into the room and don't be afraid to experiment as we all hear things somewhat differently. Hope this is helpful.
I picked up several lag bolts from HD of the same thread pattern as the stock feet. I used longer bolts in the front than in the back so I was able to get a nice back tilt for the low mounted tweeters. I used plastic cups over the hex heads of the bolts.
Underneath I used a 12X12 stone tile over a ribbed mat. Had I been able to find a larger stone tile I would have used it. Zu recommends the Omens be placed so close to the floor to barely slide a CD case underneath. I tried that but the bass sounded flabby.
Even on carpet I'd still go with longer feet in front and with more height both front and back. It's important to allow those bottom ports room to breathe. If you need to use spikes you can take lag bolts and grind them to a point with a angle grinder. That's what Zu does. Angle grinders are dirt cheap at Harbor Freight.
As others have said pull the Zu's out into the room and don't be afraid to experiment as we all hear things somewhat differently. Hope this is helpful.
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sebrof
Super Member
I agree with Poultry. I used wood just because that's what I had, but the same concepts of raising them up and tilting them applied to mine. It took me a while to find the sweet spot because I was dealing with several variables: Position, toe in, height, rake angle. But they are good speakers once you find the spot, be patient and good luck.
AlphaEcho35
Super Member
Poultrygeist and Sebrof, I read the entire thread where you guys posted this advice on Audiocircle, and that thread is what convinced me to give these speakers a try. Thanks for everything you guys have contributed!
BTW - if you are at all interested in the Omens, you owe it to yourself to read through that thread - here's a link:
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=86177.520
sebrof
Super Member
Poultrygeist
Lunatic Member
You're welcome. I enjoyed the Omens while I had them and the guy I sold them to has become a good friend. He plays violin with the S.C. Phil and absolutely loves them paired with his custom built 300B's. He gives my wife and I free tickets to all the phil concerts.
My DIY speakers have become so large and have increased so rapidly in number to the point I'm running out of space. That certainly impacted my decision to part with the Omens plus my hard surface room was not the best match.
I'll be eager to read your impressions.
two sevens
Active Member
I own the Soul MK IIs and think they are wonderful. I bought them right when they came out to take advantage of the great price. It was a bit of a gamble but I was looking for efficient, single-driver type speakers to go with my 15W Shindo Montille (EL84s). I was looking at Zu and also Omega closely but at the end of the day went with the Soul MK IIs. Let's just say that the level of support/advice/question answering that Sean at Zu provided during that time when I was pretty skittish about making the wrong decision, along with the price (intro sale) and higher efficiency rating put me over the top in favor of Zu. I get detail and coherency without compromising the bass. Soul MK IIs are 99 db efficient with 8 ohm impedence and feature a full-range driver with coaxially mounted super tweeter.
Great especially for voices and acoustic stuff but they get down with rock as well. I think these are great paired with lower powered tube amps as others have said.
One caveat, I dont have tons of experience with various brands of speakers and I was running a pair of 'vintage' Klipcsh Forte speakers with upgraded Crite's crossovers and tweeters before these. Not exactly modern, though they were efficient. The Soul MK IIs blow them out of the water (perhaps not a revelation here...)
Great especially for voices and acoustic stuff but they get down with rock as well. I think these are great paired with lower powered tube amps as others have said.
One caveat, I dont have tons of experience with various brands of speakers and I was running a pair of 'vintage' Klipcsh Forte speakers with upgraded Crite's crossovers and tweeters before these. Not exactly modern, though they were efficient. The Soul MK IIs blow them out of the water (perhaps not a revelation here...)
Great post two sevens. I have Omens and they are wonderful. I have thought, when funds are available, to move up the chain but how much better can they be? In my room with my modest gear, they are great. I can't wait to hook them up to the Mesa Baron tube amp I just bought at an estate sale. It will need some checking by a qualified tech. before I fire it up. Hopefully early next week, can't wait.
two sevens
Active Member
Thanks Art, right back at you! Nice system you have there.
As for me, I enjoy the music my system is making...
two sevens
Active Member
The Mesa Baron looks to be a beast when it comes to tube power! Bon voyage on your tube adventure!
livestrong
Well-Known Member
I continue to be tempted to pick up a pair of Zu Audio speakers. Most recently it is the Zu Audio Soul Superfly (gently used) - I'm wondering how they would pair with my Vincent Audio SV-236MKII integrated and how good bass reproduction is...I've been searching for more bass in my system, but don't want to add a sub.