RGA
Super Member
I would suggest auditioning a single driver speaker before buying one unheard. They have their pros and cons and I have heard the Zu Audio Speakers a LOT over the last couple of years. They're not for me.
I've auditioned the Omen floorstander and the Essence mostly with 4 different tube amp manufacturers and a different one at CAS 2012. The Zu Dealer here who sells the tube amps wound up bringing his personal set of ATC SCM 150s in because too many people were put off by the Zu Audio sound and he needed something else to demonstrate. This is in no way a knock on Zu but they have their sound and it may not appeal to you.
There is bass which is the good news for the single driver speakers but they also sound washed out thin and lean compared to the ATC SCM 150 (Albeit this is a $20,000US loudspeaker). Still I find them wearing on longer auditions. The first time I heard them I raved they were so great etc etc - but since then on longer sessions I've been less thrilled. There isn't much dynamic fullness and they exhibit a flat washed out quality as if instead of providing the full dynamic they compress instead. Their up front in your face sound is initially impressive. Single drivers have great immediacy - and you gravitate to this initially. The SCM 150 is a 3 way classic speaker (and isn't as cohesive) but nevertheless it does everything else much better.
On the flip side they sound cohesive and on vocals that's a big plus - kind of like panels in this regard. I think Teresonic sounds a heckuva lot better but they unfortunately cost a heckuva lot more money.
I've auditioned the Omen floorstander and the Essence mostly with 4 different tube amp manufacturers and a different one at CAS 2012. The Zu Dealer here who sells the tube amps wound up bringing his personal set of ATC SCM 150s in because too many people were put off by the Zu Audio sound and he needed something else to demonstrate. This is in no way a knock on Zu but they have their sound and it may not appeal to you.
There is bass which is the good news for the single driver speakers but they also sound washed out thin and lean compared to the ATC SCM 150 (Albeit this is a $20,000US loudspeaker). Still I find them wearing on longer auditions. The first time I heard them I raved they were so great etc etc - but since then on longer sessions I've been less thrilled. There isn't much dynamic fullness and they exhibit a flat washed out quality as if instead of providing the full dynamic they compress instead. Their up front in your face sound is initially impressive. Single drivers have great immediacy - and you gravitate to this initially. The SCM 150 is a 3 way classic speaker (and isn't as cohesive) but nevertheless it does everything else much better.
On the flip side they sound cohesive and on vocals that's a big plus - kind of like panels in this regard. I think Teresonic sounds a heckuva lot better but they unfortunately cost a heckuva lot more money.
Just worked out a deal on a pair of Zu Audio Soul Superfly's in the walnut finish. Can't wait to finally hear the Zu's in my room and decide for myself if the "Zu sound" is for me!
