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Considering Zu Dirty Weekend over my current B&w 702s2

I’ve felt for a long time (since I got them) that my 702s2 floorstanders have excellent “analytical” sound but are just missing the “life” that I want from my system. I swapped my Parasound P6 preamp for a Schiit Freya+ with some nice tubes that improved things significantly, but still feel a long way from the sound I want. I’m strongly considering the Zu Dirty Weekend 6 to replace the B&Ws, but I realize that’s a pretty big step down in “level”. So I’m wondering…am I going to regret it? Anyone have experience with both speakers they can share?

 

ps running Bluesound Node 2 as the main source and Parasound A21 amp. 

eburb

Showing 5 responses by soix

soix
10,157 posts
 

I can for sure say B&W is superb speaker that brings warm sound, with great mid-range tones and vocals.  These speakers will match with tube or SS gear.

@webking185 Well, I’ll just say I continue to completely disagree with you and in fact have the exact opposite opinions of these speakers having heard both.  Plus, Zu speakers are very tube friendly and B&Ws are definitely NOT tube friendly to get the best out of what they can do.  Opposite world. 

soix
10,157 posts
 

B&W speakers will have better tone and mid-range for sure.  Alotl of people.have said Zu speakers are bright, sound fatigue, and even a guiitar amp speaker.
 

@webking185 You obviously have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about and couldn’t be more wrong.  

soix
10,157 posts
 

@ladok Congrats!  The key thing with speakers is finding the ones that fire all your personal musical synapses, and that’s not easily done but sounds like you (and your wife) have achieved just that. Plus, Steely Dan is my fave band ever, so u clearly married well.  Enjoy!!!

soix
10,157 posts
 

Ah.  Good to know.  Schiit DACs aren’t known to be sterile sounding nor are your interconnects or amp so I’d look elsewhere.  Given all the info I think trying new speakers makes sense, and the DWs will certainly sound very different. 

soix
10,157 posts
 

Another thing to consider if you’re using the DAC in the Node would be to upgrade your DAC and digital cable.  The newer R2R DACs tend to have a more natural and organic sound that may yield the improvements you’re looking for.  Here’s a nice review of the Musician Pegasus ( $1100 that I own) just to give you an idea of the sound characteristics…

https://soundnews.net/sources/dacs/musician-audio-pegasus-r2r-dac-review/

If you can spend a bit more the new Gustard R26 is likely a nice step up in sound (you can read the review on the same site as above).  Either way, I’d recommend springing for a used Acoustic Zen MC2 digital cable ($660 new, $275 used) that I just got and it’s an excellent cable with a great sense of naturalness while maintaining great detail and was a huge improvement over my budget cable…

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649951192-acoustic-zen-mc2-digital-coax-cable-1m/

I also don’t think the Zu option is bad either, especially if you can demo them at home, but just wanted to throw out another option for you to ponder.  Hope this helps, and best of luck!

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