Help me understand how to optimize bass on the Zu Definition Mk IV


I am a longtime owner of Zu Definition Mk1.5 speakers and recently also bought a pair of Definition Mk4's. I based this decision partly on the reviews / feedback posted here on Audiogon in various threads by members such as 213cobra, gsm18439, spiritofmusic and others. I'm really hoping some of you Mk4 owners can chime in and help me out here!

Basically, my issue is that I found the Mk1.5's put out incredibly deep and impactful bass, especially with some of the music I love, like R&B and reggae. And this was with the bass amplitude knob at 12 or 1 o'clock. However, after setting up my new Mk4's, I find the bass underwhelming and anemic, even after fiddling around with various settings and with the volume and PEQ cranked. I have them on spikes into bases on a hardwood floor, with about a 1.5" gap on the bottom. What am I missing here?? Based on the reviews I read, I was expected the bass to equal or exceed the lowly 1.5's. 

Thanks so much in advance for any helpful advice! 


temicxoch

Showing 2 responses by almarg

@temicxoch As a SET amp the 300SE is neither balanced nor bridged, so you're fine in that respect.

Good luck.  Regards,

-- Al
 
By any chance is your amplifier either bridged or "fully balanced"?

From one of the writeups provided for the Def IV at the Zu site:

Definition Mk.IV is designed around conventional or parallel mode amps, bridged amplifiers are not recommended (black speaker negative leg of bridged amps will see the virtual ground node of the internal bass amp).

The same caution would presumably apply to fully balanced amps as well as to bridged amps.

Regards,

-- Al