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Magnepan .7s' vs Zu Omens

Greetings Friends. I'm getting the fever again. I currently have a pair of Magnepan .7's which I really like with 2 caveats. One is that my studio apt. isn't 100% conducive to the ideal set up for them. The other is my primary listening is electric blues and classic rock (Tull, Zeppelin, etc.) and the Maggies (to me) lack that nth degree of impact that suits that type of music, too "polite" maybe? I've been intrigued by the Zu Omens and have been told they might be a better choice for my listening tastes. I know we are talking apples and oranges, hence I'm reaching out for thoughts and advice. Amp is Wyred A500 (needed the current for the .7's). Source is an Oppo BDP 105.
Thanks!
dan
128x128beernut

Showing 9 responses by gdnrbob

gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
I own a pair of Unions, earlier renditions of the Omens, and think you would enjoy them. They are more 'forward' than Maggies (or my Vandy 3a sigs), but seem to reveal a lot more of the transient details.
I think both the Maggies and the Zu would benefit from a sub (or pair).
For me, I would get some subs to run with the Maggies for now. 
I currently use a pair of Vandy 2w's and I really like them, though I have heard that the Hsu subs give them a run for the money, especially used.
Should you still have the desire to upgrade ( and who doesn't), you can still pair them with the Zu.
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
I googled Speed Subs, but didn't get anything regarding subwoofers.

gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Jay23, I agree that some of the earlier Zu's , esp the ones with ribbons, weren't up to snuff ( and were quickly updated).
Beernut, I still think you should try adding a sub or two. You might be surprised by the difference. I, too, had a crush on the Maggies. 
I think if you look at Agon archives there are a lot of Maggie owners that paired them with Vandersteen subs to great acclaim. 
Should you really want to try the Zu's, the Vandersteen subs will work with them, as well. Both ways, you can't lose.
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Your Maggies deserve a higher end sub. I think it will give you more of the sound you want. 
I never thought a sub could integrate so seamlessly as the Vandersteen until I bought a pair.
As far as the Zu's go, you will probably enjoy the 'more dynamic' sound, but I think you will need to add a sub unless you go with the Definition line. As I said, I have the Union, and they do go down low, but not way down-Though the low frequencies are well produced.
I bought the Union's because they were cheap and I wanted to have something to contrast with my Vandy 3a sigs. So, if you have a hankering to try them, why not? I don't think you will be disappointed.
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
I saw your ad, you say you are moving, will you not have room for the Maggies?
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Well then, the Zu's will be much lighter, and with their efficiency, you can scale back on amps. 
Let us know how it pans out.

Bob
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Beernut, regarding the sound of the Zu's:
Compared to my Vandy 3a sigs(which are a bit like your Maggies), the sound is a bit more 'forward', I notice more 'inner voices', too.
Sound isn't fatiguing. My Unions sound good without a sub, but I believe they sound better with one or two- More a matter of physics, those cabinets aren't very large or heavy.
Do you have an idea which model you want? 
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Gsm, buying them used saves almost 50% than new. For that much money, you can resell them if you truly hated them, which I doubt you would-they really do live up to their reputation.
Beernut, good move with the sub upgrade. I would suggest Vandersteen, which is a classic Maggie combo, or Hsu, or JL Audio subs.
gdnrbob
4,421 posts
 
Beernut, enjoy your sub. I hope you can get a second, it really smooths things out. Those Maggies are fine speakers.
When a pair of Zu Omens or Superfly's come through Agon at a good price, I think you should try them. They really are pretty sweet.
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