Those screws are tardy looking. The veneer seems ok, not great...but they're not that expensive either, right?
New Zu Audio Soul Supreme Speakers
Hey All,
Just got a new set of Soul Supremes...finally after a long wait to match up with my Undertone. All in American Walnut!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oCWkegRgbAed85a47
Still getting used to the sound - good, detail, imaging and dynamics. But have noticed what seems like some slight quality control and/or consistency issues.
My Undertone has great looking veneer, but came with a non trivial gash in the veneer. Zu was cool enough to create a small discount for the issue to apply to my Soul Supremes. The speakers then, came with some small but questionable changes to the construction. Instead of clean looking buttoned screws for the connector plate that is used on all other products...they use larger Philips head screws that don’t seat flush. Im told from Zu thats the new standard? Also the veneer doesn’t seem to match the quality previously used on the Undertone.
Anyone else recently picked up speakers from Zu and having the same experiences?
Just got a new set of Soul Supremes...finally after a long wait to match up with my Undertone. All in American Walnut!
https://photos.app.goo.gl/oCWkegRgbAed85a47
Still getting used to the sound - good, detail, imaging and dynamics. But have noticed what seems like some slight quality control and/or consistency issues.
My Undertone has great looking veneer, but came with a non trivial gash in the veneer. Zu was cool enough to create a small discount for the issue to apply to my Soul Supremes. The speakers then, came with some small but questionable changes to the construction. Instead of clean looking buttoned screws for the connector plate that is used on all other products...they use larger Philips head screws that don’t seat flush. Im told from Zu thats the new standard? Also the veneer doesn’t seem to match the quality previously used on the Undertone.
Anyone else recently picked up speakers from Zu and having the same experiences?
44 responses Add your response
Lak, I did and also asked if they had proper screws to sell me why didn’t they use them...their response below. Why I put on here, I was thinking hmmmm is anyone else seeing this recently from Zu? "The button head screws are no longer used on the backplate of the Soul Supreme. We have button head screws because they are used on other things. This has not been an issue with anyone else receiving them, you are the first to have requested such." |
Mark, sure is just a detail. And I could easily spend couple bucks to buy the proper fasteners they typically use. But why didn’t they build them normally in the first place...corelli is right really makes you wonder what other compromises are lurking Oh well, was mostly curious if other recent Zu buyers see this too |
You might consider sending them a link to the photos of the Soul Supreme they have on their website and point out that they did not ask you for permission to make a change from the product you thought you were buying. You might also point out that for them to resell the speakers, should you decide to return them, would cost them more than to send you the proper screws. Soul Supreme | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA And you might point out that even their less expensive speakers do not have the cheaper looking phillips head screws they gave you. Omen | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA Finally, I would be asking that Sean call you to explain why they are not honoring their 60 day guarantee promise which is to do everything possible to make their customers happy. 60-Day Guarantee | Zu Audio | USA Made Hi-Fi Speakers and Audio Cable |
I am generally a function over form kindof guy. But those are simply not the correct screws for that application and these are not Walmart priced speakers. Assuming these are still in the return period I'd ask them to send me the correct screws at no cost or I'll just return them for my money back. If you love them already I guess I'd just purchase the correct ones and move on. That first response of theirs leaves a bad taste regardless. |
I am more than reasonably certain this is a supply chain issue. I have spoken with a half dozen manufacturers in as many industries in the past two weeks who cannot source their usual spec'd screws for products, and are making substitutions that aren't to their normal cosmetic standard. Very few are made in the US. So we get what's available in the combined trade war / COVID19 era. I will check in with Sean and circle back. The veneer looks fine, btw. Phil |
I would think the same thing...although they have the screws lol But I do think thats an argument for the veneer. The grain definition and coloring is missing compared to other Zu products I’ve seen including my own sub. Looks lower grade ...maybe a different supplier Thanks Ill be calling them Monday |
Congrats on your new speakers. Zu speakers offer great value for the money, are efficient, and have a sound that is amicable to many followers. When I auditioned, they just did not mesh with my own predilections on sound. Blemishes aside, it will be interesting to see how your break in goes and how the sound improves. What’s wrong with the cabinet? All I see is knots within the veneer which is normal for wood. From what you stated, I am interpreting that you said your Undertone had the blemish issue, perhaps you can post a pic or two of the Undertone with the blemish, or highlight the portion of the pics you posted that have the blemish if it is this speaker. |
Those screws look like the silver lube-coated decking screws from the hardware store. In the non-counter-sunk holes they really stand out, like cheap, mismatched substitutes. The Zu site shows stainless or satin chrome, allen-head cap screws. It does make one wonder what else they did to save a few bucks. Very disappointing! I have many Zu cables and have always been very happy with the quality, but this is a little disturbing. I wouldn't expect it on $1,000 Dirty Weekends, let alone the $4,500, base price Soul Supremes. |
>>Not trying to argue with ya Phil...but id have to say 'US-made' materials and supply chains aren't immune to covid issues. Acutally Id hazard a guess they're far more fragile and susceptible to disruptions than the state-run industries of China. Sadly<< My point wasn't that US made wood products are immune from COVID supply chain disruptions. They are; especially anything that can be used in consumer products and construction. But the supply chain for Zu's cabs is a relatively short one, improving the odds. I can't see the problem via the photos but I am sure Zu can make it right for you. Phil |
As a Zu owner I'm shocked by those cheap looking screws. It just looks bad, like they just used whatever they had laying around. They should at least send you replacements. I agree with Phil, the veneers look fine. Their veneer stock is going to vary based on the supply coming in and you get what you get there. |
I verified that Zu used the flat Phillips head screws for some builds when their standard backplate fasteners were unavailable. Zu is back to using the prior screws. Anyone who got speakers with the Phillips heads shown in the OP's photo can request a replacement set. Just send a request, along with your delivery address, to info@zuaudio.com, and the speaker you are asking replacement screws for. Phil |
Took numerous emails back and forth with Garret before Zu agreed to provide the correct fasteners. I was shocked that a company based on aesthetics, maybe , arguably, more so than sound, would use such cheap looking and improperly fitting fasteners. But had the full assurance this was the new construction method. I found it strange that the new Soul released soon after my purchase used the correct fasteners. Anyway, glad to see they fixed the issue...hopefully without drawn out email arguments to get them 🤣 I saw today Zu discontinued the Soul Supreme and many others....seems to be all replaced by a Dirty Weeknd box filled with some concentric driver. Hope all works out for the company...glad I got my Soul Supremes while they are still in business!! They are fun speakers, but you absolutely need a subwoofer. The undertone has been great paired with the Soul Supremes. |
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@bjesien maybe an ultralight or a wore out C150. |
The replacement of Soul Supreme by the upcoming Union 6 Supreme is in a mini-tower but nothing at all like a Dirty Weekend box. The internals are far beyond either ODW or Omen II. The bandwidth of the speaker is broader than what came before. Bass response and slam will be astonishing but anyone wanting more can still buy an Undertone II. Overall, what's coming will be a more expansive, agile, responsive sound than the prior Zu speakers in the price range. Just because the exterior has the same dimensions as an Omen Dirty Weekend does not remotely mean it's a similar speaker. Phil |
