I have used their Mission MK1 and Event MK1 power cables. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about either. Before switching to Cabledyne on my amps, I had the Event on everything in my system. I would recommend them to anyone. |
Ok, 5 years later and here we are still seeing missions, libtecs, events and wyldes. Looks like Zu settled in a bit and even left the website alone for a while i think.
I am thrilled with the company because i as a low income earner have had the opportunity to try a few of their lines without breaking the bank. Have loved everything about all the cables except the bok which won't fit anything i try it in. |
To Noxs4u - when buying a product in this hobby one factors in a certain resale value. This expectation is built in into the price paid. If the seller turns around and floods the market with product at 25% the price one paid - well - ones resale value drops to 50% of 25% (when the buyer expected to get 50% of 100%). |
One issue to remember is that the Zu cables benefit greatly from "burn in" of at least 100 hours. I have used And greatly enjoyed the Libtec cables for a few years, and recently tried the Mission SC and now the Event SC. The Mission initially supplied a little more base and general weight to the presentation compared to my Libtecs. The Libtecs seem to excel at an open soundstage with pristine highs, but be a little lighter on the lower registers in my system. I eventually removed the Missions and placed the Libtecs back in the system because some of the detail and air I liked was lost in the "extra weight" they brought. The Events arrived recently and are like a nice combination of the Libtec and Mission. There is better bass extension and weight compared to the Libtecs with no loss of detail and nice balance across the spectrum. They seem to be continuing to break in because the openness and detail continue to improve as my other Zu cables have done during their break in periods. My other cables presently are Zu Mother PC, and Zu Wylde IC. |
I recently bought a pair of Zu Libtec speaker cables an a trio of Zu Bok power cords. I got the Libteks first, to see how they did between my Manley 300b amps and my new Zu Essence speakers. The Libtecs replaced a pair of Transparent networked cables. The Transparents certainly made a difference in my system. They accounted for a much lower noise floor: increased detail, smoother sound, greater realism and better soundstage. But, the Libtecs were much better in my system, much more holographic soundstage, no loss of clarity and better detail, better tonal accuracy, smoother upper midrange and deeper lower midrange, altogether better in synergy with my equipment. A couple of weeks later I connected the Boks to my Manley Neo-Retro 300b amps and one to my Manley Shrimp preamp. They further dropped the noise floor, deepened the soundstage, and my system acquired a sense of spooky realism. I intend to get some Mission interconnects to place between my upgraded VPI Scout and Linto phono amplifier, also between the Linto and the Shrimp. I don't know what to expect on that change, but if they meet up with the improvements that I got from the other Zu cables then I know I am going to be extremely pleased... I did not expect such a relatively inexpensive change in my system would produce such stark results to the positive. |
At the moment I have two analog interconnects - Blue Jeans Cable and Acoustic Zen Matrix Reference II.
Blue Jeans sounds in my system quite decent. It gives me dynamic, full-bodied sound, but a bit grainy and tones are not as nice as in my Acoustic Zen.
Acoustic Zen was my upgrade from BJC. It is smooth, provides more space, better soundstage, beautiful tones, more extention in bass and highs. It's musical, too! Unfortunately in my system this cable made mids, especially vocals, almost disappear! It's such a shame as I like almost everything about this cable. Well, maybe it could also have more resolution.
As BJC and AZ don't give me the sound I am looking for, I decided to look further. I've gone through lots of reviews and impressions of cables on audiogon and other websites.
Finally I've come across Zu Mission interconnect which is within my budget (500$) and looks promising.
Could you please tell me what the differences between Zu Mission and Acoustic Zen or BJC are? What is the sound characteristics of Zu Mission interconnect?
I'd appreciate your help as in my country I am not able to borrow too many cables for a trial. |
I have bought Zu Audio cables new, used/demo and off of eBay. If someone pays $5 bucks and I pay $100 doesn't matter to me as much as what the value of the cable is in "my system". You get them 75% off - good for you, I hope you enjoy them! I paid 75% for Julians and I was giggling at the steal for the improvements it brought to my ears at the time.
If the cables are bought at a price then you must have felt they were worth that price at that time. If they bring equal or better than expected improvements to your system then what's the harm? Yes, if you had waited a year then they would have been cheaper. With that logic you can wait 10 years and get a steal at a garage sale but you'll miss out on some great music over that time period. As for dropping a quality product from my system because my neighbour got them cheaper, well that make no sense at all, to me.
I look forward to trying out new Zu products, at the price I'm willing to pay. |
Gopher
Didn't you can the Mission SC? |
I'd be interested in the above question as well, though for my part I was not terribly impressed with the Missions when I had them. |
Did anyone have the opportunity to compare the very good Zu Mission speaker cables to the Events? I'm wondering how much better the Zus could get. |
On an aside, I read about their 'problems' with their now, departed, marketing guru who started all this on their website. I guess anyone can be caught off guard but it takes awhile for the ripples to settle.
Having said that, yes, the Zu Mission cables are great and not just for the money. |
Zu's cable is a true bargain. It out performs cables selling for several times he price of the Zu. I don't care if they meddle with introductory prices or not. I bought some of their "discounted" gear 5 years ago and haven't been tempted to go throw ore money into that hole in the ocean to "buy new and better." What I have now is hardly "old and lousy." |
I've replace LAT International SS1000MKII with Mission...great improvement. |
Nasaman,
They're still breaking in but if you need to know how I feel about them now, I'd say go and put a bid in over at ebay and hope you can get them at a low price.
The PC gave me the biggest improvement: it cleared up a haze or fog that I didn't know I had. More dynamics as well. All in all, a cleaner presentation.
The ICs were another step or two, maybe three, in the right direction but not as big of an improvement as the PC. Still worth getting.
The Speaker wires were a bit cloudy at first but cleared up after 2-3 days. They gave an extension to the bass that I thought my speakers weren't capable of. Same goes for the upper frequencies: extension and clarity improved as well.
All in all, I'm very happy with my purchase, having gotten them at the year end sale. A bargain if there ever was one.
I'm considering bidding over at ebay for another pair or two of ICs.
Hope that helps. |
...Will report back. Great enthusiastism, Thanks |
Just received a pair of Mission speaker cables in the mail today. Very curious about them, and not quire sure what to expect.
My system is pretty much connected with Wywires throughout and the additive effect/synergy is very special. I do recognize however that there is supposed to be a special synergy between the Zu speakers and Zu cables (some reviewers said the Libtec were pretty much mandatory for the Druids).
I guess I'll see which synergy is more important in my own setup. Not now though, not in the mood to putz with cables. |
01-28-11: Vett93
what sexy overtones?
Vett93 (System | Reviews | Threads | Answers | This Thread) Can you not hear them? You must have bought B-stock... |
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The one thing I like about the Zu cables is the "sexy overtones". That alone is worth kilobucks. |
IMO this marketing snafu was short-lived. I don't think it will take much to get back to "normal" and in the public's good graces.
I believe they will be resurrecting the direct sales model as well. Let's just hope they get a real website up soon.... |
I have the Presence and it is a speaker to hang onto. I would like to get the Def2. but would not want to fire sell them to upgrade. I never see the Def2 go on the Gon.
Gopher,
What would you think I could get for my speakers in the light of your thinking in your last post?
I did get some thoughts from ZU about buying new but they are to high. |
Hi Glory
Yes this was a lesson learned the hard way. I've always bought used and wanted to buy new for a change. Never again. Although the Black Cat Morpheus Speaker Cable has made me curious about them I will proceed very carefully.
I'm done with Zu because I feel like I was lied and made a fool of regarding their early Mission cables promotion and will never trust them again. Yes part of the fault is mine as I was very stupid to believe they were a company that wouldn't pull bs they did and my excitement got the best of me. I believed in it and in Zu because their promo site was gone. Also I knew from before they would have promotions every now and then but they were never ongoing. Again lesson learned.
Thanks. |
Generally speaking I agree with that Glory, but at 75% off 'b-stock' I don't think much would be saved waiting for them to go used...
Really though, I don't think the Mission or even Soul/Omen owners should be the ones upset at all.
I'd be a little annoyed if I owned one of the more expensive speakers they discontinued. I can't imagine their resale value is intact. Loving my Souls, but glad I'm not holding a Druid, Pressence, Definition, Tone, etc., that needs re-selling. |
Never buy new. Wait till the wire comes up on the Gon/Bay.
You will learn LOL.
Cry baby. Buy used!!!!!
Done with ZU. For what your fast buying ways?
Good guys they are and glad they are still going strong. |
This certainly did blow up in their faces. I think the sales and promotions were to get them exposure and create goodwill towards the company, but it seems a lot of people are pissed.
I like the company and their products, but I do agree things got a little wacky, to the point where I actually warned the CEO in private email that people were being conditioned not to recognize/respect the retail price structure. He was a nice guy--too bad things turned out as Tholt points out, but it was a bizarre business model the frustrated many.
They've put out some KILLER speakers and cables at awesome prices (even at retail)--I think they need to return to a more traditional sales model at this point, get some pro reviews and further credibility and do things the old fashion way. |
It is disheartening to learn of this but what I got at the sale price is just a little more than the starting bid prices. But to think that someone could buy at full retail and there, on ebay, one can bid for a hell of a lot less would really piss me off. The cables are just fine, in my system, and they best what I had but.... |
Their new CEO (as of Aug 2010), the one responsible for all the bewildering marketing tactics, has recently been fired. Apparently, we were not the only ones questioning the chaos. I believe that Sean and Adam (co-founders) are back in leadership roles. Lets hope they can get back on track and set a clear course forward.
Jedi -- I did see your ads. Really sorry about the bath you took on resale. As long as they have ebay promos for their cables, anyone who bought during one of their sales and is trying to resell will likely be in the same boat unfortunately. I am questioning the ebay thing -- it only undermines any 'retail' value. I understood it when they were doing it with their lower priced lines (Julian, Oxyfuel) a couple of years ago. But Mission is one of only two lines they have now.
I've never been a die-hard Zu fan, but have always thought of their products as premium without the price tags. I'll wait and watch how things progress this year. Should be interesting. |
Curious_george
I'm beyond peeved. I sold my Zu Mission cables at a big loss becuase I couldn't stand Zu Audio's lies anymore. You should see what I wrote in my classified ad listings for them.
I may write to Zu Audio to voice my disgust with them but I highly doubt it will do anything.
I feel really bad for Zu Omen early promo participants. Zu Omen's are on the Zu Promo Ebay website as well. Some of the speakers have sold for less than $900.
My guess is that in order to fund their marketing they have to sell as much as they can to cover costs? Cool 'making of' videos cost money.
I'm done with Zu Audio. |
Any idea as to why Zu has destroyed the value of their Mission cable via auctions on eBay?
As a "valued customer" I really thought their intro offers were great. This excitement was quickly followed by despair when they further discounted and now $1 auctions on eBay....WTF?!?
Am I wrong to feel peeved? |
Also take a look at the Zu logo on the bottom of the speakers. It used to be a Zu in a circle (it is on my Omens that I got just last week). Now the logo you see when you first open their site is on the bottom of the speakers (in the pictures at least). |
Nope, a new site for the new year - & one that doesn't allow browsing (at least for now). Either the folks at Zu have a lot of extra time on their hands or there is some major indecision in the ranks. This is - I think - the third site remake in as many months, not to mention the revisions to their product lines. |
@ Salmonsc - at first I thought you were talking about on again/off again sales, but Holy Crap! Their website is down and they're launching a new one! Again!?
Strange goings on at Chez Zu... |
Interesting, but it looks like I missed my chance on the B-Stock/65% off sales. New 2011 pricing is up and from what I've been told it will be a lot firmer than we saw in 2010.
I may experiment with their PCs down the line, but I have something very good I've been liking a lot as is (Wywires) so I'm not in a big rush to spend, per se.
I AM eager to try the speaker cables for the reason that I suspect there may be a special synergy with my Soul Superflys, but I've got some cable that goes for almost as much as the intro price of my Souls now so I'm trying to stay grounded in my expectations... although Zu seems to enjoy surpassing my expectations.
Does anyone know if there is a Mission Coax on the way? I have MAC coax I'm not crazy about which I wouldn't mind going Zu on. I recall reading some positive things about their prior digital cable... |
Jedinite: I haven't tried of the new IC's - only the Mission speaker cables - & to me they just didn't sound as good as the Libtechs. They seemd to have less clarity & soundstage definition. It may well be a compatibility thing (I have Magnepan speakers no Zu's).
I haven't tried the Event SC's but they are twice the price so I probably won't - unless they are also on sale? It's not clear from the site what - if anything - is still on sale.
Which brings me to another point - & I know it's petty - I wish they'd stop changing their website! It's like they can't make up their mind about anything. Everytime I visit it's a different format, with different products either added or subtracted. Currently you can only download brochures - not browse online - which is a hassle if you are not using you're own pc (or on a handheld device). |
Gopher,
You really can't go wrong with the trial period on the PCs. I believe they didn't have much selection in B-stock Mission cables when I got mine. Slim pickens. I waited too long. That PC was the first thing I inserted and had I not gotten anything else, I would have been happy not knowing what I was missing. Removed haze and grunge I didn't know I had.
Erik0zpm,
You are so right about system synergy being a huge variable. As I said before, my new Burson just powered through the cables with its superior power supply and advanced circuitry compared to my older one. With the older one I would have had to wait a lot longer to find out and even then, I truly believe it wouldn't sound as great as what I'm hearing with the new one. And yes, the build quality set me back some: they are some nice looking cables. |
They are excellent in my system (and system synergy is sooo variable). I retired some very expensive Crystal Ref speaker cables because the Missions have an impressive synergy with the Soul Superfly spkrs. I love the aesthetic of the Mission and the build quality. Even at full pop prices, they are a high value proposition IMHO. I'll be getting some Mission IC's cause the spkr cables are so good. |
Nonoise,
You've making me very curious about the PCs. I picked up a pair of the B-stock interconnects to fill a soon to be gap in my system (adding a SUT) and they have really exceeded my expectations, turning out to be very good cables and not just for the price...
I recently discovered another affordable power cable I love, but with the promo/b-stock pricing these Zus are actually cheaper... Shoot, even the B-stock events are a hundred less...
Anyone else play with their power cables and find them to be as great a value as the interconnects? |
Game over. At least for me. Just got my new Burson integrated and boy oh boy, it just blew all the smoke, dust and debris out of the Mission cables. All of them. Maybe the high winds we've been experiencing out here in L.A. helped.
I dunno.
Hate to highjack this thread but all you need is something really special to get immediate benefits from the Mission cables. You've got nothing to lose and a lot to gain from experimenting with them. If there is an improvement (and I know there will be) at the 200-300 hour mark, I'll just wear this shit eating grin for all next year.
The amount of improvement has not been subtle.
Far from it. |
Salmonsc
What didn't impress you about the Mission ICs or SCs? Did you audition them and find the Mission line lacking? What were your issues with them? So far my only gripe is the pricing. The Mission line is still available for 65% off.
Tholt
I'm not sure exactly why Zu cxled the other product lines. Maybe to just to simplify things and focus more on the speaker line?
Nonoise
Looking fwd to your thoughts on the Mission SCs. I gave mine over 300 hours of break-in non-stop. I played different kinds of music each day with them.
Artmaltman
With Zu still offering the 65% off the Mission cable line I'd give them a shot. I confirmed with Zu if you buy the cables new and not B-stock the 60 day return policy applies. I paid $200 + shipping for my 3M Mission SCs. The exact same cables can be had now for approx $140 + shipping.
Thanks everyone and have a Happy New Year. |
@ Tholt - I'm not sure, as I don't work for Zu, but I assume it was a product rationalization &/or marketing rethink.
A shame in a way as I was planning to get another couple of sets of the Libtech cables. But I am not as impressed with the Mission & will probably look elsewhere ... |
Just put in the PC on the amp and there was an immediate improvement. Any haze (which I hadn't noticed) was gone, daddy gone. Clear as a sky of azure blue, clear as an unmuddied lake. Next, one for the CDP. Improvement not as substantial as the first, but what would one expect?
Put in the ICs and likewise, no waiting, big improvement. Big grin on my face. No downside, to speak of.
CD after CD showed an improvement.
Next, the SCs. ??? More detail. All of a sudden I have vertical balance in the soundstage. Big improvement in lower midrange and bass (nothing earth shattering but it now has presence), deeper insight (more detail and nuance), but....what happened to the air? There's smoke where there used to be air and sparkle. Its almost homogenized but not. Certain CDs sound better but most have that smog about them. For the time being.
Not really a complaint since they have to break in but right out of the box, I must say I'm impressed. From what I've read, here, 200 for break in is expected but I think it will take less.
We'll see. |
Do any of you know why they discontinued all their old lines of cable? |
Artmaltman, you've asked for comparisons a couple times now. At 65% off and a 60 day guarantee, why don't you just buy some? |
Just ordered the Mission ICs, speaker cable and power cord.
A no brainer at the prices and with the 60 day return policy.
Will report back. |
How do Mission compare to more traditional high end cables like Transparent, Wireworld, Cardas, Nordost, etc?
Thanks,
Art |
Just thought that I would add my 2cents. Currently, I have a Rega Saturn as a source to my Rega Elicit feeding a pair of Zu Essence. I received some Mission interconnects along with Zu Libtec speaker cables when I bought the speakers. I also have some Monster M350i interconnects as well as some custom Zebra Cables interconnects and power cords, and some Zu Bok power cords, some Zu Mother power cords, and some Zu Gede interconnects.
As a baseline, the Monster M350i interconnects are an inexpensive cable that does a few things right but is not offensive. It mostly omits.
Zebra interconnects with Vampire 800 connectors offer more detail retrieval, a smoother presentation, better soundstaging. Zebras are a little rolled off on both ends of the frequency spectrum as compared to Monsters, Zu Gedes, and Zu Mission.
Zebra power cords do pretty well stacked up against the Zu Boks. Similar enhancements. More slam, better focus, better bass, better imaging and soundstage when either Boks or Zebra are in the system. Mother power cords are more of the same but better in every regard.
Now for the interesting part, Zebra bi-wire speaker cable connected to the Essence sound nearly as good as the Libtec by taming some of the treble but also lose a little bass slam. Can live with either, but on most recording slightly prefer the Zu Libtec cables. What is interesting is that I do not find the Mission interconnects to be superior to the Gedes in my system. Other may have a different opinion for reasons I will explain in the next paragraph.
When using the Mission or Gede ic's in my system with the Mother power cords and Libtec speaker cords, the sound "snaps" into perspective. The best way I can describe it is to compare the slightly fuzzy commercial digital projector programming at the movie theater to the brighter, better focused image of the movie when it comes on the screen. After significant back to back and days versus days of listening, the Gedes sound a little more real with my electronics and the speakers. There is slighter more intangible space around instruments and more emotion in female vocalists voices, a little more resolution. That said, there is definitely more tone and music portrayed through the Mission interconnects. It's kind of like a color
image that is a little too saturated-- like the cinematography in Moulin Rouge versus a normal movie with excellent cinematography. Also, the Gede is slightly less evenly balanced than the Mission.
Many persons I believe will like the Mission cables better. I love the density of tone on rock music and electronica. I just feel that the Gedes do better with classical, female vocalists, and jazz while doing the tone thing almost as well. Both Gede and Mission are superior to the other interconnects unless I want to listen to a really bright recording where the Zebra interconnects are the better choice in my system.
As always my opinion is for my ears, with my system, in my room. Your opinion may differ. I did not like the sound of the Mission interconnects during break-in. They were flatter and less involving than the Gede's or the Zebra's. Sounded more like the Monster ic's.
PMB |
If its any consolation, the B-stock is clearly noted as such so their resale may not be as good as that of you guys who got in early on the A-stock promo.
I agree that the cable pricing is frustrating, although at 75% off I couldn't resit trying an IC.
FWIW a reliable source says get 'em now as 2011 will not have many if any promos. |
Agree. Feeling a little peeved myself. I thought the 50% off intro offer was something special. That aside Mission is great cable and this might be a good opportunity to add more Mission to the system. |
So now you've got your choice of prices: 50% off new Event, 65% off new Mission, or 75% B-stock on either. JOhnnyb53 has a point, but this bizarre fluctuation in prices and sales over the last few months is confusing to say the least. I can see Jedi's point of view -- with this type of pricing, who will ever buy at retail? What exactly is retail? This type of all over the map promotions, to me, seems to devalue their own cable.
I for one am not that happy, considering the first half-price promo back in September was supposedly 'limited time only', which apparently means 'until your 60 day trial is up and we decide to sell them for 65% off'. There was also no mention of the Event line, which I may have held out for, considering they are now 50% off. But perhaps come February those will be on sale for 65% off.
I think there is a legitimate resaon for us early adopters to gripe, and be wary. |
12-20-10: Jedinite24
With Zu's current deals on the Mission cable line I'm beginning to wonder if I got a deal at all. I participated in the early promotion back in September and yes I have been enjoying the Mission SCs I purchased. I really felt though that I got a good deal all around since I thought I got the cables @ 50% off. You can drive yourself crazy trying to get the best single-opportunity price on every purchase in your life, or enjoy some great-performing cables at a better price than the competition. I paid on the high end (about $50-70 higher than average) when I won my pair of Libtec SCs last May. Some people got 'em cheaper and then came the Missions. But still, for under $300 I got some KILLER cables with an excellent warranty, they sound marvelous in my system, elevated the level of resolution significantly, and I'm not going to let $50 one way or another ruin the experience. In the overall scheme of things, the extra $50 doesn't matter a bit. |
