I had experience with the Zu WAX speaker cables. First phsyically they are quite thick and may be hard to situate in tight spaces. Sound wise they can be very revealing. I heard lots of details in music that I hadn't heard before. Mid-range and bass were really good. They do require over 200 hours of break-in so buying them used will be good. You won't have to do all the break-in on your own. Sometimes with the detail it provides I found the treble to be a bit thick and harsh with the Zu WAX. Sometimes when my Dad would listen to my system @ loud levels after a song or 2 I could see him try to rub his ears. It could have been my DAC @ the time as it was an older DAC from the early 90s so the Zu WAX was just revealing what was playing whether I wanted it or not. I wish I could speak on the Nordost Red Dawn SCs but I have no experience with them. If you like the Zu WAX SCs you would really like the Zu Mission SCs. Similar sound to the WAX minus the harsh treble. It is a lot easier to manipulate as well.
Good luck with you search. You have some nice stuff. |
I have had zu julian in my system when they were selling them at ebay auctions. I took them apart to see what they were made of and there are nothing more than 4 common electrical wires of different gauges for plus and minus, braided. To me, zu is 100% marketing / 0 science like many in this industry.
At least with nordost, you get something very well made and distinctively different.
I would prefer Canare over zu. |
I have Zu Libtec, which I also got from an eBay auction via Zu's promotional arm.
I never cut my cables open, but I like what they do. They are a very balanced design with excellent bass clarity and extension (I was thinking of getting a subwoofer until I got these cables), while also have lots of speed, midrange transparency, clarity, and treble air. They take awhile to break in, but when they do they are smooth and natural sounding.
Since I bought them new, I had the 60-day return period. I didn't return them; I'm very happy with them and they are competitive with my $1500/pair PS Audio XStream Reference Bi-Wire cables. |
Kimber 8TC is comperable with any Zu SC? |
Of course it should be:
Is Kimber 8TC comparable with any Zu SC? |
"I took them apart to see what they were made of and there are nothing more than 4 common electrical wires of different gauges for plus and minus, braided."
SHOCKING! Zu cables contain only electrical wires! ;-)
Truthfully, I have been running Zu Ibis cables for several years and I have absolutely no desire to upgrade them. Deep bass, crystalline highs, sweet mids. I upgraded from the Zu Julians and there was a very clear improvement, especially in the highs. I also use their Varial ICs and am very satisfied with them as well. |
I took them apart to see what they were made of and there are nothing more than 4 common electrical wires of different gauges for plus and minus, braided. You mean, like various star-quad configurations such as AudioQuest Type 4, GO-4, CV-4, and KE-4? Or doubled versions such as Rocket 44 and Slate? Or Cardas Quadlink or any number of other speaker cables of high repute that cost as much or more? |
>>11-28-10: Chrisr
I took them apart to see what they were made of and there are nothing more than 4 common electrical wires of different gauges for plus and minus, braided.<<
What you were expecting to find einstein, the Hope Diamond?
LOL |
I cut my brake line and found only brake fluid. I hope my wife fixed it before she went out. |
Audiofeil/Chayro,
It is break time and people around are wondering, why I have a funny look on my face....absolutely hilarious responses :-)))) |
@Chrisr - Julian was the entry level product when it was sold. To compare Julian to "Nordost" is a little unfair. But even so, when you cut apart the cable and you saw nothing but wires, man, what a letdown!
No doubt Nordost is nothing but truth in marketing. Who would think after reading their ads that spending $2000/meter on speaker cable wasn't clearly justified? |
By common electrical wires, I meant the ones that are sold by the foot for a few cents at your favorite home improvement stores. The ones used to fully power your lights, kitchen appliances etc...
I am glad you don't bother to upgrade because they are fine wires and look great! Just a bit expensive but that's all relative. |
Ah. It looks like I offended a few eminent scientists, audiophiles and owners of Zu!
I apologize for having dropped my thoughts on zu; I did not know I was going to become -in a flash- the target of such deep freudian projections.
I will refrain from commenting on Zu in the future. After all, there's nothing wrong with believing.
Sincerely yours, chris |
>>11-30-10: Chrisr
I did not know I was going to become -in a flash- the target of such deep freudian projections.<<
Warning- deep thinker on board. |
I have apologized already. In addition, I have acknowledged that there's nothing wrong with believing in the zu.
THis is not good enough for you? |
Personally, I don't believe in the Zu, I believe in my ears. I couldn't care less what their marketing hype says, I love how the Ibis cables sound.
Don't get all bent out of shape over here, we're just having some fun with you. You have to admit it was humorous. |
I enjoy your humour... I am glad you love how the Ibis cables sound... Like you, I do believe in my ears also and I love how my SPEAKERS sound. |
Ahhhh.... Nice, now go pat yourself on the back.
I've been interested in Zu cables ever since I had to get rid of my Anti-Cables... My main criterion, obviously is price!
I've never even considered anything other than DIY as I cant bear to spend big bux on some silly wires.
Bottom line is, those zu cables look great, I'm guessing they are designed/ voiced for zu speakers, and I run single driver widerangers myself so I'm guessing they could be a good match for my little system.
I'll keep an eye on this thread....
Thanks |
I have to admit Zu seems to be the deal. The new standard for real high fidelity value.
A Revolution in American Hi-fidelity
rca 1m = $299
Speaker cable 1 m = $269
Power cable 1m = $279
They must make those speakers sing, with visceral bass impact beyond their specs and great top-to-bottom musicality. Proven beyond reasonable doubt. Viva Zu. And that's just the "mission". Has anyone tried the "Event"?
Supposedly, they are complete with "sexy tone and texture". That must be something. |
