Just went through the same process and yes, high efficiency speakers solve a lot of problems, including amplifier choices. The differences in sound pressure level with the same power is remarkable and makes the amp selection less restrictive.
You have had, on this thread, some pretty knowledgable posters. I followed these helpful posters and ended up with Zu Definition 4s powered by vintage McIntosh MC 60 tube mono blocks. After selecting the right tubes I'm very satisfied. However I'd like to share something I've learned from a very knowledgeable audio expert, Jim Smith.
You can enter his name in the forum and get an idea of his take on things. His book, Get Better Sound, is a must read for someone in your position.
First of all the Zu Def 4 is by itself very dynamic. With the 60 watts Macs on the full range drivers and the 400 watt/12" down firing subs, to say they rock would be accurate. There is a thread on this site, "Do I really need a subwoofer" that I found informative.
Now back to Jim Smith. He explained that for overall room balance and control of room nodes, having independent subs, even with these speakers, carries a vast benefit. Along these lines, you might want to consider some high quality subs regardless of the speaker brand. This whole integration problem just isn't the problem some make it out to be. Zu makes great subs to augment their speakers. You can make the room much more musical with subs, it just takes good placement and fiddling with the crossover point to get it right.
Now if you really want to get it right, whatever you purchase, call Jim to set up a Room Play session. He's got the sub thing down. He's got everything down all the way to the phase in the electricity coming into your system. I know this sounds like an ad for Jim, rest assured it's just a recommendation to help get you to where you want to go.
You have had, on this thread, some pretty knowledgable posters. I followed these helpful posters and ended up with Zu Definition 4s powered by vintage McIntosh MC 60 tube mono blocks. After selecting the right tubes I'm very satisfied. However I'd like to share something I've learned from a very knowledgeable audio expert, Jim Smith.
You can enter his name in the forum and get an idea of his take on things. His book, Get Better Sound, is a must read for someone in your position.
First of all the Zu Def 4 is by itself very dynamic. With the 60 watts Macs on the full range drivers and the 400 watt/12" down firing subs, to say they rock would be accurate. There is a thread on this site, "Do I really need a subwoofer" that I found informative.
Now back to Jim Smith. He explained that for overall room balance and control of room nodes, having independent subs, even with these speakers, carries a vast benefit. Along these lines, you might want to consider some high quality subs regardless of the speaker brand. This whole integration problem just isn't the problem some make it out to be. Zu makes great subs to augment their speakers. You can make the room much more musical with subs, it just takes good placement and fiddling with the crossover point to get it right.
Now if you really want to get it right, whatever you purchase, call Jim to set up a Room Play session. He's got the sub thing down. He's got everything down all the way to the phase in the electricity coming into your system. I know this sounds like an ad for Jim, rest assured it's just a recommendation to help get you to where you want to go.