2. speakers
  3. 1347619101

Zu Definition owners who stepped up to the Def 4

Would like to hear from past owners of the earlier Definitions, who stepped up to the Def 4;

Wondering how the 4-10" subs of the earlier Def's stack up against the 1-12" in the Def 4. Do you feel the Def 4 is putting out less bass because of the one woofer?

In the Def 4, I notice the built in amp sits directly over the the sub woofer. Any repercussions because of this layout?

I know there is a thread currently running about comparisons of these speakers, but I really don't want to read through some 440+ posts.

Thanks in advance for your comments.
markpao

Showing 3 responses by markpao

markpao OP
525 posts
 
Gsm18439,
Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. I see Phil is a wealth of information
on this subject. I have a better insight as to the quantity and quality of the bass
now.

Morgan,
Please report back if/when you hear the Def 4's, I'd love to hear you're findings,
thoughts and comments.

Phil,
Thanks for clearing that up. I guess I'm from the old school thinking that more is
better, so 4-10" must be better than 1-12" right? I read about the
issues the old design has, so it all makes sense to me now.
markpao OP
525 posts
 
Phil,

"The one area of theoretical compromise is that the sub's internal amp is
proximate to the 12" driver"

I just had a talk with Sean about this. I was reassured that the amp being
close is not a problem with the woofer doing its job. And that more of a
concern was the woofer vibration to the amp. He mention that is why they
use extra measures to keep the amp assembled strongly as so not to let the
vibrations of the woofer rattle anything in the amp.

" If you really worried about that the amplification could be
externalized, but then the elegant unitary integration of all Def4 elements into
one simple box would be ruined"

Yes, very true. We also talked about this too. Sean mentioned to me that they
are coming out with a kit that will allow one to remove the amp from the Def
4 (and I'm thinking possibly the prior defs as well?) and incorporate their own
amp to drive the sub. There will be a plate that will fit over the amp opening
to cover the hole and you will receive a credit for returning the amp. This kit
will be posted on their website soon. What a great idea for those who want to
go that route.
markpao OP
525 posts
 
I don't think that I would consider opting out of the built in amp either now that I have a better understanding of the pros and cons.
However, I think Sean scored big here giving the end user the option. As I understand it, some like the idea of having all their electronics together, on one rack. I have to admit, I sometimes find myself running over to the speakers to adjust the volume when switching to different kinds of music. Not a problem with me (after all, anyone who plays vinyl is always jumping up anyway), but for some I'm sure.
More to discover