Zu Druid MK IVs vs. Essences


I'm trying to decide between these two speakers and, after reading lots of reviews and impressions on-line, I'm more confused than ever. I'd like to hear what differences Audiogoners have experienced between the two. Of course, I'm not looking for the final word, or consensus - just folks' subjective impressions.

I won't get to audition either speakers, because I'm in northwest Wisconsin and a bit isolated. But I've bought a fair number of speakers without hearing them, so that doesn't worry me. I like revealing speakers that are a bit upfront and I'd rather have scintillating highs and great mids than thundering bass. I even like a little thin-ness in the bass.

Thanks in advance for any impressions you can offer.
klein_rogge

Showing 6 responses by bjesien

I'm thinking of buying a pair of Soul originals for my kids room. Found a high quality tube integrated at the dump swap shop.

Only thing that concerns me is the lack of grills. I assume the drivers are really rugged and these are sold to folks with children. No problems yet with the Verity Parisfals or Vandersteen 5's but they have coverage.

I'd appreciate any opinions.
I've owned them both and think they suck. Sold the Essence to a frequent poster here who claims they are not very good and moved on.

I've heard the latter models and they are okay but still are not that great especially when compared to slightly higher end gear.

I think the drama comes in when Zu claims to offer world class performance. World class is a very high standard and they are far from it.

Maybe market very good and affordable or something. Buy these instead of a mountain bike....

Get out and listen more and you will find your answer. They are a good value but an if you listen to enough speakers I doubt you will end up with Zu.
Point taken. I guess it is not fair or respectful of the design or tastes of other people. I apologize for that. I think I am still feeling sore about losing a bunch of cash on them too. I picked them up from a dealer at a discount prior to Zu dropping dealers and going back to the old pricing strategy. Perhaps therapy would be better than venting?
Okay, check the listing for the Essence Time Warp Candy Gloss direct from Zu. Original price $10,200 selling for $6,000 new. Great deal since they are new at $6000, well under the list of $10,200.

The Zu site lists them for $4,000 a pair. The Essence goes for maybe $2,200 used if lucky.

Where does the list of $10,200 come in to play?

Got it.

I tried to run the scenario so many different ways but got lost. I came up the with the high school friend who owned the 2k car with the 8k stereo. That didn't seem right. Next thought the opposite... 8k car with 2k stereo. That started to make sense.

You have enlightened me though that it is the paint job that we are going with more than any other part of the car.

That helps me clarify the situation but why would the owner/manufacturer discount over $4,000? Seems like building to loose money or a really great deal on a pimped out Pontiac Fiero.

http://benzs.blogspot.com/2008/11/fiero-kit-car-madness-murcielago.html

The Zu Essence with Candy Gloss went for $3300. What an awesome deal for the buyer.