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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 1 response by plangco

plangco's avatar
plangco
158 posts
 
I can't comment on the Essences, haven't heard them. However, I have heard the Soul Superfly and A-B'd them with the Zu Druid MK IVs. The Superfly in comparison was a little more linear and clearer and perhaps a smidge more bass. However, the Druids to me were slightly warmer and more pronounced in the midrange, with a very likeable midbass bump.

The bass has a very good presence all the way down to close to 40 Hz. Claims about inadequate bass are only valid when talking about below 40Hz. Otherwise, both speakers are wonderful sounding. Any musical sub like REL or MJ Acoustics should blend in very well. The Druids to me sounded a smidge more 'tubey' and analog.

I found that lower powered subs tend to blend in better, whereas the more powerful subs seem to take more power to 'get going' and then stand out a little too much. So, the MJ Acoustics REF100 or the REL Strata are good matchs.
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