This is a self-serving post and normally I wouldn't do this, but just a heads up as I think there is a particularly strong synergy with Zu speakers...
The Redgum integrated I've gushed about in this thread is now for sale here on the 'gon.
I'd rather this go to a Zu owner and its not likely you'll see another one used. |
Hey, Rockn!
I'm still around and loving my Superflys. They are really special speakers, but during my ownership I've come to discover they're a real pain in the butt to get placement right.
Its easy to make them sound good, but making them shine in a mixed use domestic setting is a chore! I reconfigured my den a few months back and spent a very frustrating 3 months trying to get my magic back. I'd nearly given up on the speakers and tried something else when a buddy finally got me back on track.
When my system is sounding its best its stunning now. I have had two zu haters (one of which owned 40k pipedreams) admit there ismagic.goin on.
I'm currently using a Decware Torii mk3 which is a very nice amp ill probably keep for a while and that's being driven by an excellent Audion preamplifier. A very nice pairing.
Give a Decware amp a whirl, they're verygood, but plan on a preamp and some tube rolling.
Lmk if you have any specific questions. I've had a good bit of associated gear with these things. |
tipped up tonal balance, thinning of the wonderful harmonic development these speakers are capable of, just an edgy yet non-defined, unemotional sound.
I turned off my rig after 20 minutes of listening tonight in favor of finding something on TV... I gotta get my balance back... I thought I was close but I'm completely unsatisfied again... Sigh.
Maybe its just this difficult because I'm bad at it, but the fact that Zu haters have enjoyed my rig should mean something. |
I hope the gear swapping helps you lock things in, but the problems I'm referring to are more of the room interaction variety. When properly set up it is difficult to make the Zus sound bad via associated equipment, IMO.
I'm thinking of trying some of those herbies decouplers or threaded gliders for my Souls (on carpet). Supposedly a sonic up tick and if nothing else it may make it easier to experiment with placement to lock my sound. |
The wywire cables are sensational. Their interconnects, speaker cables and.digital cables are really outstanding and played a huge role in bringing out thepotential of my rig which I recently messed up a bit.
Seriously, they arent cheap but they're excellent. Buy em and try them... with the trial periods.you cannot go wrong.
Zu mission ics weren't bad at all, but I really didnt like there speaker cables... I rather disliked them which was a surprise after reading how the druids couldn't be appreciated without there cabling, but the ears don't lie.
The eastern electric dac is pretty nice in stock form, though mine is upgraded by the Bolder Cable Co. Definitely a good snag on the used market! |
Guys, check out the Herbies Glider threaded posts for the Superflys. Significant improvement at very modest cost. Better definition top to bottom and makes placement tweaking much easier. |
I had the threaded glider 3/8"-16 (1 inch long) for my Souls.
I exchanged it when I sold the Souls in favor of the Cone/Spike Decoupling Glider which does the same thing, but is universal with other spiked speakers. |
I couldn't compare it to the Omen, but I heard the nanotecs in a Superfly this past Saturday and it was pretty stunning. It was fed by a cherry amp which is an 'unusual' pairing for a 101db speaker at 700wpc, but it was a great match.
The resulting sound was more transparent, refined and dynamic then I recalled my Superflys being. The stage was also far bigger than I remembered. I got a taste of what the Def 4s could do at that same meet, but truthfully, upstairs the nano'ed Souls were more impressive for the coin.
On a side note, I'm returning to team zu! Tomorrow morning I'm picking up a Piano Black pair of Definition 2s which I plan to install nanotec drivers in. Speaking to Sean it appears they are far easier to place then the Soul Superflys and can get very close to my front wall which is a HUGE plus for me. Can't wait!! |
That's very encouraging. The wall distance will be critical for me as I'll just be clearing the 9.5 to 10 foot distance requirement.
I don't know that I'll go to that extent, though nanotec drivers are on the immediate to do list. Followed by that dac we discussed... After all that is done, I'll see if I even want for anything. I was initially thinking of putting the dac off pending the an amp upgrade, but hearing Zu has exhibited the def 4 with my Melody MK88 with great results has me wanting to put that off.
I'm picking them up in about 9 hours and am beyond excited! |
I'm baaack!
The Def 2s sound incredible and I'm instantly happy with my decision to return to Zu. I'm planning on plopping some nanotec drivers in there and marking my speaker search as complete for foreseeable future. |
My thoughts at the moment are that it would take a very compelling speaker or an abysmal, unworkable room to move me from team Zu again. These speakers are so harmonically complete, meaty, and tonally saturated while being wonderfully transparant. I can't even imagine what the nanotec drivers will bring, but no I've gotta have 'em.
My VR-33s were nice speakers, but these things are giving me so much more of everything... I don't mean to de-rail my own thread but... damn! |
From the 30 minutes or so I spent in front of them I'll say the nanotecs are a very worthwhile upgrade for the Superfly. My Superflys never had the level of resolution and refinement the new driver did. Staging also seemed a lot bigger--overall it was just a more complete listen.
I've got the nanotecs ordered for my Definitions now and am eagerly awaiting their arrival in about a month. |
I'm really partial to the Melody gear and Zu speakers. I'm using an MK88 (KT88 push pull that is surprisingly beautiful) right now and am hoping to buy an AN211 as a potential 'destination' amp with my Def 2s (nanotec drivers on order).
Given you are in Europe, the amp could be had pretty cheaply too. |
Gemini,
I committed to the purchase of the Melody AN211 and coincidentally the person buying my MK88 is the owner of a pair of Soul Superflys with nanotec drivers, so maybe he will chime in as to the pairing.
I was looking at the prices to get gear from places like Catylink and you've got some real good Chinese stuff available very cheaply. |
Just wanted to add that I received my Melody AN211 yesterday and without any real burn in and mostly stock tubes (changed the rectifier right away) the thing is a killer match to Zu speakers. I'm already loving what it does with the 6ohm Zu Definition 2s and I'm very excited to see what will happen with further burn in and my upcoming move to nanotech drivers (which will also make load 8ohm).
Anyone considering this amp has my big endorsement for it! This may be a destination piece for me. |
Thanks to you too, Hugh.
I'll post some more detailed impressions as this baby logs some hours and burns in. I can hear the tremendous promise, but its a little early in the game still.
I hate burn in... wish I could fast forward 2 weeks, lol! |
What is this AN845 you speak of!?! |
That is interesting, Hugh. The AN211 isn't exactly bass deficient and I'm pleased with its low end driving my Def 2s. The AN845 must be monstrous! |
