Just for the record, I'd like to point out that the amplifier only "sees" the impedance curve (magnitude, frequency, and phase) that a speaker system presents; it doesn't "see" the individual drivers or crossover parts separately. Therefore, it is quite possible for a speaker with a complex crossover to present a smoother load to the amplifier than one with a minimalist crossover, or no crossover.
I applaud what Zu has done with their innovative format. They set the bar high and make the rest of us work very hard.
This statement I fully agree with: "Ragged response that shows short bandwidth abberations against a backdrop of general octave-to-octave balance can sound just fine and convincing, as opposed to a speaker with smoother curve but clearly visible octave-to-octave dysfunction, which can sound completely wrong." Let me add that dips are far less audible than peaks. In the Druid for instance, Zu did a fine job of juggling the inevitable tradeoffs in a way that minimized their audibility. It looks like the Soul has fewer tradeoffs, and if anything its designers are now even more expert jugglers.
Duke
dealer/manufacturer
I applaud what Zu has done with their innovative format. They set the bar high and make the rest of us work very hard.
This statement I fully agree with: "Ragged response that shows short bandwidth abberations against a backdrop of general octave-to-octave balance can sound just fine and convincing, as opposed to a speaker with smoother curve but clearly visible octave-to-octave dysfunction, which can sound completely wrong." Let me add that dips are far less audible than peaks. In the Druid for instance, Zu did a fine job of juggling the inevitable tradeoffs in a way that minimized their audibility. It looks like the Soul has fewer tradeoffs, and if anything its designers are now even more expert jugglers.
Duke
dealer/manufacturer