Zu Soul Superfly

I've received my Superflys and have been enjoying them immensely.

Regarding amplifier selections, I'm very interested in Atma-sphere to go along with m Bent Tap-X Autoformer passive. Wondering if the Atma M60's would be overkill with the 101 db Superflys.

Also, like the idea of the Yamamoto A-08S, however Sean at Zu highly recommends the 16 ohm output transformer option with this amp in order to get a good solid "2 watts" output power.

Comments appreciated

Dave

Pinging 213cobra...

Phil - just wondering if have been able to audition your recently acquired Quad II's on the Superfly. Your comments regarding their performance on the Druid sound promising.

I've googled the Jubilee edition - what a stunning looking pair of monoblocks.

I'm wondering if you could elaborate a little more on the sound of the Quad II's with the Druid (and specifically Soul if you've been able to audition). Information garnered on the "net" would seem to charactarize the sound as "vintage", I'm assuming quite euphonic. In your comments you identify the sound as very SET-like. Can provide some additional comments comparing/contrasting the Quad II sound with "modern" 300B (ie your Audion PSET).

Personally, I enjoy a warm, rich (not syrypy) tone with ample detail - it sounds like the Quads are right up this alley. I'm just wondering how it would compare on my Superflys with my current 300b (Dignity Audio DA-08S) monoblocks.

Your comments greatly appreciated Phil.

Regards,
Dave

Phil, thanks for the comprehensive and thoughtful reply.

I have the Suoerfly's in my home theatre system at the moment while Harbeth SLH5's occupy the mins in my 2-channel setup.

Would you be able to pass comment on how the Quad Classic II's would pair with the Harbeths? I'm assuming that the 15W amps would be stretching it a bit (even though with the type of music I listen to and SPL's I listen at, I have no problems enjoying the Dignity 300b). The Harbeths are officially rated at 87 db sensitivity but have actually been measured in a review at closer to 91 db. I suppose the Classic II-40 would supply a little headroom.

Assuming you're familiar with the Harbeth house sound, do you think the Quad Classic would be a likely match?

Regards,
Dave

Best bet is to give them a call.

I picked up 2 pairs if 1M b-stock Mission ic's @ $75 each.

A few weeks ago I also purchased a couple pairs of Wylde ic's for $99 ea. I got the Wylde since I run mono blocks and required separated runs (the Mission are single loom except for the cable ends where they break out into pig-tailed terminations).

I would also be in the market for Mission speakers cables bought I had just purchased a preowned pair of Auditorium 23's.

The Zu cables are terrific at these prices.

Regarding my Superfly's (just to qualify this post as per thread title) - have run them with various amps (Red Wine 30.2, Dignity Audio 300b monos, Monarchy SE100 Deluxe MkII) and my favourite is the Quad II Classic Monoblocks which seem to be optimized for the higher Z of the Superflys (16 ohm). Sound is rich, extended, detailed and very sweet. At my listening levels there's plenty of headroom.

I enjoy the Zu sound having previously owned 2 pairs of Druids.I think my previous favorites were the Druid Mk IV with upgraded tweeter and network (Mundorf silver/oil, Mills resistor, B3 cable loom) with original FRD. This variation had a slightly dark overall sound with a detailed yet smooth top end. With my Wyetech labs SET monoblocks the soundfield was very holographic. I did not care for the Druid MK IV-08 quite as much - just didn't seem as rich to me.

The Superfly produces more bass than either of the Druid variations with a more open and airy top end while preserving the richness (especially with the Quads) of my previous favourite Druid (same Mundorf network).

My audio nervosa finds me alternating the Superfly with Harbeth SHL5's (terrific with Dignity Audio 300b's) on a weekly basis. Two totally different presentations and can't choose one over the other so will keep both.

Harbeths are smooth, rich, deeply layered sound stage, very holographic with 300b's, incredible texture on voices (Mark Knopfler, Patricia Barber) with amazing palpability. They sound the way they look (rich Rosewood veneer). Pipe and slippers time? Maybe but absolutely full, balanced, non-fatiquing and gorgeous with my jazz/light pop playlist.
Appropriate partnering beverage - McWilliams Australian Shiraz.

Superfly is fast, more micro-detailed, upfront soundstage (less layered not quite as dimensional). Voices and individual instruments seem to separate and jump out for amazing realism and dynamics. Tonally full but not at the same level as the Harbeths. Appropriate partnering beverage - tequila Ceasar.

Just my thoughts on two great transducers with totally different presentations. Love them both and being a Gemini can't choose one or the other. Of course all comments relate to my specific room and partnering gear.

Regards,
Dave