Jack,
Sean recently characterized Omen to me as "Druid 4-08 in a three foot package," further explaining that Omen will have the essential sound of the D4-08. I don't know how bass response in the new cabinet will compare with Druid 4-08s that are correctly adjusted for floor-plinth gap, but even partial Greiwe loading would provide a proper foundation. So at $999, having all other attributes of the Zu FRD in a crossoverless configuration with a dynamic supertweeter, Omen gets presumption of excellence from me. Plus, I've been an advocate of "guitar finishes" for speakers, so I think the transluscent stain on maple shown in the promo photos will look great.
How the market will respond to the speaker at a higher price later in the context of the rest of Zu's line-up remains to be seen but the target market should find Omen startlingly good against the mass market alternatives they can audition and buy locally. Druid 4-08 sound was remarkable at a much higher price 2-1/2 years ago. I think it's a safe bet to order, and, no...I don't see a competitive nor better speaker for the price.
Phil
Sean recently characterized Omen to me as "Druid 4-08 in a three foot package," further explaining that Omen will have the essential sound of the D4-08. I don't know how bass response in the new cabinet will compare with Druid 4-08s that are correctly adjusted for floor-plinth gap, but even partial Greiwe loading would provide a proper foundation. So at $999, having all other attributes of the Zu FRD in a crossoverless configuration with a dynamic supertweeter, Omen gets presumption of excellence from me. Plus, I've been an advocate of "guitar finishes" for speakers, so I think the transluscent stain on maple shown in the promo photos will look great.
How the market will respond to the speaker at a higher price later in the context of the rest of Zu's line-up remains to be seen but the target market should find Omen startlingly good against the mass market alternatives they can audition and buy locally. Druid 4-08 sound was remarkable at a much higher price 2-1/2 years ago. I think it's a safe bet to order, and, no...I don't see a competitive nor better speaker for the price.
Phil