Zu Essence owners....your impressions please

What is the system comprised of that you are using with them?

I have had mine for years, and really enjoyed them for all types of music, mellow to metal.....

I did upgrade to the Experience drivers, and they are back closer to the Zu sound that I was used to from the earlier versions of the Druids.

I do also have the Definition III in a different system. These are fantastic as well in my HT, very detailed and solid detailed bass.

I must note that the Essence rig is my favorite for music, as it is a tubed base system, and there is some really great synergy going on there. Cayin A50T integrated, MHDT labs Havanna DAC, and a Squeezebox touch.

Hi Ton1313,

Sorry I didn't check this thread earlier. I am using the Musical Design T 100 hybrid amp, along with a McIntosh MCD-500, upgraded by David Schulte of The Upgrade Company. An additional bonus to the MCD-500 is that it has a very nice preamp built into it. I have a year old Musical Concepts Chameleon preamp, but I am just thrilled with the preamp in the McIntosh. I also have a McIntosh MEN 220, which I use serves to add greatly to the sound quality for me.

I am quite interested that you find the Essence to more favorable for music. Would you mind expanding upon that? I am quite taken with the FRD sound. I have only had these for 11 days now, but I think Zu has truly gotten my interest. I love the simplicity of the entire speaker, and they only weigh 67 lbs a piece, which is a very nice change from my other speakers.

I also use a nice SVS subwoofer from 100 hz down with a 12 db slope.

I really would love to hear why you prefer the Essence to the Definition mk III.

I much prefer my Definitions mk III to my prior Essence. Not even close. Better in every way for every type of music from vocals to jazz to rock and electronica. I would be curious to hear if Ton1313 has swapped the Defs into the tubed system to A/B them with all other variables the same?