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from Zu Druids to....

with all the talk about Zu's new lineup I thought there might be some experience and thoughts about the upgrade I am contemplating from Druid iV's to Audio Note HE's. Anyone done this? I am running my system with a 300b set amp plus tube preamp so need high efficiency. Plan is to listen first - probably in the next week or two. The Audio Notes are quite a bit more expensive and the Druids do a lot right so not sure this is a going to be a clear cut decision. Have considered lots of the alternatives such as Definitions, see even a deal on the discontinued Essence's plus a variety of horns, etc.
ladavid

Showing 2 responses by tvad

tvad
9,467 posts
 
I am an AN-SPe/HE owner, and someone who has heard the Druids for several extended listening sessions. I think your idea of listening to the Audio Note speakers is a good one. There's a definite difference between the house sound of Zu Audio and Audio Note.

While I prefer the Audio Note sound, I am aware of at least one other Audiogon member who went from Audio Note to Zu Audio and is very happy with the switch.
tvad
9,467 posts
 
The importance of corners for the AN speakers cannot be overstated. Corners are crucial to proper bass extension, balance and control. There is at least one other Audiogon member I'm aware of who ultimately gave up on Audio Note speakers because he did not have a room conducive to placement of the AN speakers.

Unless you have a room with corners, I'd look at other speaker options. Based on the experiences of other previous AN speaker owners in these threads, trying to dial in the sound of Audio Note speakers without corners is a frustrating endeavor.

If you have corners, then absolutely listen to AN speakers as a good option.

I use sand filled Audio Note stands, and I have no issues with them. I live in Southern California...a place prone to earthquakes, so for me the ability to "lock" the speakers onto stands (with small dots of BluTak) to add stability was an important consideration.
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