Question about ZU speakers


Hi! I´m from Portugal.This is my first post here...
I´m considerind to take the risk and buying the Zu Definition MK1.5. But since there are no Zu delear here in Portugal I want to ear your opinion about them!
My interest on them started after read the review of Mr Ebaen from 6moons. I remember that he compared the Definition with the Avantgarde Duo that he owned...
I listen to the Acantgards (second hand opportunity) last month and I loved the sound. I didn´t bought them only for 2 reasons: the bottom end was not very tight and didn´t integrated very well with the rest of the bandwith and I think I would have space problem with them at my living room (4x7 meter).

So any of the owners here compared the Zu definition with the DUO's?
Do you think the Def Pro are fare better option than the Def MK1.5?
Anyone tested the Druids with 2 subwoofer againts the Definition's? What do you think it would be better?

I need also to buy 2 power amps to drive them. I notice that most Zu owners use yamamoto's and audiopax amps but this brand aren´t available here in Portugal. What you think about pairing them with Bel Canto M300 or Monarchy SM70pro(one Monarchy for each Zu)? My budget for the power amps is around 3000 usd and I´m open to other options...

My other options are B&W 802D and Pioneer S-1EX (with TAD drivers) both amplified with Bel Canto REF1000...Do you think they will beat the Zu's? Anyone eard the Pioner S-1EX?

The rest of my gear is Bel Canto PL-1A (universal player), Tag Mclaren AV32R DP (AV processor), speaker cable Audioquest Vulcano and IC are Acoustic Zen Matrix II.

This speakers/amps are for my AV/stereo system which i´m starting to built. But my primary goal is to have very good stereo reproduction!
Thank you for your help
Best regards
Miguel

PS: sorry if are any mistakes on the text
miguelcarvalho
Hello! It wasn´t my intention to cause any dispute with this thread! I´ve seen in other threads that is very common to see certain type of posts related to Zu´s speakers.
Since I´ve been used to live on a democracy I cannot stop people to post here and this isn´t my intention. I want to gather all the info I can with this thread... So comments coming from people who really eard Zu´s and Pioneers are very welcome here. Hope you won´t misunderstood my words...

Said that... in fact is my intention to fly to Barcelona because I receive just now the quotes and if I don´t keep the Zu´s I´ve to pay around 1500 USD for the shiping and insurance costs of Zu Def Mk1.5, Zu Tone, 3 monarchy amps!So it would be more cheaper to catch the flight.( In fact like Gary said Vueling as a cheap flight from Lisbon to Barcelona. Thank you very much for your advice!)
I´ve also asked quotes for the ZU Tones. I´m thinking on using them as rear channel. Anyone with this set-up?
What you reccomend to use as central channel?

The DEF PRO it would be great but I think if I go with the MK1.5 I don´t need to spend more money on the amps and Rane EQ system only to earn more control on the bass and a more easy integration with the room. Don´t you agree that this are the main differences? Besides the dealer does´t have any DEF PRO to demo...

Regarding the amps I went to look the Red Wine Sig and they seem to have very good feedback! I also looked in the SIG 70 and I think I prefer this one but I would be happier with each one of those...I listen mainly pop rock, jazz and starting to buy some classic music. Do you think Zu´s are good performers for this type of music. Do you think with SET amps they will have the energy and the fast pace to play pop rock?
The dealer recommend the Monarchy SM70Pro power amps (one for each speaker) for the Zu´s. He said they will be enough and have plenty of power to deal easily with them. Any experiences with this powers and Zu´s or with the powers with other set-ups?
What is the price of the the yamamoto´s? They will be enough for the MK1.5?

Anymore experiences with Pioneer S-1EX?

Thank you very much for your comments about ZU and Pioneer Speakers
Kind Regards
Miguel
I have NEVER heard a rave about any Zu speaker at a show. NEVER. Considering the rooms at these shows, it is not surprising. It's a crying shame audiophools cannot hear what I hear in my crib. Isn't that what matters? It's hard to be motivated to purchase a Zu speaker, or any speaker, in fact, when they don't audition well at a show. Zu has such a great money back guarantee, that it may be worth the trial, given Zu owners wonderful home listening experiences. Myself included.
I have a full Zu 5.1 home theater setup. The Definitions up front, a custom Druid center, custom Druid rear effect speakers (just the top 1/3 of the speaker with mounts for wall placement), and the Original Zu sub.

If you need a center or rears, call the Zu guys and ask what can be done for your specific situation.

Cheers
Hi Ton1313!

It seems a good idea to use a adapted Druid or Tone for central channel. The drivers of Tone are the same of the Druids correct?
Since the Tone are cheaper than the Druids maybe is better to keep the Tone for rear or central channel...
But I will send an email to Zu asking about this.

Can you talk about a litle more about the performance of your system and the rest of components! I would be highly appreciated!

Thanks Miguel
Miguelcarvalho: The nearest dealer is in Barcelona-Spain (which is 1000 miles from my location). I already spoke with the ZU staff(very friendly personal) and with the dealer. I intended to do a demo at my living room with my gear but this would be too much expensive if I didn´t want to keep them because I would to pay all shiping costs. So I´m now considering catch a flight and go to Barcelona!

Good idea. However, it still can't hurt to inquire if any persons (just owners, not dealers) have Zu's near you, so you might be able to arrange a visit to them for a listen.

Don't pay any attention to "controversy" that Zu-related threads almost spontaneously give rise to. Special circumstances, history, personalities. If you ignore that, you can get useful information and advice. After that, it's your ears, your tastes, your money, your decision. Good luck.