Zu Essence vs. any Emerald Physics CS series

09-12-09: Trelja
I was more than happy to see the Zu review in the current
Stereophile.

Why? Please elaborate.

BTW, anyone have any "grape vine" info on model revisions and/or new
models. For example, it would seem to make sense for Zu to install the
ribbon tweeter that's getting good reviews into the Presence, or another
model that presently uses the older tweeter.

Just wondering...

I am replacing either some Dali Helicon 800 MK Is or some Avalon Acoustics Avatars. I like the soundstage better in the Avalons, but, this was their lowest model at time of manufacture and is lacking in bass quite dramatically. I am running a Genesis 928 subwoofer that sounds good with it. I feel like I cannot seamlessly integrate the sub with the Avatars. The Dalis are nice, I liked them better than the Paradigm S1s I listened to the other day. I have heard the Zu Essence in a very limited audition. However, in the Six Moons review it says the Essence have less directionality to them than the Druids. Does this mean they have more compact soundstage with less dimensionality? That statement was a turnoff. Anyone care to comment on that?

You should ask the 6moons review what he meant. I have found that 6moons reviews are very responsive. However, language is subjective; and many 6moons reviewers are not native English language speakers. And, converesely, the review in Tone Audio said: "The major strength of the Zu Essence, though, is its ability to project a larger-than-life stereo image with considerable width, depth and height."

moving the avalons a bit may help...in any event, the avatar should behave like the best allrounder in the bunch. it is a classic.

Thanks for all the input. I figured I would keep the Avatars. I am alright letting go of the Dalis. I haven't heard the Emerald Physics. I read that the CS-2.3 is a big improvement over the CS-2. It is interesting that the reviews for the CS-2 were so great, and now it is easy to discredit them in the name of the CS-2.3 being so much better. This kind of makes me leary. I have heard the Zu Essence and know they are capable of reproducing everything from the low end to the high end. Again, I didn't get to audition long enough, or use my music, so I could evaluate how the soundstage compares to the Avatars. I would probably go with the Avalon Isis if I could choose anything right now. Maybe the flagship for Avalon in 20 years when I can afford it.