My goal was to redo my entire system with first class components and be done with it. The system is located in a real-world living environment (as apposed to a dedicated listening room) with mostly off-axis seating. My priority was a system that had rich tone and "presence," was full-range, was not associated with listening fatigue, and could fill a very large space and still sound good at low volumes with all types of music; typical audiophile priorities were secondary. I started with the ZuAudio Definition 1.5s, but upgraded from the MK1.5s to the MK2s (when the MK2s were announced during my trial period) and eventually to the Definition MK4s. (Sean Casey tuned the MK4s to be flat to 16Hz; the output curves in the ZuAudio specs and product manual come from my living room.) This was my first foray not only into high-efficiency speakers, but also into tube electronics. I started with an EAR 859 amplifier that was replaced with a Yamamoto A-08s and then a Deja Vu 45/2a3 SET. I also started with an EAR Acute CDP. However, I discovered the Ancient Audio Lektor Prime CDP in Krakow when visiting Poland in 2008. And, eventually, I had an Ancient Audio Integra 300b SET made to match the Lektor Prime. The Integra 300b SET came with Shuguang Black Treasures; I upgraded from the BTs to Sophia Electric Royal Princess and then from the RPs to Takatsuki 300b tubes. The built-in cabinetry (including custom CD storage by the Kennebec Company in Bath, Maine) is on the wall apposite the speakers; speaker wires are concealed and run through the walls and under the floor from one side to the other - a distance of 30+ feet. The cherry cabinets have soapstone countertops that were mined in Vermont. Since my house is a converted bank that has appeared in many architecture and design magazines, the physical appearance of the components could not be ignored. Zu speakers and Ancient Audio electronics fit into the modern industrial design aesthetic perfectly. One word about the size of the room. . . The living room (primary listening area) is one end of an open volume that is 20'x40'x16'. I wanted speakers that could fill this space as needed as well as be optimized for the primary listening area.
System edited: System Edited: On a trip to Poland I had the opportunity to audition the Ancient Audio Lektor Prime CDP and be treated to the hospitality of Jarek Waszczyszyn. This has displaced the EAR-Yoshino Acute from my system. Plus, more and more I am listening to my Yamamoto A-08s (with the solid plate EML 45s) rather than to the EAR 859.
My comment on the EAR 859 vs the Yamamoto A08s was when I was using National Union (or other NOS) 45 tubes on the A08s. Lately, I have been using Emission Labs 45s. Now it is harder to state a definite preference. The two amps have different characteristics, for sure; but it is harder to say that I prefer one over the other. The A08s has more tone and is warmer, but is less convincing on large scaler orchestra. However, now I find myself listening more to the Yamamoto amplifier with the EML 45s than to the EAR 859; the tone is hard to beat.
Also, thanks for the comments on the environment. I find listening in an ugly room as distracting as listening to a bad pair of speakers. Not everyone will agree, of course. But my sense of visual aesthetics has been highly developed over time.
The CD storage cabinet - including the pull-out "shelves" - was custom made by the Kennebec Company in Bath, Maine. They did all of the cabinetry for my house. Amazing craftsmanship.
My system design idea is very similar to yours: Acute cd, 890 amp and Marten Design speakers. I believe the less components in a system, the truer you stay to the music. Check out my system under "Keeping It Simple". Chow.
My Zu Def 2s were one of the first pairs manufactured. A few months after I received them, I got a call from Sean Casey (of Zu Audio) asking me if Zu could swap them for a more recently manufactured pair. Apparently, in hindsight, the first half dozen or so pair that they made did not meet their final specifications. . . something to do with the gelcoat that helped to control cabinet resonance and that would affect both resolution and the long-term appearance of the gloss finish. This was Zu's idea, not mine; I would not known the difference since I was quite happy with my first pair. Well, I have just received my new Def 2s; and they are even better than the first. Without microanalyzing, resolution is, indeed, better; bass is stronger; finish is better; etc.
Ditto to Timrhu's comments. Lovely, simple, aesthetically very warm and inviting - I can almost smell the coffee brewing. The "left speaker" shot is just about picture perfect and no doubt could easily grace the pages of Architectural Digest any day.
You're right about the Zus design - very easy to place in a variety of design genres. Their blending of form and fuction has really grown on me over time. Owning a pair of Tones and I know exactly what you mean about non-fatigueing . . . the hours just seem to drift away.
Congratulations on your system and, especially your new Def2s - here's hoping they give you many years of enjoyment.
