Love the warm, punchy sound of the DW with clarity caps. Fun speaker that plays loud and fits in many rooms. The midrange and voices that come through are distinctive and never harsh. 👍🏼
Thanks John! I just checked what the price for a pair of DWX speakers would be factoring in shipping, import duties and currency exchange to the Netherlands where I live. For the base model with no frills it comes to €1930 in total. Just thought it might be interesting for reference.
I don't know, I am hearing things out of these speakers that no other speaker I have owned has been able to reproduce with such an in the room soundstage. I was listening to some Art Blakey the other night, and Art and his band were in the room. Paired with a 1970 model year Sansui 4000 receiver, these Zu speakers are phenomenal.
Everything John is saying about the DWX is true in regards to the DW6 towers with Supreme package, which I own. I paired them with a vintage 1970 Sansui 4000 stereo receiver and found audio nirvana. I bought the Sansui on a whim, as my modern gear was not doing it for me. I wound up selling a lot of gear, Denafrips Venus II 12th, Athena, Thallo, Parasound A23+, etc... I kept a PS Audio GainCell DAC/Pre to handle the digital with the Sansui... Sansui = BEEFCAKE. And it only cost me $200. ;-) If you like Jazz, R&B, Blues, Classic Rock and Vinyl, this $200 Sansui kicks some serious ass. The phono preamp in the Sansui is very hard to beat, I own three, the Sansui wipes the deck. Airy tube like sound, that warmth John spoke of. The bass, OMG, the BASS. The treble, just as John described, dynamic, soundstage, and just downright fun! Welcome to Zu. If you do the inflation numbers, the Sansui is a $3000+ unit in todays numbers, and it is 100 times better, at least to my ears, and others that have had the pleasure of hearing it all. Thousands of dollars in modern gear could not do what the Sansui and Zu's are doing to my ears. The modern gear was a waste of money for myself. The Zu's are the icing on the cake. I think Sean and Sansui had something going on in an alternate universe. I'm listening right now, I walked in, hit the on button, no internet, no phones, no computers, just hit the on button... The Sansui has an FM tuner! Now your messing with a SOB... Local FM BABY! Love it after a hard day at work.
Nice one, thanks! I really like your down to the earth presentation and out of the box thinking. Not sure that I would try the speakers upside down. Great!
@@michaelwright1602 I have tried several amps. Vintage Audio Research Tube hybrid with just 30 WPC. Parasound solid state with 200 WPC in 8ohms, Odyssey solid state with huge power supply, etc. I have not tried a vintage receiver. My guess is that with a decent mosfet set up will be great. They are pretty efficient and very dynamic. They truly do rock! I am thinking about doing a couple of upgrades that Zu has available to see if they makes any difference. They are just a fun speaker from a fun company. I truly respect the company and its mission. I have Maggie's, Dynaudio and KEF speakers, and the Zu approach is really different and very enjoyable.
Great video! Keep them coming! I have the Zu Omen Def Supreme and absolutely love them. Small amps work good, my preference is large amps though. They just sing with details and energy that is just amazing. The headroom from large amps to me is the best. Once again this is what I prefer. Plus I have large areas to have filled with sound. Thanks again!
A terrific review. I think you really nailed why I was dissatisfied with the dirty weekends during my long trial period. The slightly recessed presence region with less clear layering bothered me. Because the driver sat so low, well below ear height, and the sound stage seemed low, I bought footers that allowed me to tilt the speakers slightly up. Unfortunately that did not get me where I needed to be. They definitely had that bass kick that you mentioned. Definitely dynamic and exciting. In the end, I returned them. Turning them upside down sounds like a great option, but without solving the recessed presence region issue, I don't think I will give them a try. So appreciative of this fine review!
I don’t normally care about looks in stereo gear, but compared to everyone, especially the bronze klipsch bullseye, these are beautiful. Kudos to Zu for that!
Zu seem to be Klipsch without the stigma. RP600 owner here. Voiced similarly, largely due to their high sensitivity, if you don’t want the tacky gold cones and horn-loaded stereotypes that unfortunately burden the Klipsch brand within the hifi realm, Zu is the ticket. Great review!
John, I've been orbiting the DW6, and now the DWX, for a while as I wait on funds. I have been looking at other brands (Q Acoustic 5000-series maybe?), but I keep coming back to that 'high efficiency = involving sound at low volume level' quality. Your FUN + FINESSE + FUNK summary has pretty much confirmed my leanings towards a Dirty Weekend speaker, so I thank you for that. Thinking of driving it with some quality Schiit, such as the apparently popular Freya+ / Aegir combo so many Zu owners rave about. How fun!
That is exactly what I'm currently using (Freya + Aegir + DW), and it's great, although I think now I would go on a different path like the Audiolab 6000a. The Freya its a bit underwhelming to me and it does not justify the use of space.
@@johnenglishIII That's some valuable insight and it points to one of the reasons I like the 'separates' route versus the easier, simpler route of an integrated like the Ragnarok 2... if a particular part of the chain ends up feeling underwhelming, that part can be easily swapped out for a different component, the preamp in your case, to see what it brings to the party. How do you like the Aegir? I've heard that it does tone very very sweetly on DWs. And have you tried any different tubes in the Freya? Or is yours the solid state version?
I have the combination you are considering and like it very much although I did get another Aegir so I could run monoblocks. I also occasionally get great enjoyment from switching out the Schitt stack with one of my DIY tube amps, one triode amp at around 5 w/channel and a push-pull amp that runs from around 25 watts to 35 watts depending whether it is in ultralinear mode or not. The tube amp combos sound luscious ( a technical term) due in part to the high sensitivity of the DW6s.
@@waltergist8923 Great info! Is that 'ultra linear' amp a PrimaLuna perchance? They're a good bit out of my budget but I've been thoroughly enjoying the 300 Evo my friend has in his system.
I’ve also been thinking of driving these with the aegir and the new preamp from schiit that replaced the freya called the “Kara”. But I don’t need a lot of volume so I think one of schiit’s new smaller amps (probably the Gjallarhorn to be safe)will do it for me. But I’m highly tempted to get the aegir as it seems like a popular choice for the Zu speakers and I already have one in my other setup with klipsch and I’m convinced the aegir is legit! Any reason the aegir would be a better option than the ghorn if not needing to go to high listening volumes?
Zu speakers are a love or hate sort of thing. Sean doesn't care too much about measurements and you hear that. They are meant to be a fun, dynamic, lively, colored sound.
@@goodsound4756, what is an audiophile? In my eyes, it is a person that loves listening to music and cares about the sound. And that is exactly a typical Zu customer.
This original comment comes from someone who hasn’t heard these speakers and if they have were using the wrong amplifier . They’re fantastic for the price. DW is the best line for the price.
You could probably add another F for fast. I don’t know if it’s efficient speakers in general or Zu specifically, but that’s the first thing I noticed with the previous DW model. I hadn’t heard those kind of dynamics from my previous speakers. It was a sharp crescendo on Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre that startled me the first time I heard it. Immediately made me into a Zu convert. As always, thanks for the review. Have you considered making a text disclaimer screen so you don’t have to repeat every video that comparisons are limited to what you currently have on site?
Zu have to work out their shipping to EU. Burying a pair to Portugal means 23% VAT + custom fees + shipping. This brings these speakers to a different price point. Vinshine have worked this out to a reasonable cost. Would be a happy customer if so.
One of the (many) things I enjoy in your reviews is your struggle to find specific language that conveys the listening experience. Your awareness and avoidance of standard audio-review tropes is refreshing. Thanks.
It looks as though they were influenced by full range drivers of the 1960's, large paper cone, mid-range wizzer cone and compression type horn. Very cool in my opinion.
Another stand that works very well is the Solid Steel SS5 or SS6, depending on how high you want them and the orientation you want to place the speaker in.
I have these with a Marantz 30 amp, a Technics SL-1210GR and an Eversolo DMP-A6 and they sound amazing. The Zus replaced Q Acoustics Concept 50s. Unsurprisingly the DWX sounds better in every regard. The direct to consumer model plays a role as the Supreme DWXs cost $2400 and the Concept 50s $3000. Recently ordered Buchardt A500s with the Platin hub. There is real value in buying direct as the distributor and dealer markup means you are getting twice the value when you go direct. Of course you need to live with not having the dealer nearby for service…
I just took delivery of the DW6 with Supreme package... I was thinking of the DWX, as I already have a pair of the Omen DW's, but then I would have to get the stands, and then I am well past the DWX price point. All I can say, is that these new DW6 speakers are not going anywhere any time soon. I have them paired with a vintage 1970 Sansui 4000 receiver, which in my mind, was made for the Zu's. Airy tube like sound, the bass is simply nuts that the Sansui can produce with the Zu's, just incredible sounding for the $200 spent. And vinyl using the Sansui phono stage, magical is all I can say, takes me back in time with the Mofi StudioDeck with Master Tracker cart... The cool part, the Sansui has an FM tuner... It is so nice to walk in from work and simply hit one button, and I have my local classic rock station playing. No phones, no streamers, no internet... Heaven!
They’re gorgeous! I have a pair of Celestion DL8 which I have had for, oh, 35 years and thinking about what I would replace those beauties with one day…these seem like a very similar speaker. I have always enjoyed my Celestions as warm, almost soft, sound but still having ability to impress at higher volume. ✌️😊
@@Grampus854 I'm using some Solid Steel. SS-5 or SS-6 will work depending on how you want to orient the speakers and how tall your seating position is.
Found myself chin stroking in agreement with your comparison of the Lintons and Passif 50. Love them both but in my room the PSB need a sub. The Zu’s sound like they’d be a great speaker to live with and maybe a great value tube option especially with decent £1k Chinese integrateds. Zu is a bit aesthetically marmite though.
I have the Zu DW'S. I drive them with an 8 wpc tube amp. They sound great with this pairing. To me the sound is very natural, never fatiguing. I am sure the DWX is very similar but maybe a bit more versatile.
Great review. Thank-you! Which speakers would you want to have on a nut free desert island, the DWX or the DW6? Hope you find the solution to your allergies asap.
Never heard the Lintons, but sold my KLH Model 5's... The DW6 with Supreme upgrade walked all over the 5's, not even in the same league, especially in the bass department. No subs required, and I own two SVS SB3000 subs... Great for movie night!
Nice review. I have owned a pair of DWs since 2011. I have a love-hate relationship with them. An inverted V sound curve. I might upgrade the drivers after listening to your review. Thanks!
Hi John, enjoyed your review - 'super' tweeter is a new one on me. Like you, I also enjoyed Hijack on Apple TV. I'm curious, could I ask what the mats are that you use on the arms of your couch in Berlin? Thanks again.
I have used DW6 with both my Elekit DIY triode amp and the somewhat higher powered Elekit push-pull amp. That give a range of amps from about 5 to as high as 34 watts in triode or ultra-linear mode. I enjoy the combination very much.
It's funny how many times the need for a subwoofer is mentioned along with the speakers, but the need for a super tweeter is rarely mentioned. Thankyou so much for the videos.
I could be mistaken (thats rather easy to verify I suppose) but at one point the speakers are definitely upside down. That got me thinking for a bit. ◾ Ah, I see. :)
ZU audio gets the "Most Sexy, USA made" speaker award. Okay its not taking Focal or Sonus Faber to task but... A year ago I asked Sean if he had a stand mount under $3k in the line to use in SpeakerFest 2022. He did not. But he seems to be a fast learner. I bet a 2nd stand mount is in the works.
For a while I was thinking of getting a more powerful amplifier but recently I have been researching more efficient speakers. Thanks for this video. For a few speaker brands the smaller speakers are less efficient than larger models. Seems counter-intuitive but I guess that’s physics.
I recently picked up a pair of the Zu Omen Dirty Weekends, 95db @ 12 ohm. I have these paired with a 1970 produced Sansui 4000 recieiver. The 4000 is a true 45w per channel into 8 ohm little powerhouse. No fun and games with power output measurements back then. It drives these Zu speakers with ease. And loud? 45w can take these speakers to ear shattering levels. I have never been past half volume with these and the Sansui. Everything sounds so clean with these speakers, especially at low volume. The airy tube like sound that the Sansui produces is simply something that no modern gear has been able to deliver that I have owned. Find some efficient speakers. And if you find a nice pair of new/used Zu speakers, pick up a vintage tuner/amp to power them with. They do not make sound like this anymore.
These might be the speaker to replace my Dali towers. I like the Dali, but I got them because I thought I needed them for a large room. However, my listening spot is still close.
I’ve spent time with both. The Dali are refined; Zu is another experience, visceral when cranked even just a little with all genres. The one I live with (upgraded Druid IV 08).
Had the dirty weekend for a test drive. Almost kept them. Beauties in person, well-built, definitely fun and punchy at higher volumes. Did some news radio listening and heard something I hadn’t picked up on until I just had a single voice speaking normally - the paper in the full-range driver. I’m a fan of horns, but I couldn’t un-hear what sounded like someone using a rolled up piece of paper as a megaphone. It wasn’t shouty, but it did have the sound of paper in the voicing. Hated to pack them up, but they went back. Went with where my heart always was - klipsch.
This is what I came to point out. I have the DW6 and the ST location is below the driver (matching Darko’s preferred orientation). No need to turn them upside down 😁
Running DW6's in walnut. Cannot beat the sound and build qualities for the money. The base level DW6 and DWX should sell for 2-3x what they are selling for. Direct sales, not spending a bunch of money on marketing all add up to less out of pocket for us lucky owners. BUY ZU.
Thinking about buying the DWX, but struggling to decide against the Wharfedale Linton. They both fit my room and equipment. Does anyone have any experience with these two speakers
I had the KLH Model 5's, and replaced them with a pair of Zu Omen Dirty Weekends, circa 2018. I then upgraded to the new Zu DW6 Supremes and found the upgrade worth the money. But, I could easily live with the Omens, they are that good. The Model 5's, which are compared to the Lintons in many reviews, sound good, but not as dynamic as the Zu's, the 5's lacked the bass the DW6 produces, and I like the way the Zu's handle the midrange, it has a natural detailed sound, it is incredibly good in how it presents the midrange, as does the top end, no fatigue here. The Zu's are simply a fun speaker to listen to, just as John stated, it brings a new level to musical enjoyment, the three "F" words, as John stated at the end of the video, fits perfectly. Would I recommend the Zu's, yes.
@@gregmatula9749 I owned the KLH Model 5's, the Linton's seem to be regularly compared to the 5's... The Zu's can be, and are, incredibly detailed, but the way they do it is so smooth and dare I say refined. None of that edginess is there, it is crisp without the fatigue or harshness some speakers like to dish out, it is very fluid, and FUN, especially with live recordings, the 5's simply could not pull off what the Zu's can. Even my pair of Zu Omen DW's walked all over the 5's. And the bass is simply incredible when compared to the 5's, at least with the larger DW6 and Omen speakers. I would skip the DWX and go straight to the DW6, unless there is very real room constraints or a special purpose in mind that only the DWX can fulfill.
Deez nuts, lol! Thanks for the review and the comparisons! Anyways, the Zu just on look alone, are something else! The Soul 6 are lookers too but man these look fantastic!
You showed the Klipsch RP600m ii and Kef R3’s. Even if you didn’t do a side by side, since you have them in-house, could you please give some commentary on DWX vs R3 at the very least?
Not a fair comparison, but how would you compare them with Klipsch Forte 4 that you have, I am aware they are on a different league, but from a Fun,Finesse,Funk level that higher efficiency speakers seem to offer do you think they are comparable? And from what I gather from what you said on the video, would you say the Zu's are the more forgiving of the two?
John, I think you’ve teased the Meze Elites way more than you have other products. How much longer?! Looking forward to that video. I recently re-watched your Empyrean review from years ago - one of your best vids for sure.
John, did you have a chance to try these with the PrimaLuna you had recently? Your comments about the DWS sounding great with vinyl had me wondering whether Zu sounds better with analog sources and/or tube amplification or both. The perception Zu fans have created for me was that Zu ♥️ analog everything.
Can’t wait for the pod focused upon positioning! Genuinely! This is the sort of (apparently) shit that makes me tune in! More so however, as much as it’s great you listen to Death Grips, what do you think of the spatiality of the new AE Live’s?! London B ending is the one man!
I have a pair of older DWs, same drivers, and among other things listen to a lot of thrash. They sound great, but source material matters. A terrible 70's classic rock recording doesn't sound as good on the DWs as it does on my Klipsche RPs, but with a quality recording, the DW wins. They sound great with solid state amps, better with tubes.
I am thinking of buying this or the Buchardt S400 MKII. Since you have reviewed both, which way would you go? I feel like my equipment matches much of yours (and music) -- so thanks as always for the great content!!!
What about the low frequencies? Does it sound like it goes deep and is it as fast as a smaller monitor speaker? And how about overall sound quality on low volume with night listening? Like 50, 60db?
Oh MAN... The bass the Zu's can produce, well at least the tower DW6 with Supreme package is well beyond their 35hz rating. Even at low level they can rattle the china cabinet in my dining room. By low volume level, I think I was in the 65db range using a vintage Sansui 4000 receiver. Even at less than 1/4 volume, I can feel the bass in my feet, and I am roughly twelve feet away from the speakers. They go low. The DWX will not give you the same experience that the DW6 will. I would go with the DW6 over the DWX, especially if you like bass. Honestly, no subs required, and I own two SVS SB3000 subs. I do have them hooked up to the Sansui, but mainly for movies. I have had to literally turn them down to virtually zero, as the bass the Sansui produces is mind boggling. None of my modern gear could or can do what the Sansui can. Best $200 I ever spent for a piece of audio gear.
Hi John, would love for you to review Arendal Towers if you get the opportunity. The 1961 Towers are pretty compact and are their entry level line. Thanks!
Love the warm, punchy sound of the DW with clarity caps. Fun speaker that plays loud and fits in many rooms. The midrange and voices that come through are distinctive and never harsh. 👍🏼
Thanks John! I just checked what the price for a pair of DWX speakers would be factoring in shipping, import duties and currency exchange to the Netherlands where I live. For the base model with no frills it comes to €1930 in total. Just thought it might be interesting for reference.
At a certain age for many of us old folks, hearing disappears above 15 khz. This seems like a coherent-voiced speaker system that would suit us.
I don't know, I am hearing things out of these speakers that no other speaker I have owned has been able to reproduce with such an in the room soundstage. I was listening to some Art Blakey the other night, and Art and his band were in the room. Paired with a 1970 model year Sansui 4000 receiver, these Zu speakers are phenomenal.
Everything John is saying about the DWX is true in regards to the DW6 towers with Supreme package, which I own. I paired them with a vintage 1970 Sansui 4000 stereo receiver and found audio nirvana. I bought the Sansui on a whim, as my modern gear was not doing it for me. I wound up selling a lot of gear, Denafrips Venus II 12th, Athena, Thallo, Parasound A23+, etc... I kept a PS Audio GainCell DAC/Pre to handle the digital with the Sansui... Sansui = BEEFCAKE. And it only cost me $200. ;-)
If you like Jazz, R&B, Blues, Classic Rock and Vinyl, this $200 Sansui kicks some serious ass. The phono preamp in the Sansui is very hard to beat, I own three, the Sansui wipes the deck. Airy tube like sound, that warmth John spoke of. The bass, OMG, the BASS. The treble, just as John described, dynamic, soundstage, and just downright fun! Welcome to Zu.
If you do the inflation numbers, the Sansui is a $3000+ unit in todays numbers, and it is 100 times better, at least to my ears, and others that have had the pleasure of hearing it all. Thousands of dollars in modern gear could not do what the Sansui and Zu's are doing to my ears. The modern gear was a waste of money for myself.
The Zu's are the icing on the cake. I think Sean and Sansui had something going on in an alternate universe.
I'm listening right now, I walked in, hit the on button, no internet, no phones, no computers, just hit the on button... The Sansui has an FM tuner! Now your messing with a SOB... Local FM BABY! Love it after a hard day at work.
Wow... Listening to The Final Cut! Nice one, John!
Nice looking shot you've got there. The speakers, your sweatshirt and the other bits in the frame make for a nice mix of colors.
I can’t believe how gorgeous their finish options are. They really stand out.
Nice one, thanks! I really like your down to the earth presentation and out of the box thinking. Not sure that I would try the speakers upside down. Great!
Thanks for covering this unique brand. I love my Omen Dirty Weekend II. Fun, spirited and a joy to hear. Appreciate you, John.
What are you using to drive your DWs? Have you tried any vintage receivers with them?
@@michaelwright1602 I have tried several amps. Vintage Audio Research Tube hybrid with just 30 WPC. Parasound solid state with 200 WPC in 8ohms, Odyssey solid state with huge power supply, etc. I have not tried a vintage receiver. My guess is that with a decent mosfet set up will be great. They are pretty efficient and very dynamic. They truly do rock! I am thinking about doing a couple of upgrades that Zu has available to see if they makes any difference. They are just a fun speaker from a fun company. I truly respect the company and its mission. I have Maggie's, Dynaudio and KEF speakers, and the Zu approach is really different and very enjoyable.
Great video! Keep them coming! I have the Zu Omen Def Supreme and absolutely love them. Small amps work good, my preference is large amps though. They just sing with details and energy that is just amazing. The headroom from large amps to me is the best. Once again this is what I prefer. Plus I have large areas to have filled with sound. Thanks again!
A terrific review. I think you really nailed why I was dissatisfied with the dirty weekends during my long trial period. The slightly recessed presence region with less clear layering bothered me. Because the driver sat so low, well below ear height, and the sound stage seemed low, I bought footers that allowed me to tilt the speakers slightly up. Unfortunately that did not get me where I needed to be. They definitely had that bass kick that you mentioned. Definitely dynamic and exciting. In the end, I returned them. Turning them upside down sounds like a great option, but without solving the recessed presence region issue, I don't think I will give them a try. So appreciative of this fine review!
I don’t normally care about looks in stereo gear, but compared to everyone, especially the bronze klipsch bullseye, these are beautiful.
Kudos to Zu for that!
Zu seem to be Klipsch without the stigma. RP600 owner here. Voiced similarly, largely due to their high sensitivity, if you don’t want the tacky gold cones and horn-loaded stereotypes that unfortunately burden the Klipsch brand within the hifi realm, Zu is the ticket. Great review!
Always love your videos, and love your podcasts even more! Thanks!
John, I've been orbiting the DW6, and now the DWX, for a while as I wait on funds. I have been looking at other brands (Q Acoustic 5000-series maybe?), but I keep coming back to that 'high efficiency = involving sound at low volume level' quality. Your FUN + FINESSE + FUNK summary has pretty much confirmed my leanings towards a Dirty Weekend speaker, so I thank you for that. Thinking of driving it with some quality Schiit, such as the apparently popular Freya+ / Aegir combo so many Zu owners rave about. How fun!
That is exactly what I'm currently using (Freya + Aegir + DW), and it's great, although I think now I would go on a different path like the Audiolab 6000a. The Freya its a bit underwhelming to me and it does not justify the use of space.
@@johnenglishIII That's some valuable insight and it points to one of the reasons I like the 'separates' route versus the easier, simpler route of an integrated like the Ragnarok 2... if a particular part of the chain ends up feeling underwhelming, that part can be easily swapped out for a different component, the preamp in your case, to see what it brings to the party.
How do you like the Aegir? I've heard that it does tone very very sweetly on DWs. And have you tried any different tubes in the Freya? Or is yours the solid state version?
I have the combination you are considering and like it very much although I did get another Aegir so I could run monoblocks. I also occasionally get great enjoyment from switching out the Schitt stack with one of my DIY tube amps, one triode amp at around 5 w/channel and a push-pull amp that runs from around 25 watts to 35 watts depending whether it is in ultralinear mode or not. The tube amp combos sound luscious ( a technical term) due in part to the high sensitivity of the DW6s.
@@waltergist8923 Great info! Is that 'ultra linear' amp a PrimaLuna perchance? They're a good bit out of my budget but I've been thoroughly enjoying the 300 Evo my friend has in his system.
I’ve also been thinking of driving these with the aegir and the new preamp from schiit that replaced the freya called the “Kara”. But I don’t need a lot of volume so I think one of schiit’s new smaller amps (probably the Gjallarhorn to be safe)will do it for me.
But I’m highly tempted to get the aegir as it seems like a popular choice for the Zu speakers and I already have one in my other setup with klipsch and I’m convinced the aegir is legit!
Any reason the aegir would be a better option than the ghorn if not needing to go to high listening volumes?
Zu speakers are a love or hate sort of thing. Sean doesn't care too much about measurements and you hear that. They are meant to be a fun, dynamic, lively, colored sound.
@@goodsound4756, what is an audiophile? In my eyes, it is a person that loves listening to music and cares about the sound. And that is exactly a typical Zu customer.
This original comment comes from someone who hasn’t heard these speakers and if they have were using the wrong amplifier . They’re fantastic for the price. DW is the best line for the price.
Great video! I saw The Final Cut in one of the shots and now I have to listen to it!
Magical how the loudspeakers invert periodically...
You could probably add another F for fast. I don’t know if it’s efficient speakers in general or Zu specifically, but that’s the first thing I noticed with the previous DW model. I hadn’t heard those kind of dynamics from my previous speakers. It was a sharp crescendo on Saint-Saëns: Danse macabre that startled me the first time I heard it. Immediately made me into a Zu convert. As always, thanks for the review.
Have you considered making a text disclaimer screen so you don’t have to repeat every video that comparisons are limited to what you currently have on site?
Been a very happy Zu Audio spkr. owner for over 2 years - totally agree... Zu Audio make pretty darned special speakers! Cheers.
Zu have to work out their shipping to EU. Burying a pair to Portugal means 23% VAT + custom fees + shipping. This brings these speakers to a different price point. Vinshine have worked this out to a reasonable cost. Would be a happy customer if so.
I can say the same about Focal to the states
Wow! Thank you for letting us know where it is truly made! I appreciate your report.
Excellently detailed review! Thanks Darco!
One of the (many) things I enjoy in your reviews is your struggle to find specific language that conveys the listening experience. Your awareness and avoidance of standard audio-review tropes is refreshing. Thanks.
Yes, you are so right!
Great review! Really fascinating pair of speakers! Thanks, as always!
Love my DW MKII. Hope your health is doing well John.
I’ve got speakers in my living room ( and bedroom ) that are sideways with the tweeters closer to centre.....
Works for me 😉🙏
Fine Review, still enjoying my 7 years old ZU Union Mk 1, which deliver the 3 mentioned F.., too
I LOVE this review John!!! I Love that you point out that these very affordable speaker are not Made in China!!! Where are the other speaker made?
The dead stock album is actually on apple music but not available in lossless. They also have some newer singles from 2018
Thanks for the recommended album, it's on Apple Music 😊. Keep up the great review.
Hi John, what are the speaker stands you cut to at 12:19? I didn't see them in the solid steel catalogue. Cheers.
He mentioned later they are PSB.
It looks as though they were influenced by full range drivers of the 1960's, large paper cone, mid-range wizzer cone and compression type horn. Very cool in my opinion.
Always entertaining, John. I really enjoy your content.
Thanks John, very interesting video.
Nice to see Robertson screws being used instead of Phillips garbage
Nice review. Thanks for sharing your experience.
Great video John. Really appreciated the broad comparison speaker review.
Another stand that works very well is the Solid Steel SS5 or SS6, depending on how high you want them and the orientation you want to place the speaker in.
I have these with a Marantz 30 amp, a Technics SL-1210GR and an Eversolo DMP-A6 and they sound amazing. The Zus replaced Q Acoustics Concept 50s. Unsurprisingly the DWX sounds better in every regard. The direct to consumer model plays a role as the Supreme DWXs cost $2400 and the Concept 50s $3000. Recently ordered Buchardt A500s with the Platin hub. There is real value in buying direct as the distributor and dealer markup means you are getting twice the value when you go direct. Of course you need to live with not having the dealer nearby for service…
I just took delivery of the DW6 with Supreme package... I was thinking of the DWX, as I already have a pair of the Omen DW's, but then I would have to get the stands, and then I am well past the DWX price point. All I can say, is that these new DW6 speakers are not going anywhere any time soon. I have them paired with a vintage 1970 Sansui 4000 receiver, which in my mind, was made for the Zu's. Airy tube like sound, the bass is simply nuts that the Sansui can produce with the Zu's, just incredible sounding for the $200 spent. And vinyl using the Sansui phono stage, magical is all I can say, takes me back in time with the Mofi StudioDeck with Master Tracker cart... The cool part, the Sansui has an FM tuner... It is so nice to walk in from work and simply hit one button, and I have my local classic rock station playing. No phones, no streamers, no internet... Heaven!
looking good on the Linton stands!
Glad Darko got a chance to get his mitts on these.
Hi John. That Deadstock album is available on Apple Music, but only in lossy format as far as i can tell. Couldn't find it on Tidal.
They’re gorgeous! I have a pair of Celestion DL8 which I have had for, oh, 35 years and thinking about what I would replace those beauties with one day…these seem like a very similar speaker. I have always enjoyed my Celestions as warm, almost soft, sound but still having ability to impress at higher volume. ✌️😊
Another excellent video. Re stands, I wonder if the Mission 770 stands would be a good fit? I think they are available to buy seperately.
@@Grampus854 I'm using some Solid Steel. SS-5 or SS-6 will work depending on how you want to orient the speakers and how tall your seating position is.
Found myself chin stroking in agreement with your comparison of the Lintons and Passif 50. Love them both but in my room the PSB need a sub. The Zu’s sound like they’d be a great speaker to live with and maybe a great value tube option especially with decent £1k Chinese integrateds. Zu is a bit aesthetically marmite though.
I have the Zu Druid MkIV. So good I bought two pairs. I'd love to know whether Zu's later models are such a step up from mine.
Same here, though with the main driver upgrade; the DWX has to perform differently.
I have the Zu DW'S. I drive them with an 8 wpc tube amp. They sound great with this pairing. To me the sound is very natural, never fatiguing. I am sure the DWX is very similar but maybe a bit more versatile.
Comprehensive review. Well done. Informative.
Btw that deadstock album is available on apple music
Rubber surrounds on this Zu woofer. Any thoughts on foam vs rubber surrounds?
Looks like the same Eminence driver with cloth surround they always use to me. Just needs to be sealed every 5 to 10 years depending.
Please can you review the CSS Criton 1-TDX bookshelf speakers.
Great review. Thank-you!
Which speakers would you want to have on a nut free desert island, the DWX or the DW6?
Hope you find the solution to your allergies asap.
Excellent review, as always. I see that Urd in the background. Patiently awaiting your thoughts.
Nice one John. As a Linton owner I was curious how the DW6 stacked up in comparison. Food for thought.
Never heard the Lintons, but sold my KLH Model 5's... The DW6 with Supreme upgrade walked all over the 5's, not even in the same league, especially in the bass department. No subs required, and I own two SVS SB3000 subs... Great for movie night!
Wauw! Hegel Viking 🤤
Great review. I've always wanted to know what that framed yellow poster is sitting on your floor in Berlin....
Hey John it’s a good looking speaker I love ZU🎸
Nice review. I have owned a pair of DWs since 2011. I have a love-hate relationship with them. An inverted V sound curve. I might upgrade the drivers after listening to your review. Thanks!
Hi, Darko, as always nice review. I hope your allergy will go far away soon !
I suppose the real question is, was anything blown out of the water?
💥
Hi John, enjoyed your review - 'super' tweeter is a new one on me. Like you, I also enjoyed Hijack on Apple TV. I'm curious, could I ask what the mats are that you use on the arms of your couch in Berlin? Thanks again.
Is that the KEF Reference 1 in this video? Will there be a video on those speakers too in the future?
Love to see them upside down.. a homage to Z review who NEVER uses a speaker like it is designed and ment to be used :P
Thank you! I was wondering what that was about.😂
With 95dB sensitivity, would like to hear it with a good tube or class A amp.
I have used DW6 with both my Elekit DIY triode amp and the somewhat higher powered Elekit push-pull amp. That give a range of amps from about 5 to as high as 34 watts in triode or ultra-linear mode. I enjoy the combination very much.
Wasn't ever expecting Darko to drop a Death Grips reference in one of his reviews. 👏
It's funny how many times the need for a subwoofer is mentioned along with the speakers, but the need for a super tweeter is rarely mentioned. Thankyou so much for the videos.
I could be mistaken (thats rather easy to verify I suppose) but at one point the speakers are definitely upside down.
That got me thinking for a bit. ◾
Ah, I see. :)
That super tweeter does a lot of work though, as it rolls off rather slowly. I know because I have a pair of Dirty Weekends :-)
ZU audio gets the "Most Sexy, USA made" speaker award. Okay its not taking Focal or Sonus Faber to task but... A year ago I asked Sean if he had a stand mount under $3k in the line to use in SpeakerFest 2022. He did not. But he seems to be a fast learner. I bet a 2nd stand mount is in the works.
For a while I was thinking of getting a more powerful amplifier but recently I have been researching more efficient speakers. Thanks for this video.
For a few speaker brands the smaller speakers are less efficient than larger models. Seems counter-intuitive but I guess that’s physics.
I recently picked up a pair of the Zu Omen Dirty Weekends, 95db @ 12 ohm. I have these paired with a 1970 produced Sansui 4000 recieiver. The 4000 is a true 45w per channel into 8 ohm little powerhouse. No fun and games with power output measurements back then. It drives these Zu speakers with ease. And loud? 45w can take these speakers to ear shattering levels. I have never been past half volume with these and the Sansui. Everything sounds so clean with these speakers, especially at low volume. The airy tube like sound that the Sansui produces is simply something that no modern gear has been able to deliver that I have owned. Find some efficient speakers. And if you find a nice pair of new/used Zu speakers, pick up a vintage tuner/amp to power them with. They do not make sound like this anymore.
These might be the speaker to replace my Dali towers. I like the Dali, but I got them because I thought I needed them for a large room. However, my listening spot is still close.
I’ve spent time with both. The Dali are refined; Zu is another experience, visceral when cranked even just a little with all genres. The one I live with (upgraded Druid IV 08).
Had the dirty weekend for a test drive. Almost kept them. Beauties in person, well-built, definitely fun and punchy at higher volumes. Did some news radio listening and heard something I hadn’t picked up on until I just had a single voice speaking normally - the paper in the full-range driver. I’m a fan of horns, but I couldn’t un-hear what sounded like someone using a rolled up piece of paper as a megaphone. It wasn’t shouty, but it did have the sound of paper in the voicing. Hated to pack them up, but they went back. Went with where my heart always was - klipsch.
Totally different experience here... These Zu speakers are a bit finicky. The best all around match I found was a $200 Sansui 4000 stereo receiver.
did you listen to music? how did that fair?
The DW6 have the ST at the bottom . Yes i like the comparaisons.
This is what I came to point out. I have the DW6 and the ST location is below the driver (matching Darko’s preferred orientation). No need to turn them upside down 😁
Running DW6's in walnut. Cannot beat the sound and build qualities for the money. The base level DW6 and DWX should sell for 2-3x what they are selling for. Direct sales, not spending a bunch of money on marketing all add up to less out of pocket for us lucky owners. BUY ZU.
Got Deadstock on Apple Music.
I need to try some zus, they sound right up my street.
Yup. Same here. Growing up in yhe 80s/90s, I love paper cone full range speakers.
Thinking about buying the DWX, but struggling to decide against the Wharfedale Linton. They both fit my room and equipment. Does anyone have any experience with these two speakers
I don't but have built similar, the Zu's are going to Rock, and Linton's are going to be accurate.
I had the KLH Model 5's, and replaced them with a pair of Zu Omen Dirty Weekends, circa 2018. I then upgraded to the new Zu DW6 Supremes and found the upgrade worth the money. But, I could easily live with the Omens, they are that good. The Model 5's, which are compared to the Lintons in many reviews, sound good, but not as dynamic as the Zu's, the 5's lacked the bass the DW6 produces, and I like the way the Zu's handle the midrange, it has a natural detailed sound, it is incredibly good in how it presents the midrange, as does the top end, no fatigue here. The Zu's are simply a fun speaker to listen to, just as John stated, it brings a new level to musical enjoyment, the three "F" words, as John stated at the end of the video, fits perfectly. Would I recommend the Zu's, yes.
@@gregmatula9749 I owned the KLH Model 5's, the Linton's seem to be regularly compared to the 5's... The Zu's can be, and are, incredibly detailed, but the way they do it is so smooth and dare I say refined. None of that edginess is there, it is crisp without the fatigue or harshness some speakers like to dish out, it is very fluid, and FUN, especially with live recordings, the 5's simply could not pull off what the Zu's can.
Even my pair of Zu Omen DW's walked all over the 5's. And the bass is simply incredible when compared to the 5's, at least with the larger DW6 and Omen speakers. I would skip the DWX and go straight to the DW6, unless there is very real room constraints or a special purpose in mind that only the DWX can fulfill.
V. entertaining & informative video. Always enjoying the side-by-side comparison and your attitude towards hi-fi and music. Please name/share an amp
I have serviced Audiolab and would agree with you. Hegel H120 would be plenty of power for these.
Deez nuts, lol! Thanks for the review and the comparisons! Anyways, the Zu just on look alone, are something else! The Soul 6 are lookers too but man these look fantastic!
And that’s an F for this video… it is very Fun to watch!
You showed the Klipsch RP600m ii and Kef R3’s. Even if you didn’t do a side by side, since you have them in-house, could you please give some commentary on DWX vs R3 at the very least?
This!
If totally different presentation is in your vocabulary, then that's my answer
Eat your cake and have it too. Has a good back story actually. At least I can understand your reviews. 6 Moons not so much.
Not a fair comparison, but how would you compare them with Klipsch Forte 4 that you have, I am aware they are on a different league, but from a Fun,Finesse,Funk level that higher efficiency speakers seem to offer do you think they are comparable? And from what I gather from what you said on the video, would you say the Zu's are the more forgiving of the two?
I’m 😮😮h
I wish Zu had a proper distributor in Australia. DW6 and X not available, i doubt shipping direct would be economically viable.
How does it compare to buchardt A500 or A700 at low volumes … is great dynamic better than fletcher munson compensation ?
John, I think you’ve teased the Meze Elites way more than you have other products. How much longer?! Looking forward to that video. I recently re-watched your Empyrean review from years ago - one of your best vids for sure.
John, did you have a chance to try these with the PrimaLuna you had recently? Your comments about the DWS sounding great with vinyl had me wondering whether Zu sounds better with analog sources and/or tube amplification or both. The perception Zu fans have created for me was that Zu ♥️ analog everything.
Mission have tweeters on the bottom in many cases. Makes sense. Good to see such versatility.
Can’t wait for the pod focused upon positioning! Genuinely! This is the sort of (apparently) shit that makes me tune in!
More so however, as much as it’s great you listen to Death Grips, what do you think of the spatiality of the new AE Live’s?! London B ending is the one man!
Are these good for extreme metal such as death/metal?
I have a pair of older DWs, same drivers, and among other things listen to a lot of thrash. They sound great, but source material matters. A terrible 70's classic rock recording doesn't sound as good on the DWs as it does on my Klipsche RPs, but with a quality recording, the DW wins.
They sound great with solid state amps, better with tubes.
Great review. Something to think about seeing as I'm looking at the Lintons. Ps- I hope your health is improving
This was quite a fun review
I am thinking of buying this or the Buchardt S400 MKII. Since you have reviewed both, which way would you go? I feel like my equipment matches much of yours (and music) -- so thanks as always for the great content!!!
Luckily enough I managed to find the Deadstock album on Apple Music 🙂
What about the low frequencies?
Does it sound like it goes deep and is it as fast as a smaller monitor speaker?
And how about overall sound quality on low volume with night listening? Like 50, 60db?
8:52
Oh MAN... The bass the Zu's can produce, well at least the tower DW6 with Supreme package is well beyond their 35hz rating. Even at low level they can rattle the china cabinet in my dining room. By low volume level, I think I was in the 65db range using a vintage Sansui 4000 receiver. Even at less than 1/4 volume, I can feel the bass in my feet, and I am roughly twelve feet away from the speakers. They go low. The DWX will not give you the same experience that the DW6 will. I would go with the DW6 over the DWX, especially if you like bass. Honestly, no subs required, and I own two SVS SB3000 subs. I do have them hooked up to the Sansui, but mainly for movies. I have had to literally turn them down to virtually zero, as the bass the Sansui produces is mind boggling. None of my modern gear could or can do what the Sansui can. Best $200 I ever spent for a piece of audio gear.
Help, could someone tell me the name of the album in the background showing a sort of yellow house at night?
Silversun pickups?
The paper cone in my experience offers a transparent sound scape.
Hi John, would love for you to review Arendal Towers if you get the opportunity. The 1961 Towers are pretty compact and are their entry level line. Thanks!
Hi John. Do you think the Zu DWX would pair well with my Enleum amp-23r?
major long shot but anyone know what brand that vinyl storage/display box on the floor is?
Pretty sure that is Ikea Kallex. It's an Ikea shelving system