This system is nine years in the making. It used to be a combined home theater and stereo system. Four years ago I eliminated the home theater and refined the two channel stereo. The most recent changes have been the addition of a Metrum Octave Mk.II DAC, to replace a Peachtree iDecco and upgraded drivers to my Zu Audio Essence speakers. While the new Metrum DAC resulted in a startling improvement in the system's digital audio presentation, it was the new Zu Audio nanotech drivers that have made the most dramatic improvement to the system as a whole.
Amazing mono block amplifiers. Speed, clarity, detail, I'll never part with these...
VPI Industries Scout
Upgraded Scout: Vpi scoutmaster acrylic platter, Vpi ring and record clamp, Vpi super feet.
Vpi Industries Synchronous Drive
Sets speed stability on the turntable motor.
Zu Audio Essence Mk. 1-b
My latest acquisition. Much maligned, unfairly. Amazing detail, great dynamics, wonderful soundstage, great lower midrange onto the bass. A bit shy on the last octave, but great all around performer. Shockingly good match to my amps, spooky realism.
Zu Audio Mini-Method
Sealed cabinet, 2 10" drivers.
Zu Audio Bok
Significantly reduced my noise floor. The last bit of sonic holography is due to these marvels...
Zu Audio Mission
All my RCA interconnects are Zu Audio Missions.
Zu Audio Libtec
Short run speaker cables. They are reputed to be the most appropriate to power the Zu Essence speakers.
Linn Linto
This is a very nice, accurate, detailed phono stage.
Benz Micro L2 MC
Glorious wood bodied moving coil cartridge. Very detailed, yet smooth and dynamic without getting harsh at the top end except with the hottest recordings...
Metrum Acoustics Octave Mk. II
Beautifully clear sounding non-oversampling DAC.
iFi Audio iUSB
Power isolator for USB transport
iFi Audio Gemini
Dual USB cable.
Furman Elite 20 PF
Line cleaner, hooks up my front end, clean unadulterated sound.
Denon 2910
Universal player.
Salamander Archetype 5.0
Solid and adjustable audiophile rack.
Apple Computer 2012 Mac Mini
16 GB RAM, alternately running Pure Music and Amarra.
Iramirez, I do share the same curiosity as to what I'd hear differently from the these two speaker designs. I imagine both can be very good sounding but with different presentations. Same scenario regarding the SET amplifiers. I'm happy to do this interesting comparison when the time is good for you. Charles,
Hi, I made an offer before and it still stands. I've never heard Zu speakers in a home system(only shows and it was played much too loud for me). You're welcome to hear my system if you'd like to. Our system's are probably more similar than different. Thanks for your kind words. Charles,
Very nice! This is a well thought out audio system and surely must sound exceptionally good. I see you've discovered the sheer joys of SET amplification, there may be no going back(smile). Charles,
