Zu Audio Dirty Weekend Six - First play

[@michaelwright1602]

Well, the Omen Dirty Weekends were so damn good on my new 1970 Sansui 4000 that I picked up for $200, that I went and bought the DW6 Supremes in triple black. They arrived last night as I was leaving for work. Arrived back home around 0500 and unboxed, and all I can say is, DAMN! Zu knocked it out of the park with the new cabinet design. And the sensitivity, it seems to be much higher than the rated 95db when compared to my Omen DW's that are also 95db. Well, everything the Omen's do, the DW6 Supremes simply enhance all of the sound, across the board. And the bass, even better if that is possible. More detail in the midrange, cleaner sound with zero harshness in the top end. Zu really knocked it out of the park with these. And when paired to my vintage Sansui 4000, Audio Nirvana.

[@ChadHarrisonFord]

Can't wait for a mid-term review! Just put these on my "What's next" list for speakers.

[@elvis.on.velvet]

Nice. I was already happy to come across a video review of the DW6s (there are few), then I noticed the record jacket resting on yr amp. Old school Lanegan was the cherry on top. Thank you!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Cheers!

[@tg6373]

Gorgeous speakers

[@gtric1466]

Love my Zu DW's Good luck with them...

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks - enjoying them immensely!

[@peace-yv4qd]

My set of Zu's will be arriving in the next week or so. I went with the basic model without upgrades because I wanted to keep the cost with shipping at $1800. I purchased them specifically for an 8 Watt tube amp that arrived this week. I considered other options in this type of high efficiency speaker, but my gut told me this was the best choice budget and performance wise. Fingers crossed.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Congrats! And the tube amp pairing should be a great match. Let us know how it goes.

[@jonathanstotts]

Did they arrive? Any further thoughts to share? Considering a similar setup.

[@ricochet243]

@peace2014 what are your thoughts on the speakers and amp?

[@peace-yv4qd]

@@ricochet243 Quite honestly I'm a bit disappointed. The amp I had planned to use didn't work out. However I will continue to experiment with different amps, preamps, cabling and other tweaks to perhaps achieve a sound that satisfies me.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

@@peace-yv4qd If you room and setup is in order already, you might consider a Decware Zen Triode tube amp - they seem to be universally loved. Or, try my favorite, a cap coupled integrated amplifier or receiver. I’m a big fan of the Sansui AU-555a. The Marantz 1060 is also popular. Both can be had for reasonable prices. Another good option, for the direct coupled sound, is the Sansui AU-317. Keep us posted. Hope you find the right synergy.

[@vividvulpe9842]

me likey! Beautiful speakers and nice separation in tonal frequencies from what I can tell from the playback.

[@vividvulpe9842]

I have a tower set of B&W CM-4’s im debating on having the tweeters refurbished at Speaker Exchange in Miami, or just replacing them with a less detailed silk tweet set. 🤷‍♂️

[@sugardove6075]

Just paid for a set DW6 in rustic hickory with the Supreme upgrade.. June burning delivery.

[@Fmandan77]

I run my Zu Omens in a 2.2 system with REL subs and I was surprised by the bass output the first time listened to the Zu's with the subs off. I thought my subs were still on actually. The Subs definitely fill in lower frequencies but the Zu's can seriously hold their own with most types of music.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Agreed. Plenty of bass. And apparently better with this DW6 vs previous DW cab designs. I have not felt compelled to add a sub(s), so far. I like staying with the 2.0 stereo program.

[@63nuke]

I'm just now re-capping my Forte IIs after 28 years. I'm glad to see the old Klipsch model is still able to hold it's own a bit. These DW's would be my first choice if I decided to upgrade. They look awesome too. Wish I could find an old Sanusi amp like this one with a restoration such as you've done here.

[@mattbrooking2146]

Nice review, I live in the UK and plan to be ordering a pair of Union 6’s, I did intend to buy the DW6 and fully upgrade but have decided on the Union’s These look and sound great though! 👍🏼

[@FasterThanTheSpeedOfScience]

I'm also in the UK. I have the DW MkIIs. Did you get the Union 6s?

[@chrislj2890]

I just ordered mine yesterday, and they say it takes quite awhile for full break-in/burn-in although the driver has at least one hundred hours from the maker. Note: Just received them three days ago and I'm really enjoying the sound quality. The efficiency is rather drastic going from my old Magnepans.

[@thetakeout]

Months later how are you settling in with the Zu’s? Amy updated thoughts on the Zu’s vs the Forte’s presentation over time? I assumed the Forte II would have a more full sound. In the video you mentioned the opposite. I would love to hear some updated thoughts. Maybe a video update? Thanks for your channel.

[@bhob666]

Thanks I'm considering possibly either the Zu's or Klipsch Heresy's for future speaks.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Tough call. Both really great, and the Heresy are legendary. I've been through 5 different Klipsch heritage generation speakers and like them all for different reasons. I am really liking the DW6 a lot - smooth, full and articulate. Better soundstage and imaging than my Klipsch.

[@mkfmkf55]

Thankfully, Zu moved the port to the back. I tried several versions of the original Omens, but the downfiring ports don't work well in carpeted rooms in my experience. Now I want to try these new versions. Thanks for posting.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

I was bummed I missed out on the first generations, but am quite happy I waited to commit. Some design improvements for DW6. More expensive than a couple of years ago, but what isn't? Hope you pick up a pair and you enjoy them!

[@Fmandan77]

Interesting change, but it makes sense. I have my Omens on wood blocks which improves the base response rather than getting absorbed by carpet or other soft materials.

[@JF-em6hr]

I have these, with carpet, and I really wish Zu would have made available some kind of stands. I'm using the black foam inserts that was the shipping packaging, to lift them up a little, which seems to be better than having them "flush" to the floor but I'm really not getting the bass response I want. Not at all.

[@scrappy7571]

Just found your channel, diggin the small Sansui's. See you over on AK, Scott M

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Nice! Great to meet you and yes to Minimalist Sansui's. See you over there. :)

[@Drackleyrva]

Nice! I have a pair of Tekton Lore Reference speakers paired with a Sugden class A amp and the sound is velvety smooth. I imagine the Zu DW6 would be similar---I'd love to hear them with the Sugden to be totally honest. But I've also heard that Sugden and Klipsch have a sweet connection too. So maybe the Heresy IV might be in the future. :)

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

I definitely can’t fault the Zu or the Klipsch - both great speakers. I would consider the DW6 the best value.

[@gronthomson]

I'm weighing getting the Zu DW6 or the Klipsch Heresy IV speakers. I had a pair of Klipsch Chorus II speakers since 1990, which I loved. Lost them in the Hurricane Ian storm flooding. The Zu DW6 look very interesting to me as a replacement for the Klipsch Chorus II.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

A couple of months in with the DW6 now. Have had a few different Sansui SS pieces in rotation with a couple different turntables, cartridge changes and CD input. I am still feeling really good about the DW6 purchase. I have owned Klipsch Forte, Quartet and some KG series. The main differences I can compare are the Klipsch have a much stronger mid range presentation than the DW6. The DW6 are more detailed, articulate and balanced - and really transparent. They don't sound like they are molesting the signal coming out of the amplifier at all - a really pure reproduction. Honest. The DW6 cabs and drivers are works of art, too. Certainly my subjective take. YMMV. Both the Zu and the Klipsch are revered and have dedicated followings for good reason.

[@t3dewys]

I’ve heard both and find them to be too similar in their presentation to own both. I agree with almost all of your assessment. Both great speakers!!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Nice to hear from a fellow Zu/Klipsch owner! The Klipsch are so iconic, I'll have a hard time letting the Forte ii go.

[@jbrooks894]

The rack is exactly what Im looking for/need. Pls share info on the equipment shelves

[@betod63]

Nice review. How they work in the transition region between midrange and low range, especially the upper bass. The previous ones had little energy in that area, which made some parts of the bass lines muted

[@DJ_BROBOT]

thats false. I own the Mk2s, and they arent. Mines have upper bass...the thing is how you positioned the speaker on its stand bolts and your amp/dac pairing. Since this thing his highly efficient, you need some tubes on it...or class A. If you go class D, youre asking for the bass to be lacking.

[@betod63]

@@DJ_BROBOT FALSE? I sold mine because I never got a satisfactory bass, after varying the height setting for weeks and measuring with a friend who is an acoustic technician.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

At about 1:21 in the video you can hear the double bass enter the soundstage. Definitely not lacking energy. To my ear I’m not hearing deficiencies in the low end - transitions or levels. I’ve also spent a considerable amount of time on room setup, components and power to get to a place I like. With the DW6 I literally swapped them where my Forte ii were, same toe-in, and played. Excellent chemistry from the start. From what I’ve read the previous gen DW’s had more challenging setup needs. The DW6 apparently have had some re-design to address this.

[@betod63]

@@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933 well, I had many conversations with Gerrit about some lost frequencies (i.e. with less energy) within the high/mid bass area. He agreed that the bass is not equal to a bass reflex in the sense of punch, etc and eventually to the way it is delivered. I never complained about the bass extension either; just its quality and that region with less presence, in between, which was very noticeable on a couple of recordings I knew very well. In other recordings, without this demand, sounded very good, so I had a hard time deciding to sell them and it is possible that for other room sizes and equipment configurations, they may work differently. It is a hard fact that this new evolution has to do with this kind of problems, so I congratulate you for your acquisition.

[@michaellittle2995]

@@betod63 I have a new to me pair and they only wake up when fed power, they do lack that lower mid bass and I have been messing around with gap and placement

[@buckswaney]

Hey! I have the new DW6 (Superfly)…very much like your setup. Without shaping your impressions with mine, I’d love to know what you think about the way the speakers present vocal harmonies.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Nice! I haven't listened to any classic harmonies yet, but your question is interesting and relevant to something I recently picked in a song where the artist used "double tracking" with their vocals. I've heard this song uncountable times, and I like the effect. On the Zu though the effect was different - I could actually hear separation between the tracks - actual asynchronous differences. It was striking. What are your impressions, with harmonies? "Double tracking vocals involves having your vocalist sing the exact same part of a song on a second track. This “vocal double” is then blended with the main vocal track, to enhance it's sound. In a strange way it tends to be both an underrated and overrated tool in the music recording world."

[@buckswaney]

@@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933 So for me, I’ve noticed that 1) With the DW6 vocals aren’t projected the way they are on some other very good speakers. I mean to say that with other speakers the vocals can sound like they are superordinate and the music tracks are slightly subordinate. 2) The presentation of primary vocal tones are deep, rich, precise, and clear, but they don’t “separate” from the music quite as much as I like. 3) Harmonizing vocals get a LITTLE lost for me. I’m guessing Space Oddity is one of those songs where double tracking is used (not sure), it sounds like Bowie sings from one side and his harmony singer is recorded on the other side. Because of this, the vocal and harmony sound amazing. But in another case, say, Wish You Were Here, where the primary and harmony vocal sound more like a single track, I lose a bit of the richness of the harmony vocal. I’d love to know if you can hear what I’m hearing. Thanks man!

[@Mundo-Analogo]

Sounds better than many expensive settings I've heard on Audio Exhibitions!

[@donsimpsonshead8809]

I've always wanted these, but building the CSS 1TD-X is just too tempting. I'll probably pull the trigger this year.

[@franktrgovich7911]

Bought the finished 1TD-X and they are just amazing. Great imaging and fullness to the sound. Great bass without a subwoofer.

[@t3dewys]

I have the forte’s and have heard the DW’s. I recently built a pair of 1TD-X and I absolutely adore them. Pull the trigger!!

[@donsimpsonshead8809]

@@t3dewys How does the CSS 1TDX compare to the Dirty Weekend’s? Did either have any of the upgrades?

[@WindomRettes]

Nice lookin Kit!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks!

[@derekevans4422]

How do they compare to the Klipsch? Would love a side by side. If I recall they are in the same price range.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

The DW6 and Forte have a lot of similarities - part of what attracted me to the Zu - I like my Klipsch, a lot. I am finishing up a restoration on a Sansui AU-317 that has an A/B channel switch which will be great for a Zu / Forte side by side. Should have a comparison video up soon.

[@muttech16]

As usual with new speakers, u will notice the one that like first..Give it 1 or 2 weeks, then u will find the weaknesses

[@Justwantahover]

It's called fatigue and it gradually builds up. And after a couple of weeks the falt is (psychologically) magnified till you can't stand it. Fatigue is my best tool for my speaker building hobby. Specialising in point source sound and semi dipole sound with partially open cone drivers. I also modify drivers. After two weeks if fatigue doesn't set in, it means I'm done. But that rarely happens straight away. After fatigue sets in I tweak the cones, boxes and/or crossover. And I'm often surprised on how much of an improvement usually happens after the change. But sadly this is often short lived and other problems (triggered by the tweak) usually crop up and eventually fatigue sets in again. It rarely sounds how I want it to sound first go, I have gone for weeks doing tweaks but eventually magic happens and often a better sound than I wanted! Mainly cos of my radical acoustic features, and fatigue hunting. And my reference speakers as a rough guide. And the made speakers smoke my B&W 706 reference speakers. 😆

[@Steven-cs5cw]

No faults or fatigue here, I own two pair, the original Omen Dirty Weekends and the new DW6 Supremes, both systems play daily here. The sound continues to be jaw dropping good. Well, then again, maybe the bass, it can get a bit overwhelming at times, but a simple turn of the tone control knob settles that. No subs required with the DW6 Supremes.

[@joseestrella334]

Have you tried getting that turntable/ phonostage or whatever other source you use as far away from that amp as possible? I mean try it just for kicks. Enjoy!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks - not yet but I'll try it out!

[@eugenedoetsch5649]

What audio rack are you running? Looks like the perfect size that I'm looking for. Thanks much!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Pro Stand by Billy Bags. NLA but maybe on the used market.

[@larrywe3320]

Very good speakers but a better review will be in 6-8 weeks when the newness wears off

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Maybe. Like everything. After the honeymoon is over. I’ll follow up with an extended review. I’ve owned a few dozen different speakers over the last few years and these are exceptional and worth every penny - honeymoon or not.

[@Steven-cs5cw]

I have had mine for a few months now... DW6 Supremes, and am still amazed at what the do, no regrets, they sound better every time I turn them on... Simply amazing with a vintage Sansui amp.

[@ronnyangell665]

Still loving those DW6 Supreme? On the fence which package I should order. Standards enough or go all out?

[@seanisham8593]

Fantastic-looking speakers and a great musical choice! Looks like a lot of toe-in for Zu’s, but YMMV. Good on ye!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks! Still trying differnt setups. Love these speakers. And yes, Lanegan, what a gift - RIP.

[@m_c_8656]

nice!

[@Trevcreative1]

Leading with Mark Lanegan! Nice!!!

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

RIP the mighty Lanegan. Legend.

[@jimmyhills4238]

Thoughts on running these through Outlaw Audio Stereo Amp?

[@jimmyhills4238]

Currently running polk l200s not sure if this is an upgrade or not.

[@2undrpar787]

Nice Review...I've always had the Zu's on my bucket list. How do they compare in tone to the ADS...I owned a pair a few years back and always enjoyed their presentation of music. Back to the Zu's...based on your unpacking video, if you ever decided to send them back, it looks like repacking them and making sure they were protected would be a pain...which probably explains why they arrived in perfect condition.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks. I am a big fan of ADS speakers - build quality and sonics. I would describe the Zu as considerably more articulate than the ADS I have owned and heard. Better detail, soundstage, imaging and balance. The Zu simply sound full and articulate. I definitely unpacked them the hard way in the Unboxing video. After unpacking I realized I could have opened the box, rolled to the open side and just lifted the box off the speaker - much easier - and reverse order to repack. The 60 day return policy is nice insurance if you can't demo before purchasing. Helped me to commit to the purchase. Day two and I don't plan on returning them - I can't imagine many do.

[@mattbba8451]

I don't hear any upper mid-range. But I hear a great deal of blooming. I think most of it is your mic and recording device. Your tracks are balanced right. I did hear the left recording channel crackle in to level at the beginning of the music demo. Then left channel went back to being muffled. I have a pair of Beyer dynamics instrument mics that would never sound as bad as this demo. Thanks for the attempt but it was painful.

[@Justwantahover]

The Zu speakers are good for your lounge room and the Klipsch are good for parties when you can crank it.

[@Steven-cs5cw]

LOL! Hardly. These Zu's will rock any house party.

[@johnsimmons5056]

Very rich and full sound...slightly veiled but these speakers do take some time to open up.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Thanks for the comment. After a few days of listening 'veiled" is actually a perfect word to describe what I am hearing also. The speakers still sound fantastic, but there was something I could not put my finger on exactly - veiled is it. Mine are the standard DW6 with 100 hours of burn-in time. The Superfly and Supreme receive 200 and 300 hours of burn in time - which l am assuming "opens them up" and completes the driver break-in. I've experienced this with vintage restorations with new surrounds, too. Nice to know the DW6 will keep getting better. One more consideration along these lines is my Ortofon Bronze cartridge/stylus only has about 10 hours on it. It apparently won't be at it's best until 50+ hours.

[@MasterMark5]

The song itself could be a little veiled or you would need a better turntable/stylus to extract more detail and remove the veil or that's just how the speakers sound in your room. Experiment with towing them in and out and maybe pulling them slightly farther away from the wall it may just be placement

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

@@MasterMark5 Thanks. Lots of chemistry involved. I do have an HOMC cart on it's way for my SR-838, which I am looking forward adding to the mix.

[@johnsimmons5056]

@@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933 Yes, those Ortofon MM Cartridges have a notorious long breakin time. I never heard of Mark Lanegan prior to this video so I streamed it via qobuz on my system and I heard some of the veil as well which leads me to believe that part of the issue is with the song itself. If you have a CD player I would just connect it, stick in a disk and hit repeat and play music 24/7 for a week or so to break in your Zu's. It's such a pain to break in new cartridges because you actually have to be present to do so. I guess that's part of the hobby. I will look forward to hearing more of your system.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

@@johnsimmons5056 I'll definitely post a follow up video once I have more break-in and setup time with them.

[@michaellittle2995]

Have you done any experiments with the gap?

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Are you referring to the under the speaker gap? This generation has a different port design, so the gap tuning requirements aren't the same as the previous gen.

[@michaellittle2995]

@@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933 Thenn you must have the DW 6? every other DW has the port on the bottom. I just bought mine from Zu as a refurbished pair from the older line I hear a cost mentioned and its not DW6 pricing

[@michaellittle2995]

I just had another listen and you did mention DW6, I was looking at the Superfly package with a custom color and then these earlier versions I bought popped up and looked awesome so I am experimenting. Sorry for being misleading

[@RUfromthe40s]

i do have all records from screaming trees ,also from mark lanegan and some projects he worked on , it´s a very nice voice but not all systems are calibrated for the way his voice sounds ,one can´t imagine how the componets would really sound with youtube sound but all was there , maybe the speakers you had before were more real ,the klipsch ,especially that model was very detailed but also that depends on the amplifier. I myself have 90´s amplifiers and 70´s amplifiers and when looking for new ,even in the 90´s one could get a cleaner sound but missing some other dynamics that makes it sound real , you seem to have there diferent material so you might understand what i´m trying to say, i never heard this new speakers you´re talking off but if you think they are better ,it´s because they are, the funnything is that when i hear to mark lanegan solo albums , i use a entire 70´s system just because they sound more expanded , this one is much better produced then the first and it sounds very simple and direct, not hidden sounds but all is there at good volume

[@normanleach5427]

When Dylan was asked to choose one artist he would listen to if marooned on an island and he said "Charlie Patton". I paused before I read his choice, then thought..., 'Yeah, he knows!' ...and it's the exactitude, the articulation of his voice and resonance of his guitar that I'm looking for... Zu seems to edge out the horn speaker (the IVs) for such clarity... Is that the gist of your perspective here?

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Zu resolve more accurately with greater finesse detail and balance.

[@dtracy03ss]

Not only that in about 50 hours worth of play, there will be Differences in the Sound quality, compare the sound you'll see, be sure and do the same Recording you did here.

[@1fastsuperclown]

Wow! what a great song!

[@martyjewell5683]

These speakers remind me so much of the Realistic T-70. A labyrinth design that was highly rated. Your Zu's might sound better on a low stand a foot or so off the floor, putting the tweeters at ear height while sitting. Sweet lookin' components in your system.

[@michaelwright1602]

I just bought a used set of the Omen Dirty Weekend units and find them to be very solid performers. The gear you use will either have a negative or positive effect. I heard mine before I bought, and they sounded incredible. Not so much with my gear. So, I called up my buddy and have purchased the same gear he was using with these DW's. We shall see. This hobby is ridiculous.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

Agreed. Synergy is real. Equipment. And room. These DW6 are pretty honest so what goes in comes out.

[@michaelwright1602]

@@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933 I just went and bought a vintage Sansui 2000 receiver and am being totally blown away!

[@HungryEatNow]

Just use mono voiceover

[@twochaudiomg2578]

I'm freaking out. I just order this speaker. Of course you didn't play any bottom end. Maybe it your front end I'll look on. This was my first video. Next time, try to play at least a snare drum

[@quychang4471]

Have had my Omen's for a year now and they are just OK. They do not pair well with my Yamaha A-S1200. Way too bright!!! These speakers need a good tube amp. They sound good with rock an roll and can play loud with little degradation in sound. They sounded terrible right out of the box and will take alot of break in at high volume to smooth out the vocals.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

They are very honest speakers. Synergy matters. I’ve not heard a Yamaha, but what I do know if them, by reputation, is they are clear and open. I could see how that translated to being too bright with the Zu. You might try a different amplifier, solid state, too. I’ve had a great sq with most of my Sansui solid state gear through the Zu.

[@latecomerr]

Get them off the ground!

[@jerrypowers7671]

They are floor speakers.

[@goldenerahi-fienthusiast8933]

I believe you mean carpet spikes - yes? These are rear ported so not as finicky about the floor gap as the bottom port earlier DW. I do plan to pick up Carter spikes at some point. Been enjoying them so much as I’d haven’t felt compelled to mess with the success.