ZU Audio DWX Speakers Bring STUNNING, CONCERT-LIKE Sound to Your HOME!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

ATTENTION: As the author of this content, I humbly stand before you and confess I misspoke when I referred to the speakon type connection as a Tekton connection. That is a mythical component and I have no idea where I heard it or read it or dreamed it! My bad! Just know that in an infinite universe there are an infinite number of connectors, so there must be one called Tekton (probably on planet Tekton). I wish I was there now! My apologies to ZU, Sean, and loyal viewers across the planet! I will try harder! Thanks to @jedi-mic for busting me! Everyone knows Tekton is a brand of cable. I mean, I think!

[@JuanGarcia-kv7yv]

Bad man, very very bad!! 😂

[@mikecampbell5856]

Everybody gets one mulligan. LOL

[@davidbono9359]

If there isn't already a Tekton connector, then there should be!

[@neilfisher7999]

I like using the Krypton connector on mine. If you run it through the Flux Capicitor on the way to the amplifier, it improves the efficiency of the speaker. 😅

[@kman2975]

When said: "this may cost you a trip to the jewellery store" I knew this was a channel I had to subscribe to😂

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You're in the right place!!!

[@edwardkane7708]

Great video, Bob. Continue to speak from the heart. That’s what we really want to hear. Love watching and your development of fine tuning to find your own groove. Keep on keeping on.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I really appreciate that!

[@winstonmcgill6667]

I have the Zu DW6 and they are fantastic

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

And they look cool!!!

[@mikechristensen1285]

Me too, and I concur.

[@billanders9199]

My favorite bookshelf speaker is the Paradigm Founder 40B. Great speakers.

[@ZuSMC]

Dig the vibe! Thanks for making the extra effort, the references-CLASH!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

The only band that MATTERS!!!!!

[@patrickgeorge141]

I have the Zu Omen Def Supreme's and absolutely love them! My last bookshelf speakers were Klipsch RP600M and the RP600M ii. Still have them and love them as well.

[@4thewinir344]

I want these like no tomorrow. 95db sensitive and killer looks! But I already own Lintons, RP600s and CSS Critons. I don’t actually ‘need’ any more bookies in my life, but man a pair of these in that ocean blue or ruby red and KA-POW! Keep up the great reviews!

[@deanwiederin795]

I have them too but I would suggest getting the next level upgrades on these models (better capacitor) and have them broken in at the factory (about $100)

[@4thewinir344]

@@deanwiederin795Thanks-I will have to save a bit longer for the upgrades, but I agree they probably make a significant difference. I built CSS Critons with the upgraded capacitor option, and have no regrets on that investment. Likely the same on the DWX. Cheers👍

[@TriAmpMyFi]

Outstanding. Truly an enlightened review.......... So glad the Zu's are Full Range. It's a relief to know I won't need subs for the new HT Room.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thanks! Appreciate the watch!

[@samlee2562]

The full-range driver means that it is allowed to produce its full range of frequencies without any cut-off filters applied in the crossover. It still bottoms out around 38Hz so subs would be good in a home theater setting.. for music it's optional depending on your listening tastes as 38Hz is pretty low and fine for jazz, classical, folk etc 👍 ... although subs can give a greater sense of scale depending on the recording and mix..

[@TriAmpMyFi]

@@samlee2562 . "Full Range" is not a subjective parameter. It IS 20Hz to 20KHz. Not 38 Hz or 50 or whatever a driver happens to produce. It is the definition. A professional (receives money) reviewer should simply state, in this case, "unspecified decibels down at 38Hz". Why say full range? The CheapAudioMan, when describing certain USB equipped components, would declare enthusiastically, "Its got a FULL SIZE usb connection!". So, I understood whom would want LESS than full size? Full size good, small size not wanted. Right? Turns out there's no difference between USB-A, "FULL SIZE" USB-B and USB-C. It took me forever to figure that out. Point being, we hobbyists must use correct terms consistently & reliably. Stating "...without any cut-off filters applied in the crossover." is very confusing to many since the ZUs don't have a crossover. There are many many speakers that aren't full range and don't have crossovers. Let's tighten it up for the Noobs shall we? Acid Jazz, Funk & Brass 🔈🔉🔊

[@jamescordasco5703]

I have DWX speakers on JBL JS-80 stands, they have the correct height and tilt for my listening . Amp is Shiit Vidar, preamp is Schiit Saga. The speakers are the best sound ever. USA made at a low price.

[@FunFiEmpire]

This was a highly anticipated and appreciated review. I am so happy you were able to have them in your home and got to enjoy them. Living the dream (of a KZbin reviewer). I would definitely put (ruby red) them on my end-game wish list along with either a Black Ice integrated or the Advance-Paris A10. Ah, dreams....

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Sadly, I always have to send it back! Oh, well...

[@howardmims8376]

I have a pair of triangle bookshelf speakers and i'm looking at this as a second set of speakers. Thank you for your thought on

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Your welcome. For more depth check out some of my colleagues videos to see how we line up! Thanks!

[@jayrogers8996]

Nice review on the Zu speakers and 100% accurate on the Amy’s Ice Cream review.

[@jakedavila4468]

They always do review well, never heard them, though, but still like knowing about them. Thanks!

[@Simon_Hawkshaw]

Thanks for sharing and your perspectives on these speakers. Much appreciated.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

You are welcome, Good Sir! Cheers!

[@garthmckeil9539]

I love your Clash reference... saw them live when they opened for The Who in Buffalo NY back in the day.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Saw them once on the combat rock tour! I'll never forget it!

[@stevezeidman7224]

Two Favorites, Bob. My Sourcepoint 8s and my vintage ADS L710s. I’d still match them up with any modern speaker up to 5K.

[@neilfisher7999]

I have had the Zu DW Mk II floor standers for a few years. Great speaker. I also have the Bkack Ice F22 powering them now. I'm curious what you think of the amp? To me, they make a fabulous match. I spoke to Sean on the phone before buying the Zu's and I also spoke to Jerrod at Black Ice before buying the amp. It's awesome when you can speak to the owners of the company who are so down to earth and helpful.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I know both of those dudes. Yes, it's a deeper connection!

[@neilfisher7999]

​@UnitedStatesofAnalog I actually spoke to Jerrod and Jayme at Black Ice for about an hour before purchasing the amp. I got great recommendations for the tubes to use based on my sound preferences. Absolutely incredible customer service. They get my highest recommendation!

[@jakedavila4468]

Original Amy's! Good stuff.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

The best!

[@mansolomd]

Never thought I’d hear Bob say “function over form”.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I never thought I'd hear myself say "Techton connection!" But there is a first for everything!

[@johnpischedda6951]

Thanks BOB ! I've been admiring the Zu's for a while. I think the direct to customer thing is great for domestic sales but not really practical for overseas. Be great if Sean could find a distributor in Australia. He did have one at one time ! I feel his profile is high enough now to give it another try, especially with the DW series being such a great price point.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

How about you?

[@brunohebert1351]

Don't they offer a beryllium tweeter upgrade on the Zus? Would probably make them closer to the Focal Kantas, what do you think?

[@gazoller]

Love my Zu DW6's. They have good base. I have a sonically unoptimized room, so for electronica and rock/metal I prefer just a bit more bass added from a B+W ASW608.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Sub is a must!

[@mikecampbell5856]

Great review as usual sir! My son has four JBL S-99 Lancer speakers from 1969 and even though they are huge and have 14 inch woofers, they were considered to be bookshelf speakers. LOL

[@tywoodruff8578]

Thank you for the review Bob! I’ve been curious about Zu for a while, but am REALLY hesitant ordering speakers at this price point without hearing them first. Currently enjoying La Scalas in my LARGE (25’x35’) man cave as part of the 9.1 surround system. If Zu replaced the LS, thinking I’d have to go with something larger than the DWX for the room, but maybe not? Nailed the Amy’s flavor too, although the Galleria location had a limited time Black Metal Stout ice cream made using the Jester King beer of the same name. That may be my all-time favorite, just unfortunate it’s not a permanent menu item.

[@OldGuyHifi]

Great review. I think you will like the EVO150. I just got finished with my shorter review. Long form coming soon.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'll check it out, Ed!

[@s.daniel9224]

For me, q acoustic has been some special sauce in their speakers. The 3030i bookshelf’s are fun. Zu is next on my list.

[@jennahaze6835]

Is there a massive sound difference between the superfly and premium packages?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I've only heard the premium

[@michaelwright1602]

Finally! You got a pair of Zu's! They are true FunFi! I run my DW6 Supremes on a little Cayin EL-84 tube amp, and they really sound good. Or the old Sansui 4000... Solid state, its OK, but tubes or vintage gear, a better fit with the Zu''s. Class A too, but still, even an inexpensive tube amp will light up a room. You can run the Zu's on a 9v battery for God's sake. Love mine, and my pair of Omen DW's.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

All true! Glad this resonated with you!

[@Gpray75]

I just watched your Heco 300 review and you literally said the antithesis of what you like in a speaker (being ultra revealing)

[@Gpray75]

Disappointing because I thought I'd catch up on what's going on in the hifi world after being away and a few videos in, I feel like I caught you being disingenuous. Bummer.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@Gpray75 didn't I say/imply that it would be best tamed by tube electronics?

[@dcfisdf1235]

How are these a 2am volume?

[@991carreras3]

What are your thoughts on low volume listening will I need another set to cover that?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I will try to remember to address that in a future video where I feature the Black Ice!

[@rawheadjim]

I bought some Zu Omen Mk2's last year to address a few shortcomings and they exceeded my expectations on all of them. Low listening volume was really poor with my last speakers, the Zu's still have great soundstage, imaging, and bass even at low volumes. While the Zu's will bring out the best in the vast majority of my music, only a small minority of poorly mastered music may not sound quite as good. But my last speakers were very picky and only about 1/3 of my music sounded great, the rest sounded OK or not great at all. Finally the Zu's are much more efficient and sound very good at all volumes, low, medium, and occasionally high. My last speakers had a very tiny window of volume where they sounded really good, otherwise it was no-go! One thing to note, placement is absolutely critical and it took me a while to find the sweet spot, but when I did they blew me away.

[@991carreras3]

@rawheadjim thanks for the info!

[@michaelwright1602]

DW6 Supremes here, these are probably the best low volume level speaker one could own. All the detail is retained, even the bass. I love mine with a little 10W Cayin EL-84 tube amp.

[@991carreras3]

@michaelwright1602 Thanks that's great news glad you listed your amp cause mine is also 10 watts. Can I ask you about spacing from rear wall cause can't go out more than 8inches because of a door have you done and testing on rear wall spacing. In my case maybe I'll have to look at the DWX but I rather have DW6.

[@4thewinir344]

How do the DWX compare to your Heresy’s? They both are sensitive and ‘live’ sounding - what would you recommend between the two?

[@jimfarrell4635]

Big and brash speakers, indeed. Not easily available in the UK unfortunately. My favourite stand mounts are the Revel M106 Performa 3 speakers. They replaced a pair of LS50s in my study and are significantly superior in my view. I also like the Fyne Audio F500 stand mounts, and would love to hear their higher end offerings.

[@Durkhead]

They look like if you removed the tweeter theyd be great to play a guitar through can you buy the ten inch speaker by itself?

[@johnphelan]

I have the dw6 Mk ii last run with upgrades ! Sound stage unparalleled sounds Iike your at a live event so efficient you can run them with anything and very forgiving ! Fit and finish unbelievable add a sub and you may have end game at a bargain a smoother less bright klipsch which I have and like also made in America bargain whats not to like !!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Hey... that pretty much what I said!

[@donnowak4304]

Totally agree, a speaker should expose the best and worst of a recording. Neutral. Every recording should sound different. How was low level listening in your opinion? Supposed to be excellent. I'm going to have to get these.

[@deanwiederin795]

I did my own capacitor upgrade but didn't use the Jupiter cap that they sell on ZU- the cap that was on the budget version was a super cheap Bennic. But, using my capacitor, I think it was a very good Mundorf, the tweeter came in WAY too bright . I had to put potentiometers on the back to tone it down, not knowing the resistance value I might need. ZU has probably vetted the proper high grade capacitor you would need and after my experience I would stay with what they offer. Also, the full range woofer cone is so stiff I would spring for the factory break-in to get more bass

[@bradpyles5322]

So no crossover but you can pay for upgraded capacitors?

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I thought that's what I read.

[@Mrsteve4761]

The 'super'-tweeter clearly needs a high-pass filter, so I imagine would be for that purpose.

[@fascinatedbyeverything]

Interesting; other reviewers have said they're forgiving of bad recordings/equipment. Unrelated: how do they sound when listening off-axis?

[@LitlHickey]

I want that Tshirt! Where do I order from?

[@Trollberg]

Are they good to play extreme metal like black/death

[@ZuSMC]

Thou, Body, Primitive Man.... yep.

[@danclark4361]

From beautiful Utah! Mine certainly aren't bookshelf speakers. I'm a proud owner of the TEKTON Lores, with the beryllium tweeter upgrade. Talk about exposing bad recordings! Sean Casey (Zu) and Eric Alexander (Tekton) have similarities in their speaker designs. Both of them are genius designers!

[@deanwiederin795]

And interestingly they are made about 60 miles apart in Utah. Something in the air, snow, or water?

[@AnthorOne]

Best bookshelf loudspeaker? Alta audio Alyssa.

[@carlsitler9071]

Small speakers sound small. My speakers have dual 15" woofers because one 15" woofer starts to strain (distort) at the volume I like to jam out at. My boxes are 6'x3'x1'. I bi-amp Danish MTMs. I do listen to active bookshelves (that control a sub) for video games.

[@manuelsalinas9863]

Hi Bob, I’m an owner of a pair of B&W 805 D3s and a Kef KC 62 sub and I am currently looking for a secondary pair of speakers to listen to rock and metal. I’ve been curious about these speakers and the Klipsch Heritage line (Heresies or Fortes) How do they compare to your Klipsch Fortes in terms of sound? How do they play in small spaces? Thanks for your great reviews!!!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

They are alike and different too. Remember... even maxed out the DWX will be a grand or two cheaper than the Forte. The bookshelf format may be more practical vs floorstanding for some. I also have Heresy 3 as well but haven't heard 4. But people say they are improved. I would say the Fortes are a tad smoother with some recordings and the DWX are revealing. I think the DWX need some room to breathe. I wish I could have listened to them in a bigger room here. That's my next experiment. I would reach out to Sean at ZU and get his take. They have great customer service and interaction. I love my Fortes and because of the size they are probably mine for life! But like I said, it's all about flavors! Both are super dynamic and fun! Tube electronics were better for the Zu, I thought. My opinion!

[@manuelsalinas9863]

@@UnitedStatesofAnalog what you say makes sense. Those titanium tweeters can’t be forgiving on bad recordings! It is interesting what you say about the Zus needing air to breathe having a smaller sized driver compared to your Klipsch. Your insight has been really helpful! Thanks a lot and keep those reviews coming!

[@MikeK6046]

I'm with ya on function 1st, form 2nd. I used to have some audiophile friends, or so they strongly believed, but would pass on a speaker that might be better sounding, but because it did not "look good" they wouldn't consider it all (anyway, IMO this equipment is primarily designed for listening/ hearing, not to look at)

[@Justwantahover]

How come GR Research doesn't like them? 😅

[@l_o_c_o_666]

It's a damn shame that home audio speakers have gotten smaller throughout the years.

[@PlaAwa]

a damn convenience. no more clutter and big things to move

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

These should satisfy your big box fetish! Thanks for watching!

[@DrNoahBoddy004]

YAY!! For C a m b r i d g e ! Zu is INCREDIBLY High Performance!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Fo sho!

[@jim010109]

ZU VS Klipsch Heresy iv's? Both are considered bookies, both have high Sensitivity. And given Klipsch horns, they bring out alot of the bad recordings as well. And both are American made. Fun review.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Thank you, some people are taking it all to seriously.

[@Harrisongrey19]

Only the heritage series of klipsch are made in the US. All the others China

[@lloyd.8272]

If you want your system to sound like a live concert, buy some massive pa speakers and crank it up to 100+ db.

[@audioarkitekts]

I miss Mexican Vanilla ice cream

[@DeMorcan]

I will probably not ever listen to you again as this is an analog place and I listen to digital but I had to say I enjoyed this review. I will shut up and go back to my digital world now

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Awww... you don't have to leave! I mix it up!

[@johnfisher3929]

Well, you may be dauntless but I, for one, am daunted. Not in a bad way-and it doesn’t hurt that much-but daunted nevertheless.

[@TheBaldTruth1]

There is no replacement for woofer displacement.

[@trauma50disaster1]

No elaboration on the weird lack of crossover. No discussion about spending $200 more for the floor standers. Lastly, are you completly objective or do you get a a kick back giving these a nice review? I'm considering these.

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Not on the take my, friend! Weird that that was your first take. I have too much integrity. These are on a short-term loan and are going back very soon. I enjoyed my time with them. I felt my review/overview was fair and some observations could be construed as drawbacks. Depends on the customer. About the lack of x-over. That was my bad/oversight. There's a lot to unpack with the ZU. Please consult Sean or ZU website for all the details. I don't always feel it's necessary to to parrot facts that are already at your fingertips just to add more viewing time. Like I said... my taste, my room, my ears. But you should check them out if you get a chance. Thanks for watching. I'm not on the take... but you could donate!💰😃I lost thousands last year starting this up... and I have a very good day job!

[@ZuSMC]

high-pass filter on the tweeter, letting the full-ranger electromechanically throttle itself, pretty fucking old school really.

[@trauma50disaster1]

@@ZuSMC true, so is the 3 cup shell scam. It's pretty fucking rare compared to the entire industry with the lack of a crossover. Independent measurements and reviews are clear, there is lack of detail and other issues. I was just interested in learning but why would I go out on a limb with a crossover choice that the industry overwhelmingly thinks is subpar? I was just wanting info cause I don't care about reviews, all I asked for was "elaboration on the crossover," but no one bother to sell it to me.

[@amb3cog]

Alright I’m so confused now. I watched Nemo Propaganda’s review yesterday, and one of the things that got me interested in these speakers, and therefore this video. Was that he said these work great with bad recordings. And now you’re going out of your way to claim that they are horrible with bad recordings. Those are two completely opposite opinions of the same speakers. Would you, or anyone else care to explain, or comment about this? I think some clarification is in order. Thank you. ✌️

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

@@amb3cog maybe bad recordings can be bad in different ways. Bad is a big tent. Plus some people want all the detail they can stand.

[@Justwantahover]

The super tweeter has got a 1 mf cap on it (according to GR research). The rule is to AVOID electrolytic caps (cos they have some sort of delay or stored energy in them) but who cares if it sounds good. Try with a 1 mf electrolytic cap and it won't sound as brittle on poor recordings. Most of the treble comes from the bass/med driver (being a wide band driver). The tweeter merely increases the very top end, so the electrolytic cap won't affect the treble like it would on a normal tweeter. E caps on normal tweeter aren't klangy enough, but the treble in the main driver would nicely compensate (being without anything on it, and klangy as hell). 😅 I bet an E cap on the supertweeter would make poor recordings sing. Or at least improve it. 😅 Just my bet.

[@seventeendegree]

they look stunning in walnut

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I'm sure of it!

[@bradpyles5322]

Soooo basically a Klipsch sonic copy

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Not exactly. It has its own merits in detail and spaciousness, I think!

[@ZuSMC]

Love the PK originals, but not the same sound, more Olson then PK.

[@JuanGarcia-kv7yv]

Ha! Favorite bookshelf speakers??? Easy JBL L86 or L96 speakers.. true old school and both fully refurbished by your local Austin JBL repair guy….

[@jedi-mic]

What you talking about there's no such thing as a tekton connector??! it's a speakon connector

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Ha! Brain fart when I was writing. I guess I renamed it! That's for pointing that out! If this was a newspaper u would print a retraction!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

Please see my self-pinned comment at the top!

[@UnitedStatesofAnalog]

I think the cable is Tekton branded.

[@hilde45]

Enjoyed this video! I've been rather taken with Fritz Heiler’s Carbon 7 SE Mk 2 standmount speakers. They have a uniquely simple crossover that make them amenable to many kinds of amps and just sound, well, lusciously musical. Short review here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqGsZ5h3q8hnla8si=6wzJT_eyxFT4m6sq

[@mediascapes2011]

Zu has sunk itself. Forget that company.

[@richgrao]

This a little cryptic. Care to elaborate?