The End Of A 35 Year Journey ---Zellaton -The Reference Ultra Final Frontier

[Steve williams]

Each crate weighs 270 pounds. It's going to be fun getting these up the stairs. I have hired my muscle men that have helped me for the last 12 years in every major move of equipment in my room . They come on Sunday and Gideon arrives a few days later to set them up

My muscle men are coming today. This is 4 brutes to get both crates up 17 stairs

 

[SeagoatLeo]

as lowlands commented, the tweeter on the Reference Ultra is different

Yes, I know. I only know that the Plural Evo tweeters were superb.

 

[Steve williams]

I have to admit that you need good movers for jobs like this. These guys have helped me for 12 years. A father and son and another worker. They didn’t break a sweat. Total time from arrival to getting padding in the stairs and to lift both crates ( each crate was 310 lbs) was 24 minutes. These guys got my Olympus and IO upstairs and in the rack in 10 minutes. Worth every penny.

And so a few steps closer to the beginning of this journey

 

[Steve williams]

 

[AudioHR]

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Hope they are good!

 

[Audioarts]

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Steve, we have our work cut out! And while you’re tempted, no opening those crates until I arrive

 

[Audioarts]

I have heard the Stage Ultra, Reference Ultra, and Plural Evo, though unfortunately not all in the same room. I haven't heard the 'Klassiks', but I would love to listen to them somewhere.

My impression is that the core of Zellaton's design philosophy and architecture is the use of a proprietary high-tech sandwich single broadband cone for the majority of the frequency range, complemented by a tweeter for the highest frequencies (although in a previous model, Studio Reference, the broadband cone extended up to 20kHz and lacked a tweeter) and a '(sub)woofer' below. The combination of the advanced (sandwich) driver and the absence of a crossover in the most critical range for human hearing creates a lot of 'the magic.' This applies to all Zellatons as far as I know and largely defines the 'house sound.'

The EVO line contains some 'compromises' compared to the Ultra. To my knowledge, most noteworthy are ..

• The sandwich cone construction of the broadband and bass cones has been adapted and made suitable for more mechanical manufacturing instead of everything being handmade.
• The tweeter is a 'conventional' dome, instead of Zellaton's proprietary sandwich.
• The cabinet's (finish) quality. 'Downgrade' from Bugatti (bizarre, drool-worthy) to Mercedes (plain fantastic).

Additionally, the bass of the Evos is reflex loaded instead of semi-open baffle, but with the same sandwich cone material as the broadband. This was done intentionally with the motive of integration into smaller spaces.

Personally, I think that last point (room integration) likely has most impact on the listening experience.

I haven't heard the PE and Ultras in the same room, but I didn't get the impression of a loss of homogeneity due to the PE dome tweeter (my ears are 54 years old). I found the bass of the PE (in the respective case/room) to have more punch and fun factor than the Stage Ultra (in a larger room). It is - as often - quite context-sensitive. I don't rule out that there are people who, in a certain context, setting, complementing gear and room, will prefer the PE over the Ultra... I guess that in a good and sufficiently large dedicated listening room, with some exceptional gear, the Ultras will go a step further in several parameters. I do think that the PE is the likely sweet spot in the range and probably also the "bread & butter" for Zellaton. Ergo: numbers and value for money.

I haven't heard the smaller Emotion EVO. In images, the broadband sandwich mid/woofer in that speaker doesn't 'breathe' to the back (back seems closed) and is therefore (I assume) ported, just like the PE woofers. I wonder what that does to the speaker's signature..

Anyone heard it, compared to the PE?

Congrats Steve! Good luck 'howling' them up the stairs....

Lowlands, you are correct re the “Emotion” model; they are ported on the bottom with no traditional ZELLATON venting. But along with my clients, I find them to offer a compelling point source quality due to the 9” broadband driver and minimalist 2 way design. The purity and top to bottom coherency is so close to stacked Quads but with incredible weight in the power range. Maybe the least expensive ZELLATON but sacrifices nothing in terms of musicality and immersion.

 

[TheAudioAssociation]

Congrats on part one of your new journey. Can’t wait to come by and hear these!

 

[Lowlands]

Lowlands, you are correct re the “Emotion” model; they are ported on the bottom with no traditional ZELLATON venting. But along with my clients, I find them to offer a compelling point source quality due to the 9” broadband driver and minimalist 2 way design. The purity and top to bottom coherency is so close to stacked Quads but with incredible weight in the power range. Maybe the least expensive ZELLATON but sacrifices nothing in terms of musicality and immersion.

Thx. You (or anyone else) happen to know if the Emotion Evo will be playing somewhere in Munich next week?

 

[Audioarts]

Thx. You (or anyone else) happen to know if the Emotion Evo will be playing somewhere in Munich next week?

Hi Lowlands

ZELLATON is premiering the new Stage “Ultra” model pictured here. Along with Schnerzinger, we’re excited for next week. The original Stage “Klassik” was previously reviewed by TAS:

Zellaton Stage Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound

Zellaton Stage Loudspeaker -

www.theabsolutesound.com

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I find it very interesting when members describe specific cabinet type speakers to emulate Electrostats... very interesting. I'm thinking on the same lines in fact, during my limited audition with them last year (about 3hrs on private demo) driven by CJ's ART amplifiers. I can certainly relate to the Electrostats indeed, such that the Zellaton line seems to present the sound wave from one type of material. Or at least it seems to be the case.

Hence, when comparing to other high performance cabinet types, you can certainly hear the array of drivers using multiple types of materials, including the tweeters which vary drastically. Being an electrostat owner for as long as I first ever opened a glass bottle of Coke, I can distinctively hear that cabinet and multiple drivers associated with them, no matter how complex the design.

However, when you hear a Zellaton speaker for the first time, all those preconceived notions of cabinet resonances and box design is completely wiped out! There's hardly any coloration if at all, and like I said the presentation seems to emanate from one driver. It's bloody marvellous!
I'm not sure how Zellaton techies have accomplished this in a cabinet type system but whatever they've done and whatever they've used is simply outstanding! A true SOTA design I must say. I don't think I've ever heard a cabinet type speaker with an array of dynamic drivers sound quite the same.

In fact, having previously owned Wilson's for a short while, I can confidently admit that the Zellaton design is far superior, yet far more simple in driver technology, and this is what results in a far more natural reproduction of the source recording.

Obviously when it comes to panel type speakers, and Electrostats for that matter, there's nothing on earth that's man made in terms of cabinet/ dynamic driver design that can represent Electrostats, no chance! The physics is totally different and it would be quite silly to replicate this design up against a cabinet/box-less design... there's absolutely zero chance of that ever happening.
Nonetheless, like I said before, if I were to ever change from my current Stats to a cabinet type system, Zellaton would be that speaker.

Attn: Steve
BTW I checked with my good mate in Spore, yes he was using the ART27A with the Z-Ultra Reference, along with the Art88 preamp. I also remember the SACD player used was a T+A HV series player, now that was one fantastic stop the train moment for me. I'll never forget those limited 3hrs I had with that system, every second and every minute was worthwhile.

You don't get these sort of chances or opportunities at hifi shows...and so the vast number of people who've heard lofty systems in such shows (when not placed optimally) will always criticise the gear, especially the speakers. Then there are shows where they've done the best possible and placement seems to be optimal with top gear, great! BUT the biggest let down is the source. Useless mediocre digital streaming with minimal bandwidth and connectivity cutting out, absolutely useless.

Whenever I visit Spore, which is once a year every Feb or May, I always make it a point to experience something new. Something out of the ordinary and something of supreme quality. Zellaton was all of that, and had a very fine level of finesse that's unmatched by a far magin. It's not even funny. Nothing more to add really.

Cheers Stevo! And do enjoy those finest tunes.
WOOF! RJ

 

[Lowlands]

Hi Lowlands

ZELLATON is premiering the new Stage “Ultra” model pictured here. Along with Schnerzinger, we’re excited for next week. The original Stage “Klassik” was previously reviewed by TAS:

Zellaton Stage Loudspeaker - The Absolute Sound

Zellaton Stage Loudspeaker -

www.theabsolutesound.com

Stage Ultra was part of demo at Rhapsody-NL last January I attended. Driven by TLA amplification (SSA-350, see pic). Fantastic demo!
Cabinet quality of these Ultra's is simply stunning..
No big fan of the white/gold looks. Asian market focused I presume..

 

[Lowlands]

Ran into these pics, of the demo of the Ref. Ultras in December 23. Seems on point for Steve
I guess this was Harry doing the 'full-monty' / all-out assault (inc. full Schnerzinger cabling & tweaks). I NEVER heard a trumpet this real from something with a powercord.. It was 'an adventure' I have since stored in audio memory...

 

[Steve williams]

Gideon arrives tomorrow. Im getting excited but now am counting down to arrival of Reference Ultra next month. Having said that Im also very excited to hear the Plural Evo in my room

 

[Lowlands]

I find it very interesting when members describe specific cabinet type speakers to emulate Electrostats... very interesting. I'm thinking on the same lines in fact, during my limited audition with them last year (about 3hrs on private demo) driven by CJ's ART amplifiers. I can certainly relate to the Electrostats indeed, such that the Zellaton line seems to present the sound wave from one type of material. Or at least it seems to be the case.

Hence, when comparing to other high performance cabinet types, you can certainly hear the array of drivers using multiple types of materials, including the tweeters which vary drastically. Being an electrostat owner for as long as I first ever opened a glass bottle of Coke, I can distinctively hear that cabinet and multiple drivers associated with them, no matter how complex the design.

However, when you hear a Zellaton speaker for the first time, all those preconceived notions of cabinet resonances and box design is completely wiped out! There's hardly any coloration if at all, and like I said the presentation seems to emanate from one driver. It's bloody marvellous!
I'm not sure how Zellaton techies have accomplished this in a cabinet type system but whatever they've done and whatever they've used is simply outstanding! A true SOTA design I must say. I don't think I've ever heard a cabinet type speaker with an array of dynamic drivers sound quite the same.

In fact, having previously owned Wilson's for a short while, I can confidently admit that the Zellaton design is far superior, yet far more simple in driver technology, and this is what results in a far more natural reproduction of the source recording.

Obviously when it comes to panel type speakers, and Electrostats for that matter, there's nothing on earth that's man made in terms of cabinet/ dynamic driver design that can represent Electrostats, no chance! The physics is totally different and it would be quite silly to replicate this design up against a cabinet/box-less design... there's absolutely zero chance of that ever happening.
Nonetheless, like I said before, if I were to ever change from my current Stats to a cabinet type system, Zellaton would be that speaker.

Attn: Steve
BTW I checked with my good mate in Spore, yes he was using the ART27A with the Z-Ultra Reference, along with the Art88 preamp. I also remember the SACD player used was a T+A HV series player, now that was one fantastic stop the train moment for me. I'll never forget those limited 3hrs I had with that system, every second and every minute was worthwhile.

You don't get these sort of chances or opportunities at hifi shows...and so the vast number of people who've heard lofty systems in such shows (when not placed optimally) will always criticise the gear, especially the speakers. Then there are shows where they've done the best possible and placement seems to be optimal with top gear, great! BUT the biggest let down is the source. Useless mediocre digital streaming with minimal bandwidth and connectivity cutting out, absolutely useless.

Whenever I visit Spore, which is once a year every Feb or May, I always make it a point to experience something new. Something out of the ordinary and something of supreme quality. Zellaton was all of that, and had a very fine level of finesse that's unmatched by a far magin. It's not even funny. Nothing more to add really.

Cheers Stevo! And do enjoy those finest tunes.
WOOF! RJ

"....like I said the presentation seems to emanate from one driver..."

Like I said... it does. A lot (of the audible spectrum) comes from a single cone...
The Zellaton sound is based as-much (or more) on a wideband / crossover topology as it is on cabinet architecture choices...

In line with that: you might ask yourseld if you like / dislike magnetostatic speakers? Those have a cabinet architecture (dipole frame) that is close to ESLs, but differ in that they can include multiple panels / ribbons and crossover designs (Magnepan for ex.)....

 

[Big Dog RJ]

"....like I said the presentation seems to emanate from one driver..."

Like I said... it does. A lot (of the audible spectrum) comes from a single cone...
The Zellaton sound is based as-much (or more) on a wideband / crossover topology as it is on cabinet architecture choices...

In line with that: you might ask yourseld if you like / dislike magnetostatic speakers? Those have a cabinet architecture (dipole frame) that is close to ESLs, but differ in that they can include multiple panels / ribbons and crossover designs (Magnepan for ex.)....

Yes, that's correct. In fact, one such type that I found to be a real top performer (other than stats) was the Diptyque 160MK2, superb! Another stop the train moment for me.

There are various types of gear and systems available where sky's the limit! Spend over half million here and another half million there... and it never ends, the vicious cycle continues. However, when it comes together just about right and the presentation commands your attention! Eyes wide & glaring, ears perked up, chin wiggling and feet tapping, and along comes a smile with those buck teeth showing in full glory, that's a stop the train moment! There are only a handful of systems that can do this. I haven't heard them all but the few lofty ones, with proper placement and perfect setups, have been absolutely stunning! Nothing short of breathtaking I must say. Everything is untouched, it all gets out of the way, zero coloration, just the pure recording itself. That, only a few can achieve because most of the other lofty systems I've come across, either over do it, or overly complicated with far too many connection points, and placement seems off as well. Either the room settings were too small & overly damped or too large with a wide echo effect. Oh well, we can only be polite.

Cheers matey, enjoy those finest tunes!
RJ

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I reckon the moment Stevo hears those Plural Evo's, he'll do the jig, maybe with a slight twerk. Then when he finally hears the Ultra reference, he'll do a back flip! Whiles pouring maple syrup on a stack of pancakes! Go Stevo!
Woof! RJ

 

[Steve williams]

Ive heard the speakers but never in my system with my electronics

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Ive heard the speakers but never in my system with my electronics

Ah! Then in that case you probably did the jig... plus twerk?
Now only thing left is a proper back-flip

 

[davidavdavid]

I listened to the Zellaton Reference speakers this past week, just outside of Toronto at the Boutique Audio Gallery — website: boutique.audio

The Zellatons were powered by numerous amplifier brands. It was fortuitous to swap them out at will: JMF, Alieno, Engstrom and SPEC.

It also wasn't too shabby that I was able to compare (A/B) to the YG XX speakers that were also on hand.

Photos of the Zellatons from different angles. I had a real blast up North, so much so that I'll be heading back.