Sean Casey Interview / Zu Audio Definition 6 Loudspeaker Debut

[Ron Resnick]

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[Steve Williams]

Nicely done Ron

 

[adrianywu]

I had not been in the market for new gear for a long time until a couple of friends wanted me to help them put a system together earlier this year. The first friend only listens to classical and jazz. After quite extensive auditions, we decided on the Zu Definition 4 driven by an Audio Note (UK) 300B SET integrated. I like the designer's philosophy of high sensitivity full range drivers with no passive crossover. I think the sound quality of the Definition is way ahead of many other speakers several times the price, and its ability to work with low power tube amps is a distinct advantage. I look forward to auditioning the Definition 6.

 

[godofwealth]

I have not heard a Zu speaker myself, but I like Sean’s focus on high efficiency designs using a crossoverless full range driver that can be driven by SET amplifiers. I think it’s a welcome change from the usual run of the mill designs. Also, Zu is to be commended for the incredibly attractive pricing of some of his designs. It’s rare to find a modern loudspeaker manufacturer selling full range loudspeakers for under 2 grand. For comparison one only has to only look at Harbeth, whose two driver bookshelf designs are now approaching 10 grand. Quite a profit margin on a speaker whose parts cost must be at most a few hundred dollars.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Ron, excellent interview, thanks for that. Good to hear he's more of a perfectionist than just "85%" lol.

 

[Ron Resnick]

The Definition 6s were beautifully machined and finished. I, personally, like very much that Sean has re-oriented the subwoofer to be front-firing. This also raises the height of the speaker, which I also like.

Most importantly, to me anyway, I think that transparency has taken a big step up, and I think this is the most transparent speaker Sean has made.

As an aside, it is impossible not to adore Sean personally. Sean’s passion for research and experimentation and design is unlimited.

Tinka, unfortunately, was away in the Netherlands at the time, but I would have wanted her to meet the coolest designer in our industry!

 

[spiritofmusic]

Ron, what I respect about Sean is that his raison d'etre hasn't altered from high efficiency/full range driver/zero crossover concept, centering on tonal density and "pop and dynamic shove", while then refining his designs umpteen times to address other aspects of SQ performance.
I'm led to believe from Phil/213Cobra that the lighter stiffer and way more damped Okoume wood cabinet is a big step forward on the transparency front, and the new drivers plus use of Griewe loading brings way more heft and punch especially as the full range drivers now extend down another useful 5-7 Hz.
And Zu paint finishes remain highly enviable.
Doesn't sound like the work of an engineer happy with second best.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Marc,

You can do all the hand-wringing you want -- but you have to upgrade!

 

[Ron Resnick]

I like the designer's philosophy of high sensitivity full range drivers with no passive crossover. I think the sound quality of the Definition is way ahead of many other speakers several times the price, and its ability to work with low power tube amps is a distinct advantage. I look forward to auditioning the Definition 6.

Over the last seven years since I ordered my speakers I have developed an appreciation for the dynamics and "jump factor" afforded by high sensitivity; the continuity and organic-ness of wide-band drivers; and the purity of no cross-over and simple cross-over designs.

 

[spiritofmusic]

Marc,

You can do all the hand-wringing you want -- but you have to upgrade!

Haha Ron, yes, I guess you could see my future that way. If I do go down this path, then a change of amps to something like Audion Golden Dreams 300B monos would be mandatory.

 

[Ron Resnick]

Haha Ron, yes, I guess you could see my future that way. If I do go down this path, then a change of amps to something like Audion Golden Dreams 300B monos would be mandatory.

Why would you need to change amplifiers?

 

[Ron Resnick]

I love Phil’s (213cobra) Absolare Altius SETs!

 

[spiritofmusic]

Why would you need to change amplifiers?

Nats are not the last word in transparency, the twin 211 tubes per pair utilising over beefy transformers and FETs, specialise more in heft and slam, than the more purist 300B approach.
I'm looking more and more at developing my jazz and classical LP collecting and listening, and transparency is now the guiding facet I need to maximise.