Hey guys, I just saw that Zu is starting to take orders again for their fantastic Dirty Weekends. They're $999 base price and I snagged a pair about a year ago. I have to say, I've heard a fair number of speakers now around the 1k and under mark, and a few above, and the Zu DWs are easily one of the best. Just thought I'd share in case anyone was interested in snagging a pair: https://www.zuaudio.com/loudspeakers/omen-dirty-weekend-2
Zu Dirty Weekend
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MikeH
Well-Known Member
If I didn't already have two pairs of speakers I'm happy with, totally would have jumped on these.
displayname
Well-Known Member
I didn't realize the DW were half down upfront, and full balance for shipping. That makes things a little easier for some people too. Also just another cool option you don't see with many speakers.
I'm not jumping on these this time around, but I have a sneaking suspicion that at some point in my life I will be jumping on this. Even if I'm not that into the Zu sound, I think curiosity will just get the best of me and I'm going to need to try them at home.
I'm not jumping on these this time around, but I have a sneaking suspicion that at some point in my life I will be jumping on this. Even if I'm not that into the Zu sound, I think curiosity will just get the best of me and I'm going to need to try them at home.
MikeH
Well-Known Member
Yea--the half up front is pretty awesome. My Thorens turntable through Vinyl Nirvana was the same since Dave built one for me instead of buying one that was already made by him. It's a really nice option when you're making a big purchase.
I'd like to try the Zus at some point too, but might go the pre-owned route if I ever see them available on eBay or something. I'm a KEF man myself right now.
displayname
Well-Known Member
Kef to Zu would be an interesting comparison. The full range/dual concentric is somewhat similar in design philosophy, but outside of that they almost could be more different.
MikeH
Well-Known Member
Yea--would be an interesting comparison for sure but not a $1,000 interesting comparison for me hahah
displayname
Well-Known Member
Yup, they do the 60 days in home trial, but you still need to shell it out up front and not have that cash for awhile.
Keep an eye on their used/preloved section too, especially about 3-6 months after they do a DW sale. I think every cycle they have a few people almost immediately use the DW's to trade up. None in there now, but I do remember seeing a few pairs in the past. It's usually still $900, but usually has upgraded finishes and sometimes clarity caps and stuff.
MikeH
Well-Known Member
Thanks! I'll keep my eye out. I recently got some KEF 101 reference speakers and have the R300s but if the reference speakers ever kick the bucket, I think the Zus and Magnepans are at the top of my list even though I hate the the look of the Maggies...
From a former Maggie owner, you want the Zus.
MikeH
Well-Known Member
My buddy has Maggies and I can always just go give a test listen at his place if I want. I'm more just curious about the sound vs actually buying them.
I feel like this doesn't come up enough with hi-fi gear but... the Zus are really pretty, like beautiful designed. I know they need to sound good first and foremost, but we also have to live with these things in our space all the time. They're just bit obelisks but the finish is really impeccable.
Yeah I love that they do the in home trial thing. Just be warned for anyone considering, they're big and heavy, so lugging them around, reboxing them, etc, is going to be a pain in the ass. Won't matter since everyone wants to keep them, but still.
Yeah I love that they do the in home trial thing. Just be warned for anyone considering, they're big and heavy, so lugging them around, reboxing them, etc, is going to be a pain in the ass. Won't matter since everyone wants to keep them, but still.
dansomeone
Well-Known Member
Zu Omen Dirty Weekend sales are open again, "through November 8, or until sales exceed production."
www.zuaudio.com
Omen Dirty Weekend | Zu Audio | Hi-Fi audio speakers and cables hand built in the USA
Next Dirty Weekend sale is March 25 @ Noon (Mountain). Mark your calendar. Omen Dirty Weekend loudspeaker is our hook, the best that can be done without making regrettable compromises in performance, materials or life-long quality. Price listed in the finish drop down is for a left/right pair.
www.zuaudio.com
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deathbyart
New Member
Damn it. I finally pulled the trigger on KEF R3. I do love them though
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
I’m at the Capitol Audiofest and Zu has a pair of Dirty Weekends feeding through some Brooklyn Audio amps. They’ve also got a couple turntables routing through (I think) a Sutherland Insight.
Not bad! They’re pushing them a little hard so they’re sounding a touch grainy, but impressively big sound out of small speakers.
Not bad! They’re pushing them a little hard so they’re sounding a touch grainy, but impressively big sound out of small speakers.
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
Also met Peter Ledermann and listened to both the Hyperion and Strain Gauge carts for a bit. Have a feeling my next cart will be a Soundsmith.
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
Update: the Zus sound so much happier with vinyl. The harshness is gone.
Different yet very musical- right?
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
they were in an awful room (semicircular wall behind them), but they were just fun. And the Zu guys were a lot more eclectic with their demo material.
kvetcha
Well-Known Member
Fun isn't bad.
Was not intended as a negative!