Forums - Some advice please

Thomas Verified Member Posts: 7	Some advice please 06/26/19 at 16:14:01 Hello, I am considering changing my entire system. I'm looking at Zu speakers and was wondering if anyone was using the SE84UFO2 with them. I have a single source and don't use a preamp. Will this be a problem? Thank you.
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #1 - 06/27/19 at 00:57:42 I want to help, but you need to tell us more first. And, welcome to the forum! What is your equipment experience like? Have you heard Zu speakers? How many volts does your source put out? Analog or digital source? Room size? How loud do you listen to music?
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #2 - 06/27/19 at 00:58:59 What draws you to the SE84UFO2 versus another model?
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Rivieraranch Seasoned Member Posts: 2132	Re: Some advice please Reply #3 - 06/27/19 at 02:18:24 I think if you search this forum there are some comments on Zu. I wouldn’t know myself. I think you could probably do better with a lower ohm, high sensitivity speaker. But with their sensitivity in the high 90’s they should be OK.
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Thomas

Verified Member

Posts: 7

Re: Some advice please
Reply #4 - 06/27/19 at 05:31:52

I currently own a pair of MC275s and Harbeth SHL5+
I believe that my Esoteric is 2.5V.
I have heard Zus and they made quite an impression on me.
CDP only
16'x11'
Moderate listening levels

The SE84UFO2 was the first model I saw, I am open to any model

THe Zus are 8 to 16 ohm depending on model and 99 dB sensitivity. Are they really a poor match?

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ArtMan

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Posts: 184

Re: Some advice please
Reply #5 - 06/27/19 at 17:32:06

I own the Zu Omen Dirty Weekends, with the Clarity Cap upgrade, being driven by a SE84UFO and could not be happier. I can cleanly play the speakers louder than I would ever want to hear. Due to the resolution of the system, music can be played at much lower volumes and still sound more alive than anything I've previously ever owned.

I can tell you more but will need more specific questions.

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Holo Audio May L2 DAC
Decware SE84UFO25/All Cryotone tubes
Caintuck Cherry Magnum/Lii Audio F15's
Decware DSR3S/DHC2/ZFOCUS cables
Verifi SDFB's w/Graphene Sluggos
Verifi Puron/Snubway

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Thomas Verified Member Posts: 7	Re: Some advice please Reply #6 - 06/27/19 at 18:24:57 @Artman, Thank you for the response. How is the bass? I am not looking for room shaking bass, but rather tight, clear and realistic. I was either considering the same speakers you have or Souls. You description about low volume resolution is precisely was has stayed with me for years after hearing the Zus only once.
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #7 - 06/27/19 at 21:01:39 I would go with the SE84UFO25. It is great. SE84UFO2 and SE84UFO are good amps. But, if you can cover the buyin cost, get the SE84UFO25. After that...begins the preamp debate (at least in my head). I have one system with a preamp, and one system without one.
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ArtMan

Seasoned Member

Posts: 184

Re: Some advice please
Reply #8 - 06/28/19 at 01:20:24

@Thomas The bass is how you described. It is very quick and realistic and bass you can feel. There are times I can feel the bass even when the volume is low. Rolling the rectifier and driver tubes can help tune the bass closer to your desired preference. I can listen to organ music without missing the very deepest bass (<35Hz). The organ pedal tones are that realistic sounding.

Even though it is not specifically bass related but the dynamics of the system is excellent. Music comes alive with the noticeable changes in micro dynamics. You will not be disappointed.

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Holo Audio May L2 DAC
Decware SE84UFO25/All Cryotone tubes
Caintuck Cherry Magnum/Lii Audio F15's
Decware DSR3S/DHC2/ZFOCUS cables
Verifi SDFB's w/Graphene Sluggos
Verifi Puron/Snubway

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Thomas Verified Member Posts: 7	Re: Some advice please Reply #9 - 07/09/19 at 22:21:10 @busterfree Have you had the opportunity to hear both amplifiers? Which speakers did you hear them with?
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busterfree

Seasoned Member

Posts: 438

Re: Some advice please
Reply #10 - 07/10/19 at 01:10:02

Yes. I own the SE84UFO25 and SE84UFO3-25 mono blocks. I have a SE84UFO2 at my Dad’s place. I had and sold SE84C+, SE84UFO, SE34I.3, and a white top Mini Torii.

I use Klipsch Forte II & Forte III speakers which are very efficient. I had Decware Trazpezium speakers and Klipsch RB-81 II bookshelf speakers (at Dad’s place).

I really treasure the SE84UFO25 above all else.

I really like what Zu is doing, but I should not buy another set of speakers. I like the Soul Supreme and the Decware DNA2 (if I was looking to add/replace what I have). Thanks

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Thomas Verified Member Posts: 7	Re: Some advice please Reply #11 - 07/10/19 at 01:55:52 @busterfree Thank you for the reply. What kind of music do you listen to and have you ever had an issue with running out of juice? Thank you!
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #12 - 07/10/19 at 11:06:00 No problems running out of juice. I listen to a little country, classical, pop, and a lot of everything else. I do not rock out at my age now, but I do listen loud at times. I have room to go louder if I wanted. Here is a picture of my girl. She slept good last night. ;) Thanks
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Thomas Verified Member Posts: 7	Re: Some advice please Reply #13 - 07/10/19 at 21:18:04 Beautiful.
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Crowes Verified Member Posts: 16	Re: Some advice please Reply #14 - 07/28/19 at 19:45:20 @busterfree what did you find that was an improvement in the 25th vs. the UFO2?
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busterfree

Seasoned Member

Posts: 438

Re: Some advice please
Reply #15 - 07/29/19 at 01:38:00

Once I put in the SE84UFO25 into my system, I have never taken it out. I like all the things that makes the SE84UFO25 different than the SE84UFO2.

Bias switch
Single input next to input tube
Glass resistor
Power supply treatment
Tube regulation
Lighted meters - my SE84UFO2 was before lights were installed
It sounds better.

I am not one to do a side by side shootout.

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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #16 - 07/29/19 at 01:39:59 I am listening to it now, and I am happy. My CSP3-25 is not in use at the moment.
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #17 - 07/29/19 at 01:55:00
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busterfree Seasoned Member Posts: 438	Re: Some advice please Reply #18 - 07/29/19 at 01:56:32
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