My main speakers are a pair of full-size Sonus Fabers I've had for over 10 years and love to death.  I have no plans to change them.  As the brand is known for, sound leans to relaxed and warm (but not dull or muddy) - I like this.

I also have a pair of the small Madisound 4" Fostex full-range driver speakers I built over the summer.  They are really cool, and in the right situation a blast.  However, the lack of bass (I knew it going in) is the downside and not looking to play with subs/make them work.  I will try them with the UFO2 before passing judgement.

The Zu Dirty Weekend speakers look interesting because for $1300/pair (that is with shipping, upgraded wood, and the first cap upgrade), seems like a lot for the money AND something totally different (full-range driver with an interesting story...crossover is limited to a cap on the tweeter, the 10" driver runs untouched).  While I would try it with my bigger amps, I have a UFO2 on the way and am building the ACA and those could be a ton of fun on those.

The Lore Reference or similar from Tekton is also interesting.

If you can tell, I am not looking for something conventional.  Looking for something highly-sensitive and interesting.

I need a more traditional tower speaker (nothing that sits on the floor like the little Caintucks) based on how the room is setup.

Curious what else I should look at, what would be a good fit with the UFO2, ACA, or anything else.

Thanks!

I could see using the ACA in either system.  Main system with (what will soon be) a McIntosh C49 or C53, and in my computer system where I am planning a Schitt Asgard (with the Multibit).  I'll assume those would work fine.

The main point of these additional speakers will be something high-sensitivity to match with the tubes.  I also might snag one of the Bottlehead amp kits for fun (I am finishing up a Reduction now) which would also love a pair of something sensitive.

I see you own the DNA2 - how would you compare those to the Zu's?  Any experience with the smaller 5" Markaudio DNA?

As an aside, the Madisound 4" kit I have is PERFECT for watching YouTube videos (with lots of dialogue), they are so amazingly articulate and clear, insane.  You obviously don't need bass for YouTube, and most videos there are generally bright, and this driver rolls off that sizzle.

I have Omega Super AlNiCo monitors and they are fantastic powered by a pair of UFOs. I can't say how they compare to the other speakers mentioned in the thread, but a lot of people really like UFOs matched to Omega speakers.

Quote:


And if you get 2 UFOs those speakers + 5W will be transparent, accurate and kick your a$$... if that's what you like.

It looks like you are all recommending the UFO2 as mono blocks or the Torii.

Any opinions on using a single UFO2, or the Zen Triode Integrated with the Dirty Weekends?

I just received some Dirty Weekends, and am adjusting to them.  I got the Jupiter caps and am powering them with a Vincent Pho-701 -> Peachtree Nova 150.  They've been a little fatiguing, so I'd love to try a Decware amp.

I hope this isn't a threadjack, canonken!

No problem, great and relevant questions!

Honestly, I don't see your Peachtree as a good match for the Zu - not that the Peachtree is bad, it is just a brute of an amp and not what I would consider as having that finesse at <1 watt.  Basically like trying to use a Bugatti on a small autocross course - just not a good match.

Definitely agree on the pairing analogy with the Peachtree, @canonken.  I thought it might be too much when I ordered to the DW's, but figured I'd give it a shot.  Now I'm looking to move into the tube realm, and Decware's been ticking a lot of boxes.  

Good to know the SE84UFO2 can sufficiently drive them.  I'm torn between that or the Zen Triode SE34I.5.  Thanks for the article, @CAJames!