There is nothing problematic about Druids or Definitions but there are certain considerations which apply to optimal implementation.
The Definition is designed with a recommended 10 foot mimnimum between the forward plane of the speakers and your listening position. I have not noticed a sidewall problem at all. My right speaker is about 3 feet from the wall and there is no wall on the left. They are about 12 inches from the wall behind them.
Druids are different in two ways. First, you need to experiment with the distance between the speaker's plinth and the floor under it. This is accomplished by threading the spikes up or down to increase or decrease the gap. There is a rule of thumb. Definitions do not require spacing because they are not bottom ported like the Druids. Defs have their woofers in a sealed enclosure.
Toe in will effect the soundstage, naturally, and that will require experimentation just like with any other speaker. It will also impact the sweet spot. I don't think you can make it narrow but it is possible to make it wider by rotating the speaker position. I do not experience any "head in the vise" problems with mine.
For some reason, rumors abound concerning this brand name. |
As I stated in my earlier post, rumors abound concerning Zu speakers. The Definition is a no holds barred statement product around which no corners have been cut. It will perform quite well in your larger room and I wish I had a space that large for mine. As for spikes, I suggest you disregard any suggestion that the stock spikes are in any way inadequate. Zu would not design and build their own drivers and develop their own state of the art paint shop and create one of the coolest web sites in audio and offer a professioal version of the Definition, only to mount it on insufficient spikes. That opinion appears to eminate from a majority of one.
When you contact Zu, ask them about the Def Pro. I can't tell you if it something you'll want to try but I'm sure the Zu boys can. Good luck with your trial. |
Bartokfan- I'm sorry you decided to break your silence but I'm very happy that you are now saying nothing in so few words. |
Warren- Why does disagreeing with you always bring a personal attack - and why do you always have to have the last word? |
Definitions are strictly 4 point stance.
The Druids can be handled pretty easily. If you can get behind them, put a level across the back of the plinth and a CD jewel case under it. It helps to have someone else tilt it forward for adjustments but I have managed by myself. Just adjust the rear spikes until you have the gap and level positioning you need, and then do the same in the front. This should give you solid footing and an appropriate gap.
I found that carpet made this more difficult and I found the bass adjustment more effective if I put a piece of wood under the speaker. Someone on this forum said he used 12 inch square by 2 inch thick concrete pavers from Home Depot. That sounded like a good idea and I would have surely done it if I had not upgraded to a bigger Zu. |
It would make more sense to compare Tyler to a line of speakers that has phony list prices and copycat designs. That way you would be comparing apples to apples. |
I must second Undertow's suggestion that Bartokfan appropriate a pair of Zu speakers to compare to his Tylers. There is an old expression which I have always valued. It says, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way". It is high time that ole Bfan do just that, instead of buzzing us perpetually like a mosquito on meth. I agree with Miklorsmith that Bfan makes no useful contribution and serves as a counterproductive and often damaging distraction. It's time to vote him off the island unless he can provide something positive and substantive to the discussion. |
An aspiring Tyler owner who perpetually assails all owners of every other brand of loudspeaker to switch to Tyler due to a superiority that he projects based upon imagined outcomes resulting from a specific component inclusion.
I believe this gives us a basis upon which to dismiss any opinion he may offer on the subject as hearsay or speculation insofar as it is not based upon actual experience. |
Kirk,
I think that you would prefer the Def Pros if you are a "hands-on" audiophile. If you are more inclined to set and forget your system, them the Def 1.5 might be a better choice.
The Pros offer more versatility but require more equipment, and thus, more investment. With the Def 1.5, a small integrated amp is all you need to attain world class performance. |
Ron,
As I understand it, the full range drivers roll off naturally in the range of 40 hz.in both models. With the 1.5, there is a choke which prevents the rear firing woofers from reproducing anything above 40 hz. With the Pros. you have the option of setting the upper reach of the rear woofers at any frequency that works for you in your room. Mike posted at one point that he crosses his over at 65 hz. so as to unburden his low output triodes and put more responsibility on the woofer amp. I can definitely imagine the benefits in such a decision.
In my case, I have experimented but always return my upper shelf to the 50 hz. range.
This has got to be the world's best reggae speaker. |
My Defs are a foot from the front wall and I am 12 feet from them. The wall behind me is 8 feet back. This setup works well in my space and would be worth a try in yours. |
Just measured.......101 inches from tweeter to tweeter.
I was 10 feet back initially but I moved the sofa aft a bit and find I like that better. I haven't found a need to honor the equilateral triangle theory. Toe-in adjustment was all I needed. |
