Anyone listen to Zu Audio's Definition Mk3?

Gsm18439's impression pretty much mirrors my thoughts on them. I have owned the 2's and had the drivers updated to the nano drivers (now speakers are owned by Glory) and that was a significant leap forward in terms of transparency and dynamics while retaining the fundamentals of Zu sound. I spent many hours listening to the 4's after show hours at RMAF and absolutely had to have them after spending enough time dissecting them. For any Definition 2 owner, it is a must have if you can afford them. The bass integration with the downfiring sub vs rear firing will make for much easier integration. More importantly, the bass is so tight, articulate, and palpable compared to the 4 driver array in the 2. It may have been the best bass I heard at all of RMAF. The cabinet is also damped better and has a very solid "thud" when you tap on it with less resonance. The nano drivers are absolutely spectacular and if you can't swing the upgrade to the 4, it's definitely worth the $3500 to upgrade to the 3. The bass amplifier is also much improved both from a modularity standpoint, but also from it's dead silence compared to the hum I heard from the 2's amps. Although it looks like a Definition 2, the only similarities are the spiked feet and the Zu logo. Everything else has been redesigned and this product is a revolutionary, not evolutionary product. When I went to RMAF I had absolutely no intention of upgrading to the 4's but after hearing them, I would have sold a kidney if I had to. I wouldn't have believed the level of performance enhancement of the 4's unless I heard them for myself. I am counting the second until my pair arrives!

All I can say is that I was smitten with my Def 2's and went out to Rocky Mountain Audio Fest looking for a complimentary amp. After hearing the Def 4's, you will never be able to go back to the 2's. The only thing they share is the name, form factor, logo, and speaker spikes. Everything else has been dramatically improved. If you don't have the funds for the upgrade, DO NOT go listen to them because they will haunt you if you are a Zu lover.

Andrew,
There have been some major changes in my system. The biggest change has been the Definition IV's over the previous 2's and 213Cobra has eloquently described the differences so I won't elaborate on that further. Regarding SET's vs. Luxman and the TEO cables, I would be more than happy to discuss this with you or anyone else that wants to chat but I don't want to derail the Zu thread. Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me (404)788-7708. I'm always happy to give my impressions and eager to hear your thoughts.
Lastly, I couldn't agree more with you that a musically satisfying system can be achieved through different approaches. I have been fortunate enough to find happiness through vastly different routes.
David

Glory,
Being the owner of the Def 4's you heard and being the former owner of the actual Def 2's you currently own, I will totally agree with you that the sound coming from them at the party was awful. They were essentially plopped down in the room with 0 hours on the speakers and all of the cabling in the system, an amp with an output transformer dying(I didn't know it at the time), and a turntable with a ground loop hum. We could have inserted the best source ever made and it would have sounded terrible. However, now that placement issues, burn in and complimentary component matching has taken place, I can honestly say the Def 4's are so far superior to the 2's in every way that 213Cobra has described that you won't recognize them as the same speaker in my room if you heard them again. I have owned the 2's, owned the 2's with the nano upgrade (which is a nice step forward in terms of transparency, micro and macrodynamics) and now the 4's and it's not even close. I would take the 4's with home depot lamp cord and radio shack interconnects over the 2's with unobtainium cabling.
I am sorry that you had to hear the 4's under the conditions you did because the sound was truly awful that day but I can say without question the 4 is vastly superior to the 2 once setup properly and burned in (assuming complimentary components).

Gsm18439,
We are all using Star Sound Technologies stands. 3 of us are using the Sistrum sp-101 and the other is using a smaller stand. A call to Robert is free and he is generous with his time...A real eye (and ear) opener for me. I have Agear to thank for the suggestion.

Everyone who knows me knows that I have been drinking the Zu Kool-Aid for years now. I agree with Phil (213Cobra) that finding the right amp is fundamental to building your system around the Definitions. Having patience and willingness to try numerous topologies will give you the best chance to find the best match for you.If you are buying the Definitions or planning on it, my suggestion is to plan to experiment to find what pushes your buttons. "one and done" is a very unlikely approach. We all value certain playback features differently and that shows with the great variety of amps Definition owners use. Try every amp you can on the Definitions. The great part about them is that just about every amp on the planet will drive the Zu's to satisfactory levels. I believe I have heard every topology on the Defs and I can see why some would want OTL's, 845 SET, monster SS, chip amps etc...They all have strengths and weaknesses. Nobody can choose for you. Be adventurous (and report your findings back).
That being said, there is one area that most Definition owners neglect and, to me, the first component to address (even before trying to find a matching amp): the speaker foundation. Replacing the stock spikes with a proper foundation unleashes a whole new level of performance that will be appreciated from the very first note. There are 4 Definition owners in Atlanta and we all own the same speaker stand...Obviously not a coincidence. I feel confident speaking for all of us that it was money very well spent. For me, it may be the biggest performance upgrade of everything I have tried(which is a looong list). Sounds ridiculous...I know.

Germanboxers,
I don't know if you are asking me but my name is Dave and I own the Def 4's on Sistrum Sp-101's so here goes. It's actually very simple. You place the stand where you want it and adjust the 3 feet so they will be in an appropriate place when you set the speaker on it. Also, you place the coupling discs on the spikes and hold them to the stand with a piece of tape. I just grab the speaker in a bear hug and set it on the coupled spikes. They are very stable on the stands. Shouldn't take more than a few minutes to do and the improvement will slap you in the face on the very first note. Look at Charles1dad's system thread. He articulated the improvements nicely. Every component I own is on Sistrum stands and would definitely recommend starting with your speakers if possible as that was the most dramatic impact. If you want more info you can reach me at dschwegman at gmail dot com.

No worries about either one. Even if the spike gets between the grates on the sub(coupling disc falls off), the spike is sufficiently wide that it is stopped on the aluminum plinth before it gets close to the driver.
Regarding stability, I have given them a good shove and they are very stable. It would take quite the push to knock them over. 150 lbs on a tripod is a stable platform.

It's stable...not as stable as 4 spikes on the ground but it's stable. It would take a significant attempt or accident to get it to fall. I had a big "oafy" dog and you nieces around them all the time and never gave it a second thought. Star Sound is not in the business of making stands that cause you to destroy your equipment. Remember that there are coupling discs on between the spikes and the bottoms of your speakers which greatly enhances the contact area and stability. If I thought they were in any way a hazard I would never even mention them for fear I would be partially responsible for destroyed speakers.

Fred,
The Sistrum's were purchased after the Def 4's so no experience with them and previous models. Chalresidad has a good descriptionof the Sistrum efects and I concur with his statements. The difference is anything but subtle. I haven't noticed any significant tonal balance shift with the Sistrums...Quite an improvement in my system.
D

As you wish Andrew. I've posted photos of my system for everyone that is concerned about the stability of the Definitions on the Sistrum SP-101's. When you see the photos, it's much easier to understand why it is a very stable platform.

It's actually very easy. You place the coupling disc on the spikes and secure it to the sides of the spike with a piece of tape. Then, just give the Defs a bear hug and set them on the spikes with the discs. It's a remarkable stable platform. Once on the spikes with the discs, you can pivot them with ease to change toe in. It's actually a lot easier than trying to adjust the toe in with the 4 spikes.