Zu Essence vs B&W

I am looking to upgrade from Klipsch RF-7s to Zu Essence but would also like to consider B&W. Any thoughts on how the Essence compare to 803s or even 803d? I listen to mainly rock and singer song writer (Avett Brothers, Bealtes, David Gray, Floyd, Stones)
Macallan7

good grief! The Zu speaker is so different from the B&W because of the driver technology & the overall design philosophy that it wouldn't be right to make a comparison. Or, atleast to me, the comparison would not be meaningful.

It appears that you do not know which way you want to lean - full range driver speaker OR multiple driver speaker. Maybe you need to decide that before you start making a short list??
Or, if you have the chance, go listen to the Essence & N803 or 803D & see what you think of the reproduced sound...

11-05-09: Macallan7
i guess I want to know which one would be better suited for my taste in music, I don't care about the technology involved.

The problem with your line of reasoning is that the technology used to make a speaker has a distinct effect on its reproduced sound. The technology used in making the drivers has an effect on sound. You can't simply isolate the technology from the speaker & make a worthy decision! IMHO, you'll have to get your hands dirty in this aspect (of understanding the impact of technology on sound) if you want to accomplish your goals.

11-05-09: Macallan7
......I want a larger soundstage......

Now, this requires much more than merely switching speakers!
It's like your telling me that you will go out & buy all Stereophile class A category equipment & you will have THE best 2-ch system compared to anybody else. Not true!
It requires skill to coax the best out of your electronics & speakers. Merely buying electronics & speakers & plunking it in your room does not get your wider soundstage, smoother midrange & more immersion into the music! Once again, you'll need to roll-up your sleeves & tweak your system within your home environment.

Who knows, the system you have right now might be able to provide you with what you are looking for? Have you tried to coax the best out of your system? That would have meant trying different amplifiers, diff CD players, different preamps, diff cables, looking into your AC power quality, isolation, etc.

11-05-09: Macallan7
Understood, but Zu does not sell to any local stores, I have heard the 802d but not the 803d. I have listened to Martin Logan, Klipsch, B&W and Von Schweikert.

that's quite good!
what are your impressions of the 802D sonics? when you reply, please state the components of the system that the 802Ds were connected to.

I would also like you read your impressions of the Martin Logan & Von Schweikert specifically in regards to why you thought that these speakers could not deliver what you are looking for. Thanks for the feedback.