Capitol Audio Fest

The Zu’s had no problem filling the room but there was no tonal balance at all that I heard and detail was absent. Probably the large circular shaped room had something to do with it. This was with a couple electronic and rap recordings that were going when I was there. I was not familiar with the recordings so can’t say how they should sound they just sounded like the system could not handle the room.

This was third time I’ve heard Zu at CAF. First time in a moderate size ballroom not smaller hotel room. Past two were much better just a tad off for me in terms of weight and dynamics. They seem more interested in emphasizing the speakers efficiency at these shows than what they might be capable of. First time i heard them the Zu guy pretty much admitted the 6 watt amp they were using in a smaller hotel room was not enough to get them to sing fully.


In comparison. 10 watt Linear tube audio amp had no problem with Tekton Double Impact in a smaller hotel room. Sound was fully developed and quite detailed. Very impressive!

I hit Classic audio room Saturday afternoon. They were playing a R2R of Tull Thick As a Brick I believe. The sound was very bright for some reason. Was hard to listen. Something was off I’m guessing in that I’ve heard their rooms at CAF several times including same room last year and this was first time I was not impressed.

Burwell speakers were gorgeous but I was more impressed by that than the sound.

Zu room also seemed to have a problem on Saturday afternoon. The large room was empty (also very cold) and sound was a disaster IMHO. Zu has never totally floated my boat in past years even in much smaller rooms. This one was larger and I think they were still running off similar flea powered but pricey amps. Sounded like a poorly done PA system this time around. Too bad because I like the Zu look but the sound has yet to grab me. The large circular shaped room was surely a factor.   I'd stay out of there unless I had a chance to prep well in advance!

I liked the sound of the Harbeths, something I could live with, and the looks, but not so much the price. Lots of competition there.

Yes I liked the sound in Channel D room with the Vandersteen 5s very much as well.

The premium  Tekton Double Impacts sounded very good running off 10 watt Linear Tube Audio amp. I spent a good amount of time listening there. Very weighty and dynamic wiith good detail and imaging. One of the more enjoyable listens of the day for me and a product that many might afford.

Was there on Saturday. German Physiks was best room of show for me. Lots of good sounding rooms. Got to at least briefly sample most. Came home with a good deal on a Chord Mojo portable DAC.   Also heard  ATC Harbeth and Tekton for the  first time.