integrated for zu definition 3

Hi Scott,
I had a Art Audio Carissa with my Zu Omen Defs ( same tweeter, caps, wiring as the def III) and it was a great pairing. Another option I would consider with be the Melody AN 211. There is a review out now paired with Zu's and I bet you the combination would be fantastic. I always dreamed of the Viva 845 and maybe if you're patient you'll find one used.....
Good luck
Morgan

Btw, I know several Definition mk ii owners who own and love the Decware Torii including one person very close to the Zu "family" so to speak. It was my favorite amp paired with my Zu Omen Defs above many much more expensive and well known amps. It doesn't pair quite as well with my Tekton Pendragons, so I maybe selling soon, but you should check them out nonetheless as it is definitely within your budget.

Hi Phil,
Thanks for clarifying the difference on the bass output from the Omen Defs to the definitions. I always assumed that the bass signal was independent of the main amp output, so you make a most excellent point.
I will still stand by the decware as it has the set magic with an abundance of very transparent and well defined bass. It mated very well with the Omen Defs and again, I would recommend that the OP call Sean at Zu and see his take on it, and if you are near me in the Bay Area I will drive it over one day as I would love to hear this combo, as I came very close to pulling the trigger on the Def mk iii's before I decided the better idea was to buy a house so that I can turn up the speakers as loudly as I want, rather than waiting daily for the neighbors to storm my apartment with large clubs!
Regardless, please keep us posted on your impressions......

Hi 1Mark,
I owned the Essence but I never had the Decware or the Art Audio paired with it at that time. I did have an Art Audio PX-25 and and AA 845 and a Decware Torii with the Omen Defs. I preferred the PX-25 to the 845 for its Increased transparency, speed, and PrAt and I would love to have the PX-25 in my possession now..... However the Torii was my favorite amp With the Omen Defs as it had the immediacy and in the room presence of the best set (which for me was a Coincident 300b with BT tubes), coupled with amazing transparency, and very deep and fast bass. The Torii has a lot less coloration than most other tube amps, is very detailed, and maybe a bit too transparent for some systems. It does seem to pair very well with Zu ( I know of four other Zu owners that were very happy with it), but it doesn't pair as well with my current Tekton Pendragons as the midbass is a bit overwhelming for my room.......that is in comparison to the Art Audio Carissa 845 which produced a big bold romantic sound. It was fantastic for jazz, but seemed to be less agile with faster paced music.......

I do hope this helps.....one huge pro of the Torii is that you can easily customize the bass and treble for your speakers, and the large number of tubes make it alot of fun to customize to meet your needs........