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Compare: Salk Sound, Silverline, Tyler, Zu

Reading this forum, I have noticed that speakers from Salk Sound, Silverline, Tyler, and Zu have quite a following. Many audiophiles regard one of these as much better than better-known or advertised brands.

Surprisingly, then, I don't see many attempts to compare them among themselves.

So I would like to invite such an effort: Please compare Salk Sound, Silverline, Tyler, and Zu among themselves (and, for those who have the spirit, also with the British classics now exemplified by ATC, Harbeth, Proac).

I would be interested not only in your listening experience, but also "theoretical thoughts" about design, drivers used, etc.

[I do not want this thread to focus on my system, but if you wish to additionally comment about what may be suitable for me, here it is: Room size 15'x20'. Music: Classical, from solo voice to piano to large orchestral. Listening levels: daytime normal, nights low (city apartment). Clearance from rear wall: about 12-18 inches. Amp 60 w/ch ss. Don't want to to be glued to one sweet spot. WAF is liberal, most speakers with a wood veneer would be accetable.]
aktchi
undertow
1,033 posts
 
Aktchi, Again my above comments are from my simple experiance, but not absolute of course.. And by the way the cabinets are very good, finish is of car quality, now why only paint, well I think they are leaning toward a more industrial use for a listener, not necessarily decor concerns, and also are more in the young hot rod style, And beyond that you better call up wilson audio on this one first cause they have been selling only Paint finish at multiple thousands far above the cost of Zu's finishing for like 20 years plus I believe, so its not unheard of, Merlin and Meadowlark were and may still be like this as well.
miklorsmith
146 posts
 
My custom red cabinets are gorgeous. Sean told me it's tough to get customers' speakers into the photo studio, as once they're done the customers want them immediately!

He is aware of the issue but is also a very busy man. I will try to get some photos taken, but they are really pretty.
undertow
1,033 posts
 
Actually I said nothing about the Zu being superior to anything just for clarification, but they sound far less constrained vs. what I have heard and the real point of my post was simply it is impossible to really get a grasp or opinion unless you do a direct A-B in the same room thats all, and I find A-B with anything from cables to Tubes to amps the only way to really see what you like better. Thats all, cause I am not ganging up on crossovers at all, just saying there are some apparent differences in my comparisons, and there are excellent speakers out there with good crossovers too, especially Active systems.
aktchi OP
274 posts
 
Miklorsmith: LOL, I am thinking, these guys must be geniuses a la Mozart or Einstein, who were almost retarded outside their immediate expertise (in this case, driver design)! Could you please point to Sean that someone looking at the picture of a cabinet from far away doesn't care what's inside it. He don't need pictures of finished and functioning speakers. Can't they just paint one side panel and get that into studio?
ton1313
272 posts
 
Guys,

After numerous conversations about the paint vs. veneers with Adam at Zu, Here is the summary.

Zu has a design goal of offering the most bang for the buck at given price points. Som exotic veneers can add too much to the price and move the product out of the targeted price range. On a side note, if they are not as skilled with working with veneers, they would have to hire an expert to provide the quality finish that the product deserves.

Their paint is quite fine, and looks great.
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