Hi, and a couple quick questions.

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khragon

Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« on: 10 Aug 2014, 07:32 am »
Hello all,

Just join because I've been thinking of getting a pair of real speakers for my music video watching.
I'm thinking of getting a pair of Zu omen, and plan to pair it with the Yamaha RX-V675 receiver.

My question is can receiver like this Yamaha be configure into a 2.0 channel system, since I don't play to have any subwoofer.
Anyone experience with this receiver pair with Zu? any thoughts?

Thanks.

JLM

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Re: Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« Reply #1 on: 12 Aug 2014, 01:14 am »
Welcome!

According to your owner's manual (you can download it after a web search) it can go up to 7.2 channels.  Going without a subwoofer won't hurt it. 

The Zu Omen appears to be designed for small tube amplifiers as it has a high impedance and is very efficient.  With the Yamaha's 105 wpc they'd play very, very loud and the bass could be somewhat "constipated".  And I'd be worried about not having any usable range of the volume control (going from zero sound to too loud with just a touch of the control) as well as being too revealing of system noise (R/F interference, stay FM signals, power supply hum, etc.).

Is there a space/layout limitation thats keeping you from a subwoofer?  If not, I'd consider a satellite/sub setup.  Smaller speakers image better and you've got plenty of power for them.  8 ohm impedance with efficiency between 85 and 90 dB/w/m would be right in the wheelhouse of your Yamaha.  And the ideal location to produce bass is almost never the ideal location for the higher frequencies, so the sub can move around to get the best sound plus you could always add a 2nd one.  Because of that, I'd go for a single smaller/faster/sealed sub that would be better suited for music.

khragon

Re: Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« Reply #2 on: 13 Aug 2014, 08:58 am »
Thanks for the suggestion, I don't have the Yamaha or the Zu yet, I prefer tube sounds that what lead me to research into Zu speakers.  I can't find any surround sound tube receiver that's reasonably cheap, so I thought to get a cheap receiver as temporarily solution.  Recently I stumble across emotiva umc-200, and now thinking of getting one, and pairing it with the Miniwatt N3 (APPJ PA0901A).  What I'm certain is I like to go with high efficient speakers and tube amp (eventually).

JLM

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Re: Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« Reply #3 on: 13 Aug 2014, 09:44 am »
If you crave tube sound, my guess is that a temporary compromise with a cheap receiver could be hard to swallow.  Off the top of my head, I'm not aware of a multi-channel tube amp, pre-amp, or integrated amp and even if such a beast exist your choices would be extremely limited.  With streaming you hardly need FM (or a receiver).  With wireless home networks, the right amp, and speakers that really throw a big soundstage many have been satisfied with a stereo integrated amp to enjoy video anywhere in the home. 

Most subwoofers allow for high output to be routed through them to the main speakers, so a subwoofer output on the amp isn't required if your favorite mains lack deep bass (like nearly all high efficiency speakers).  DAC technology has been moving quickly, so it's a hard sell to invest serious money into one.  By the way Zu is known to have a "hot" house sound, research carefully and match to your preferences.

So I'd go with the amp you have in mind, add a cheaper DAC, and shop for mains/sub that satisfy you and match up to the amp (always a challenge with small tube amps).

With a fresh slate, I'd also consider using a tube pre-amp and DAC with active speakers.  Actives have huge technical advantages, but note that most produce a dry sound designed for studio use to be revealing (not emotionally satisfying).  The Event 20/20 is a largish well respected stand-mount studio monitor that are rated to 35 Hz ($900/pair).  Active speakers (in the $600 - 900/pair range) intended for home use include Adam F7, Focal CMS 50, and Paradigm A2.
« Last Edit: 13 Aug 2014, 08:21 pm by JLM »

MaxCast

Re: Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« Reply #4 on: 13 Aug 2014, 11:16 am »
Hi khragon,
Do you plan to go more than 2 channels?  If not, maybe a tube integrated and a streaming device would work well for you.

DMAN224

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Re: Hi, and a couple quick questions.
« Reply #5 on: 24 Aug 2014, 03:41 am »
 Dared DV-6c 5.1 Tube amp and I've also had the Zu Omens and the Souls mk2 in my home at the same time... The Omens have a strong in your face sound that's hard to get away from once you've heard it. The Souls were much of the same yet at a higher level.. One of the big things I noticed was the source quality makes all the difference... I hope that helps... Ps. The guys at Zu are great to deal with
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