[stingfan]

One of the things I love best about the Nuforce amps is terrific bass reproduction, tight, clear, and perfectly weighted.  It really pushes my Zu Druid's to their full range (and beyond actually) in frequency response.  Now, I have a multi-part question for everyone here. 

I am seriously considering upgrading my Zu Druids to the new Zu Presence that are coming out soon.  They are as groundbreaking as Zu themselves.  Check here for some quick info on them, and particularly options for dealing with their plate amps.

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/zu12/presence.html

My first question is, when powering these speakers, and/or their Definitions, they both come with plate amps to power the sub/low end frequency.

There is also a convenient means to bypass the plate amp and use your own amps, etc.  I therefore wondering if it is possible, and/or sensible to use a 9SE V2 amp to power the low end of these speakers, given the great performance of V2 bass extension. What might the config look like using Nuforce to bypass the plate amp?

I am not too familiar with plate amp technology.  Clearly designed for subs, are they really better than traditional full extension amps?  Are they better than Nuforce for this purpose?   

If the answer to any of the above is yes, would Nuforce ever consider offering such a purpose built amp for the low-end?  If the answer to the above is no, how would we incorporate a Nuforce V2  amp or amps into this setup to take over for the plate amp?

With the Zu Presence you can set the low-pass filter down to 40Hz, so that conceivable in 'stock' config, the Zu's would get Nuforce amplification down to 40Hz, then handing off the lowest octave to the plate amp.  Would that sound 'integrated?'  I know its fairly commonplace, but seems odd to me in theory, to mix amplifier technologies in a single system. 

Many thanks from am early 9SE V2 customer, enjoying the 'break-in' beyond measure.

[macrojack]

In your position, I would buy the Presence speakers, try out the stock amplifier at first and then apply the NuForce amps as an alternative and see which you like better. Zu doesn't fool around, as you know, so I would bet the inboard sub amps are pretty good.
You will need a crossover of some sort to keep your NuForce amps from intruding on the midrange of the Presence. Also, if you look at the 6moons report, you will see a shot of the binding post panel. I'm not sure how it works but there appears to be a bypass option for outboard amplification.

Details are scant at this point but Zu has something very special up their sleeves for the sub zone. Stay tuned to this space or call them. The latter is more reliable.

[Karsten]

Stingfan,

One thing to remember is that with the Ref9SE V2 you don't really "need" high efficiency speakers, in that price range you might find speakers you would like even more....

Karsten

[stingfan]

Good points macrojack, when can I order Presence?    I'm just curious if anyone has yet done similar A/B comparisons with plate amp configs like this with Nuforce, and their impressions/results.

Karsten, also good points there.  Nuforce can undoubtedly make any speaker sing.  That said, given my extreeeeme satisfaction with the Zu Druids / Nuforce combo, I'm going along for the ride up the upgrade path!

[rustydoglim]

Check with Zu regarding the plate amp (it is just an amp module) spec such as DC power supply voltage and dimension. We might be able to replace it with V2 module.

[Jim Swantko]

Stingfan,

One thing to remember is that with the Ref9SE V2 you don't really "need" high efficiency speakers, in that price range you might find speakers you would like even more....

Karsten

I can vouch for that.  I am using V2 SE's with my Aerial 10T's which may be the most in-efficient speaker ever conceived!  But I love them and they are fabulous.  I am still completely in awe over what these little amps do.

[stingfan]

Oh I definitely agree with you all on this point.  No question Nuforce amps can drive virtually any speaker beautifully.  But my point for this thread was to learn of anyone else's experience using Nuforce amps specifically to drive a sub, or used in place of a plate amp for powering only the low-end.