Note that this is a discontinued product. You may want to visit the brand's page here to browse their newer products.
What reviewers think
Bloggers and YouTubers have tried this product—so we've summarized their strongest opinions below. Links to full reviews follow.
Product Strengths
- Faster, more open, and resolved sound in the wider presence region with greater transient impact compared to previous models
- Better separation and higher retrieval of harmonics across its bandwidth
- Grippier articulation in the bass
- Intense tonefulness and a big-driver dynamic attitude
- High dynamics and smooth transitions across the spectrum
Product Considerations
- Heavier in the >4kHz range
- Requires 40Hz assist with a subwoofer to equal lower treble weight
- Aesthetically, the speaker retains Zu's boxy, straightforward approach, which might be polarizing for some
- An elevated stance with some space in between the carpet via the included spikes is recommended during setup
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to Druid V, the VI is faster, more open, and resolved with greater transient impact, while the V is mellower and softer
- Compared to ELAC UB-5, Druid offers a far more natural presentation, while the UB-5 treble appeared crunchy
Takeaway: The Druid VI has a brawny, dynamically exuberant personality that is well-suited for music built on the same values. It offers a satisfying listening experience with its tone density, dynamic output, and ability to refine upper bandwidth behavior.
All
Druid 6
reviews
Manufacturer details
- Height: 50 inches (130cm)
- Depth: 7 inches (18cm)
- Footprint: 12-3/4 inches square (32.5cm)
- Sensitivity: 101 dB-SPL, 1W @ 1m
- Power Handling: 200W
- Full-range Driver Size: 11-1/4 inch (29cm)
Drivers and cabinet are designed as a whole, the driver used as a part of the stressed system and not simply screwed to the baffle. Cabinet design and methods yield significant improvements in strength-to-weight and damping qualities—the wave mechanics of the structure including drivers.
Cabinet construction pallet shifts from MDF-type to an engineered birch/maple/carbon/aluminum composite construction using 100% solids, infusion epoxy for layup and very large filleted internal edge and corner work. These materials and and techniques combine for serious improvements in system fidelity: lower noise, better power transfer… and a longer life! The sound produced is vivid, emotionally connective and relaxed.
Brand highlights
Taking a step back to look at reviewers' thoughts of the brand's entire lineup—not just this product—what stands out most is the following:
- They employ a full-range driver design, often paired with a super-tweeter, to achieve a coherent and crossover-free sound across much of the frequency spectrum.
- Zu speakers are known for their high efficiency, making them compatible with a wide range of amplifiers, including low-powered tube amps.
Select products
DWX
- Positioning: Medium format monitor, versatile for various placements.
- Description: Offers a blend of versatility and realism with its front-firing port, making it suitable for confined spaces without performance loss. Compared to the Union 6 Supreme, it is more compact and affordable, ideal for those seeking a high-efficiency speaker for smaller rooms or as a studio monitor.
Union 6 Supreme
- Positioning: Medium format floor-standing speaker with vivid and transparent sound.
- Description: Known for its vivid and toneful sound, featuring the ZuGriewe and scatter plate internals for improved bass and midrange performance. It offers a more sophisticated sound than the DWX.
Soul 6
- Positioning: Mid-format floor-standing speaker with exceptional tonal performance.
- Description: Features natural and uncolored sound, with a design that minimizes the need for precise amp matching and room placement. It provides a deeper bass response than the Union 6 Supreme.
Druid 6
- Positioning: High-efficiency floor-standing speaker with a focus on power and grace.
- Description: Features a new full-range driver and cabinet design for improved resolution and bass extension. It offers a more intense and relaxed playback compared to the Soul 6.
Definition 6
- Positioning: Flagship floor-standing speaker with full-range performance.
- Description: Features reach-out-and-touch-it intimacy and clarity, with dual full-range drivers and a powered subwoofer section. It surpasses the Druid 6 in terms of low-end reach and overall power.
Our take on the brand
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Used
Zu
What if you spend more?
Standard finish is black dyed okoume with your choice of black or silver machined aluminum trim. Blemish-free matched natural okoume incurs a bit of a premium, as do the blue, blue-teal and red dyed okoume. Our gloss finishes represent show-level hotrod quality and require about two months of labor and curing—there is no way to speed this process up or make it less costly with out compromising quality.
Since it's been well over a decade since the first deliveries of Definition 4, let's cover what' familiar: The classic Definition form factor. The ongoing Definition proposition is to deliver the maximum musical performance possible in about 1 square foot of floor space, per speaker. Hence, Definition Six retain the just under 13" x 13" [33 cm] square footprint of prior Definitions, but it's a little taller—54" [137 cm] without feet, instead of the older speaker's 49" [125 cm] height. Definition Six still features the dual Zu full-range drivers separated by a supertweeter.
And that's pretty much where the similarities end. We've made many improvements to our full-range driver since Definition Four debuted. Version Six uses full-range drivers derived from the new Soul 6 driver and we've selected a new supertweeter that's more extended and consistent than the Radian 850 that found first use at Zu in Definition Four. The Eminence LAB-12 bass driver returns to duty in the powered subwoofer section, but now as a front-facing element instead of the downfire arrangement in Definition Four. The subwoofer amplifier is updated and is mounted to the cabinet via a suspension to further reduce noise.
Completely new are the cabinet construction and first application of the Griewe driver-to-room acoustic impedance adaptive scheme in a Definition loudspeaker. Cabinet construction will borrow from the engineering investment in Soul Six, using a stiff, relatively lightweight internal superstructure to manage energy dissipation and thwart cabinet talk with less bulk than in Definitions past. Definition Six is significantly lighter than Definition Four due to the all-okoume cabinet.
All prior Definitions have been sealed box speakers, with powered subwoofer sections. The subwoofer reappears, of course, but for the first time, a version of the Griewe scheme used in every other Zu floor-standing speaker will be applied to each of the two full-range drivers in Definition Six. We've engineered an innovative new way to implement Griewe so that the acoustic impedance adaptive interface is via the rear of the speaker, rather than floor-facing. And we've incorporated an internal "Griewe Gap" adjustment. Incorporating Griewe in Definition Six means that the Zu full-range drivers will have useful response down to 35 Hz, so the subwoofer can more precisely be assigned its true, specialty task.
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Our summary
Product Strengths
- Very dynamic presentation, with quick stop and start speeds that leave little off the table
- Natural and even-handed tones from the wide array of drivers
- Cohesive structure with plenty of low-end support
- High efficiency (101 dB), allowing them to be driven by tubes
Product Considerations
- Build times are around 8 weeks
Takeaway: The Zu Audio Definition 6 offers a very dynamic and realistic listening experience with natural tones. They are also high efficiency, making them a great option for use with tubes.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our summary
Product Strengths
- Most affordable way into the true 800 series form factor, with the solid aluminum turbine head and the fully curved matrix-braced cabinet
- Features a one-inch diamond dome tweeter, which is a standout strength
- Midrange and vocal region from the Bowers favor a leaner, more technically accurate sound, going for outright clarity, and vocals sound particularly clear and clean
- Bases have casters integrated or built into them, making them easy speakers to move around for optimal positioning, and integrated spikes can then be used to securely position them
- Show-stoppingly gorgeous and sound simply fantastic
Product Considerations
- A much fussier speaker in every regard and require more thought and work to get the sound balance right
- Possible to come across maybe a little bit too lively in the treble
- Amplifier power, quality, and capability is hugely influential—hugely important for these speakers
- Due to their revealing nature, they don't play particularly well with poorer recordings such as metal and older rock
- Tweeter can get fairly harsh when the volume is turned to the extreme, pushing 90+ db for louder music
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Bowers & Wilkins are a much fussier speaker in every regard than the Mission 770
- Paradigm Persona 5H is a little more "liquid" sounding
- Wilson Audio SabrinaX's finish is superior to that of the Bowers & Wilkins, dynamic, easy to drive, with a very familiar and very resolute sound
- Bowers & Wilkins 803 D4s are refined like an Aston Martin, and Tekton Ulfberhts are more like a Corvette C8
- Bowers & Wilkins 805D4 lacks the midrange prowess that the 803 has, and will most definitely need a subwoofer for even mild extension into bass
Takeaway: The 803 D4 speakers offer a fantastic listening experience with clear vocals and a grand soundstage, making music more engaging. They are an investment that can potentially improve over a long period of time through system upgrades and continued optimization.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The flagship of The Reference Series is the model that all other high-performance loudspeakers compare themselves against. Now with the extraordinarily capable 12th generation Uni-Q® driver array with MAT™, Reference 5 Meta exemplifies the passion for innovation that underpins KEF’s design philosophy.
Product Strengths
- Delivers a large, detailed—and scalable—sound that doesn't lose quality at different volumes
- Excels in creating a wide and deep soundstage, enhancing the listening experience with a sense of expansiveness
- Is emotionally engaging, creating a connection between the listener and the music
- The Uni-Q driver with Metamaterial Absorption Technology (MAT) significantly improves sound quality by absorbing unwanted frequencies, resulting in clearer and more accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Offers customisation for bass tuning with different port options to suit various room acoustics
Product Considerations
- Is a large and heavy speaker, requiring a substantial space and stable flooring
- Represents a significant investment
- While generally easy to drive, benefits from high-quality amplification to reveal its full potential
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs Audiovector R6 Arreté: R6 Arreté sounds extremely weightless and transparent, but doesn't have the same depth of bass as the Reference 5 Meta
- Vs Sonus Faber Serafino Tradition: The Serafino deliver the music nicely wrapped in a warm envelope that's very addictive, while the Reference 5 Meta focuses on detail and transparency
Takeaway:
The KEF Reference 5 Meta is a high-end loudspeaker that provides a detailed, emotionally engaging—and expansive—sound experience. With its advanced technology and customizable features, it is a great option for those looking to invest in a top-tier audio system.
Video review
Our take on the brand
The SCM50 ASL (active) and SCM50 SL (passive) are designed to perform at their best in the recording studio or at home with the finest quality hi-fi equipment. The monitors' ability to reproduce music and speech with phenomenal accuracy, transparency and dynamics lies mainly in the SM75-150S soft dome midrange driver. However, recent modifications that include the new ATC SH25-76S tweeter and enhanced port profile have brought about further improvements to all performance parameters.
Each drive unit in the active model has its own dedicated and individually matched MOS-FET amplifier, while the 234mm/9″ bass driver incorporates ATC's unique Super Linear Magnet technology. Our active crossover network consists of a wide band-width, electronically balanced input stage with high common mode rejection and very low distortion. Like the HF, mid and bass drivers, all electronics are designed and manufactured in-house to create a no-compromise active system.
In passive form, the SCM50 SL provides broad and symmetrical dispersion, excellent amplitude and phase characteristics throughout the frequency range. Speakers are supplied with stands and fabric wrapped grills.
Available Finishes
Standard Veneers – Cherry, Walnut, Oak & Black Ash.
Standard Paints – Satin Black, Satin White
Premium Veneers (up-charge applies) – Rosewood, European Crown Cut Walnut, Pippy Oak, Burr Magnolia, Burr Poplar.
High Gloss (up-charge applies) – Clear High Glossed Veneer, Piano Black, Piano White
Our summary
Product Strengths
- ATC designs and builds every drive unit in-house, including voice coils, crossovers, and active amplification, allowing for complete control over every loudspeaker design decision
- In the active version, a more clearly defined soundstage has clearer, more well-defined individual elements, where everything pops out more from the background
- The active version has more energy, drive, and a more vivid overall presentation, resulting in a more tactile, energetic, and higher resolution sound
- The SCM50's woofer has an enviable ability to resolve textures and timbral colors, capably rendering the skins of bass drums, the flutter of tom-toms, or the dark voicing of orchestral bass viols as bows are dragged across their strings
- The SCM50 has an almost eerie immediacy that seems to glean the intent of the musician before their bow touches the string or a note escapes their lips, making piano reproduction breathtaking
- Connectivity is limited to a single XLR input, which may require adapters for single-ended sources
Product Considerations
- The active version is heavier than the passive version
- The owner must manually turn each speaker on and off, as there is no trigger or auto startup circuit
- The active version may pose challenges for owners of subwoofers needing high-level wiring connections, although workarounds exist
- Careful attention must be paid to positioning a pair of SCM50s, as the full-bandwidth—ported design means that placing them too close to a boundary wall will result in bass bloom
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- SCM50 wins hands down over PureAudioProject Duet 15s for resolution, clarity, and dynamic shading
- The active version excels over the passive in solidity of soundstage, neutrality, and ultimate detail retrieval
Takeaway: The ATC SCM50 offers exceptional sound quality, whether in its active or passive configuration, thanks to ATC's engineering and in-house design. The ATC SCM50 is a choice that will bring musical joy for years to come.
Video review
Our take on the brand
What competes at this price?
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Exceptional imaging and soundstage.
- Detailed high-frequency reproduction.
- Tight and accurate bass.
- Elegant design and high-quality build.
- Good value for the price.
Product Considerations
- Midrange response may have a 'hole' or 'scoop'.
- Sweet spot is narrow.
- Amplifier matching benefits from good current delivery.
- Positioning requires careful attention.
- Speakers are only available in black or white.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs GoldenEar Technology T66—the X3's tweeter is in 'a whole other class of high-frequency reproduction'.
- Vs PureAudioProject Duet 15s—the X3 was faster, clearer, and had better transient response.
- Vs KEF Reference 3 Meta—the X3 seems like a faster, clearer, more transparent speaker.
- Vs Audiovector R3—the X3 has more pronounced and deeper bass.
- Vs Audiovector R6—the R6 offers more visceral dynamics and seems to go lower.
Takeaway: The Børresen X3 is a well-built and visually appealing loudspeaker known for its exceptional imaging, detailed highs, and refined sound. It is a compelling option for those seeking a high-performance speaker in its price range.
Video review
Our take on the brand
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Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Striking aesthetic design is repeatedly praised, seamlessly blending into living spaces
- Exceptional soundstage and imaging are consistently highlighted as standout features
- Balanced presentation across the frequency range offers a smooth integration of bass, midrange, and treble
- Well-controlled and detailed bass integrates well with the other drivers
- Clear and detailed midrange and treble contribute to a fast presentation of vocals and instruments
- Connectivity options are solid
Product Considerations
- The Aura's impedance can drop to a low 2 ohms at 58 Hz, making it a demanding load for amplifiers
- Bass output may not suit all tastes, particularly those who prefer bass-heavy music or have larger rooms
- System matching with warmer components may be necessary to achieve a preferred sound balance
- The placement of the binding posts and the tight space around them are a bit challenging when connecting speaker cables
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Compared to SVS Titans, the Aura is a clear step up in clarity and transparency, but the Titans deliver more bass output
- Compared to YG Acoustics Peaks Ascent, the AURA speaker has a very different frequency profile
Takeaway: The Estelon Aura speakers combine striking aesthetics with high-end sound, offering a balanced and engaging listening experience that works well in various rooms. They are a strong contender for audiophiles seeking a speaker that is both visually appealing and sonically refined.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Clarity and seamless presentation, along with excellent dynamics and punch
- Impressive bass power, agility, and grip
- The design makes it less obtrusive in a domestic setting than most alternatives
- AMT tweeter provides a crisp, revealing treble
- Damping feature allows for a degree of flexibility in matching the speaker with amplifiers
Product Considerations
- The design lacks the visual elegance of other high-end Audiovector speakers
- Stereo imaging could be more expansive
- The Freedom Grounding cable is expensive as an optional purchase
Takeaway: The Audiovector Trapeze Reimagined combines retro inspiration with modern technology, creating a speaker that puts entertainment first with clarity, dynamics and impressive bass. With its unique design and adaptable sound, it's a great pick for music lovers that want fun and high-end performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Excellent bass extension and higher dynamic range due to its larger size.
- The cabinet is designed to maximize bass performance using segmented inner chambers.
- A Beryllium tweeter is precisely positioned at the best height for listening, and the midrange is placed above the tweeter to time-align the drivers for coherency at the listening position.
- The midrange driver has Tuned Mass Damper technology, similar to what is employed in racecars and seismic building stabilization, allowing the driver to perform more consistently without losing performance.
Product Considerations
- A small apartment may not be the best destination for it, as it is a large speaker.
- Only a single pair of binding posts is included, so bi-amping or bi-wiring isn't an option.
- It may not be suited to very small rooms where the bottom end can be overpowering, and positioning is important to get the most out of the speaker.
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- Vs. Focal Sopra N°2: It betters it in terms of scale, presence, dynamics, and detail, resulting in a bolder presentation, greater subtlety, separation, texture, and brings more individual character to voices and instruments, a function of its far more sophisticated harmonic development.
- Vs. Wilson Audio's Sasha W/P: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a more enjoyable speaker to listen to and costs less; the Sopras are lush and wonderfully pleasant to listen to, as opposed to the Wilsons, which are more analytical and difficult to tune in properly.
- Vs. Focal Utopia Scala V2: The Sopra N°3 is a price and performance stepping-stone to the Utopia line.
- Vs. Bowers & Wilkins 800 D3 speakers: Bowers & Wilkins speakers can often be a bit laid back and polite, making the Sopra N°3 a different alternative.
Takeaway: The Focal Sopra N°3 is a high-performing speaker that is able to play any type of music with subtle sounds and unbridled force. It brings the listener closer to the music, so they can feel all the energy of a live performance.
Video review
Our take on the brand
Our Summary
Product Strengths
- Improved feet allow for easier positioning by 'walking' the speaker into place
- New MPD III tweeter provides more detail while remaining smooth
- Demonstrates effortless presentation of scale and space, especially with demanding material
- Faithful communicator of musical color and character, capable of parsing subtleties of instrumental and vocal color
- Delivers soul-satisfying punch from electric bass and kick drum, transient crispness from keyboards and guitars, and a full-bodied reediness from alto sax
Product Considerations
- These speakers are power-hungry
- The Platinum 300 3G is a large loudspeaker, so it will dominate all but the most spacious listening rooms and is a two-person lift, minimum
- Decent money needs to be spent on partnering electronics
- A fair bit of space is needed to do their thing
- The level of control Monitor Audio asserts becomes inappropriate when the music is compressed
Comparisons (according to reviewers)
- The Generation 3 has improved in just about every way when compared to the Monitor Audio Platinum 300 2nd Generation
- Many engineering innovations found in Hyphn have "trickled down" to the current Platinum Series models, especially the transducers, when compared to the Monitor Audio Hyphn
Takeaway: The Platinum 300 3G offers a refined and smooth sound with great dynamics, making it an absolute value for its price range. It's a thoughtfully designed and beautifully built product that is imperturbable with dynamic material and a faithful communicator.
Video review
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