Zu Definition Mk2 loudspeakers

[Κώστας Φ.]

Having enjoyed the Druid MkIV model for quite some time, Zu's co-conspirator Sean Casey and I agreed that it was time to move onto the final coup de grace: the Definition Pro, a product very much shrouded in mystery.

To make a long story short, the $9000 Pros were never really an official product for those of us interested in home audio fidelity. Instead, you had to twist the arms of Sean and his alter ego Adam Decaria to get a pair made. Why? Simple really. The Definition Mk1 and Mk1.5 are full range loudspeakers, with each having four actively powered 10" subs per channel. For most people, and under most circumstances, this was more then enough to handle your wildest dreams of full-range sound. They later added a volume knob on the Mk1 (subsequently all Mk1 were converted to Mk1.5 status) to provide bass output adjustment to meet your preference and room acoustics; however, the clever boys at Zu knew there was more to be had. A true full-range speaker (like the Definition) is a special kind of beast: bass frequencies are difficult to tame, let alone from a loudspeaker capable reaching, God's honest, 16Hz. We are not talking pseudo port activated "full-range"—no Sir: this is the real deal, the real McCoy. We are talking about a loudspeaker capable of pressurizing your room to levels you won't dare tell your wife, landlord, or neighbor. The caveat with that sort of 10 octave coverage is that you invariably end up with loudspeaker/room interaction problems. Sure, having an output level control for your subs is helpful and may even work very well under certain circumstances, but to truly nab the bull by the cohones would be to use an outboard EQ/crossover with separate amplifiers.

Fair enough you say, but let's face it: most 'philes aren't up to the knowledge required to set up such an elaborate system, not to mention its added cost and complexity. Hence, Zu covered their tracks by offering the Definition Pro version to a select group of peeps; call it the VIP club, call it expert audiophiles, call it engineers, call it what you wish. Fact of the matter is that having lived with these actively EQ'd and powered Definition Pros for almost a year; I simply can't see myself ever being without such a speaker system.

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The nuts and bolts, meat and potatoes: ladies and gents, the Definition Mk2

The Definition Mk2 looks nearly identical in size and shape to the Definition Mk1/1.5/Pro. Unless you have both next to one another, you won't be able to tell the difference. But that's where the similarities end. Everything is new. Everything has been redesigned from the ground up. The emperor really has new clothes.



The previous generation's MDF has been scrapped in favor of something more rigid. Far more rigid. The cabinet is now made of a ¾" thick superstructured tuckernut/poplar/maple plywood core with a polyester/composite gel coated shell. The bass drivers (all four per channel) have been significantly upgraded, and as a result of this new superstructure, are now literally anchored to the cabinet. The highpass filter on the supertweeter has been upgraded, as have the former polypropylene capacitors in favor of the best paper/oil (Mundorf silver/oil, ran battery style) versions available. The bass array setup has been totally revamped and now actually features a separate section (smaller for the upper two, larger for the bottom two) for each pair of the four 10" woofers in the back. Perhaps most importantly, the Definition Mk2 is also the previous generation's Mk1.5 and Pro rolled into one. You heard right: the Def 2s have a built in 120-watt class A/B amp to power the bass arrays, yet can be converted to fully active status at a moments notice—provided you have the spare coin to do them right. You wouldn't want your F430 Scuderia running off 87 octane now would you? About the only thing retained from the previous generation are the superb Cardas binding posts. Oh and yes, the Definitions are still made in Ogden Utah. That's America for those of you out in Rio-Linda.


All in all, this isn't your modders upgraded loudspeaker. No sir, this is a complete ground up redesign with a goal of retaining the original's design perimeters. Naturally, this sort of thang doesn't come for free—considering the wherewithal, the price point has been raised to an insignificantly higher figure of $11,000, which now includes your choice of three glossy hand rubbed automotive finish colors (this alone was a 2k up-charge on the previous model).

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Conclusion… wait… that would imply an ending: a new beginning, in a living room near you.

So far, so good, but guess what: the Definition Mk2s do have shortcomings—shock, gasp, awe! Well certainly, recall the following: a speaker, any speaker, is a set of predetermined compromises. There are speakers (my old reference, the Marten Dukes come to mind) that give you a truly clinical, what goes in must come, out performance. There are speakers that will sound more resolving in the sense that resolution is a multi-edged sword; not necessarily referring to resolution parse. While on paper that sounds like a great feature. In life it could be the opposite. Too much information sometimes isn't that good of a thang. Pixel-peeping anyone?

The Definition Mk2s are quite remarkable. They retain the essence that makes Zu great while adding on a layer of refinements not heard from the previous king. They are far more forgiving with regards to setup and placement; they marry the Pro model's benefits of extreme room integration with the Mk1.5's ease of use, high-fidelity, and all. They are the quintessential upgrade: you feel right at home, yet are immediately aware of their newfound guts and glory. It's like getting in the F430 Scuderia when you already own the F430. The story sticks: I verified and checked with an owner.

The versatility of the Definition Mk2s will further be expanded upon with the rumored Zu (designed and manufactured) integrated digital EQ and Hypex powered amplifier module. This module will essentially replace two more boxes from your set-up: the Rane PEQ55 parametric EQ and your choice of separate power amplifier. If tall tales of eight foot men are to be believed, this module will also contain an E.T. inspired calling home feature. Through the power of the internet, the Zu crew will be able to check your EQ settings and adjust them, if necessary, for better performance. That sounds like the proverbial icing on the cake. Think of it: fully integrated 10 octave wideband speakers with a footprint not larger then your typical monitor. No need to take out the extra mortgage on the house or touch the kid's college fortune cookie fund. The value and performance conscious 'phile has a new king to crown. Who's hosting the party?


Full Review: positive-feedback.com