ZU Audio DWX Speakers Bring STUNNING, CONCERT-LIKE Sound to Your HOME!
United States of Analog | May 28, 2024
🎙️ Early Video Analysis
What is this video about?
This video is a review of the ZU Audio DWX bookshelf speakers. Host Bob is evaluating these large speakers in his home listening environment after initially hearing them at the Southwest Audio Show. He’s covering their physical design, positioning options, finish choices, and beginning to discuss their technical specifications, particularly the full-range driver design.
Gear, products, or brands discussed?
- ZU Audio DWX speakers – Large “bookshelf” speakers with full-range driver design, available in 10 finishes plus custom options, direct-to-consumer sales
- ZU Audio DW6 (Dirty Weekend 6) – Larger floor-standing version that the DWX is based on, described as “critically acclaimed”
- Black Ice Audio Electronics – Amplification used to power the ZU speakers at the Southwest Audio Show
- Klipsch Fortes – Host’s reference speakers shown for size comparison
- Italian solid steel speaker stands – Heavy-duty stands used to support the large DWX speakers
Host’s main opinions or takes so far?
- [00:00:00-00:03] The DWX speakers are very revealing and will expose poor recordings and production quality
- [00:50-00:59] They sounded “phenomenal” at the Southwest Audio Show in a large space
- [01:17-01:30] Describes them as delivering a unique “speaker flavor” that’s “bold,” “dynamic,” with “qualities of live music presentation”
- [01:41-01:53] Despite being called “bookshelf” speakers, they’re enormous and will require heavy-duty stands
- [02:49-02:54] Calls them “one industrial looking beast” that “you ain’t going to be able to hide”
Notable comparisons between products?
- [01:46-01:49] Size comparison showing the DWX speakers alongside Klipsch Fortes to demonstrate their large dimensions
- [01:38-01:43] Comparison to the larger DW6 floor-standing model, with the DWX being the “bookshelf version”
Funny moments, strong opinions, or memorable quotes?
- [00:00-00:08] Opening dramatic warning: “Attention bad recordings and lazy producers. The Zoo Audio DWX speaker has got your number. They’re hunting you down. You can run, but you can’t hide.”
- [01:04-01:17] Ice cream analogy: “speakers are like ice cream. They come in all kinds of different flavors and really there’s no perfect speaker. Though there is a perfect ice cream that would be Amy’s Mexican vanilla, but you’ll have to come to Austin, Texas to confirm that.”
- [02:44-02:47] “For some, it could be daunting. Others will feel like they’re in a hi-fi candy store.”
Summary
The video opens with Bob’s dramatic declaration that the ZU Audio DWX speakers are merciless in revealing poor recordings, setting up his review of these substantial bookshelf speakers. After his standard channel introduction, he explains that he’s borrowed these speakers from ZU Audio in Utah for home evaluation, having been impressed by their performance at the Southwest Audio Show where they were powered by Black Ice Audio electronics in a large open space.
Bob immediately addresses the speakers’ most striking characteristic: their enormous size for supposedly “bookshelf” speakers. He shows them alongside his Klipsch Fortes for scale and emphasizes they’ll need heavy-duty stands, noting their industrial aesthetic in basic black finish. However, he points out that ZU offers extensive customization options with 10 standard finishes plus custom options available direct from their website, which he suggests might be necessary for “spousal approval” given their imposing presence.
The review begins diving into technical details, focusing on the speakers’ unique full-range driver (FRD) design. Bob explains that this single driver handles approximately 90% of the sound reproduction and operates without a crossover, covering virtually the entire audible frequency range. He describes the driver’s construction including its paper membrane, cloth suspension, and two-inch voice coil, while noting the speakers’ flexibility in positioning due to their centered driver design. His initial impressions emphasize the speakers’ bold, dynamic character and their ability to deliver what he calls “live music presentation” qualities.
⏱️ Mid-Video Analysis
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this portion?
- ZU Audio DWX speakers – Main product being reviewed (basic black satin edition at [00:03:48] and Supreme package upgrade at [00:03:53])
- Eminence titanium dome tweeter – Component in the DWX speakers [00:03:23]
- Black Ice Audio F22KT88 tube amplifier – Used to drive the speakers [00:04:31]
- Cambridge Evo 150 – Streamer/amplifier on loan for review [00:04:42]
- Cambridge CD transport – Matching transport for the Evo 150 [00:04:42]
- Gen 3 node – Source component [00:04:54]
- KEF LS50 Metas – Comparison speakers [00:04:47]
What are the host’s key findings, verdicts, or opinions?
- Positive assessment: Price is reasonable, made in USA [00:06:02]
- Sound quality praise: “Gorgeous male and female vocals. So organic sounding. So clear” [00:06:10-00:06:16]
- Soundstage quality: “Incredibly wide, and at times almost wrap around soundstage. Generous depth and height” [00:06:04-00:06:10]
- Dynamic capability: “Concert-like dynamics and volume are possible” [00:06:16-00:06:20]
- Philosophy: “Sound first. Function before form” [00:06:44-00:06:47]
- Recommendation: “I always recommend adding a sub” for enhanced bass [00:06:20-00:06:26]
Were there any listening tests or sound quality observations described?
- Bass response: Full range driver reaches down to 38 hertz [00:03:27]
- High frequency: Super tweeter kicks in around 12,000 hertz [00:03:17-00:03:20]
- Vocal reproduction: Described as “gorgeous” and “organic sounding” [00:06:10-00:06:16]
- Detail retrieval: “Extreme detail you get with the DWX is going to dazzle” but can reveal recording flaws [00:06:33-00:06:46]
- Bass impact: Claims they will “punch you in the solar plexus” [00:05:52-00:05:59]
Were there any price/value assessments?
- Base price: $1,398 for basic black satin edition [00:03:48]
- Upgrade cost: Supreme package adds $699 [00:03:53]
- Value comparison: “bass model is less than a tiny pair of KEF LS50 Metas” but offers more impact [00:04:47-00:05:59]
- Overall verdict: “Price is reasonable” [00:06:02]
Any comparisons to other gear mentioned?
- KEF LS50 Metas comparison: DWX costs less but “will punch you in the solar plexus” unlike the KEFs [00:04:47-00:05:59]
Any audiophile tips, advice, or how-to content?
- Placement advice: Front firing port “makes them kind of easy to place, though you’re going to want to do some experimentation” [00:06:26-00:06:33]
- Equipment requirements: “you’re going to require strong stands” due to size and weight [00:06:51-00:06:54]
- Subwoofer recommendation: Always recommends adding a sub for enhanced low end [00:06:20-00:06:26]
- Upgrade benefits: Supreme package includes “upgraded components like capacitors” and “more factory burn-in time, saving you time” [00:03:56-00:04:14]
Any memorable quotes or strong takes?
- Domestic negotiations: “They’re going to require some spousal approval, trust me. This may cost you a trip to the jewelry store, maybe the BMW dealership” [00:05:12-00:05:20]
- Relationship humor: “you’re going to feel like you got caught cheating” [00:05:20-00:05:24]
- Design philosophy: “Sound first. Function before form” [00:06:44-00:06:47]
- Bass impact: “I guarantee you those are not going to punch you in the solar plexus like the DWX” [00:05:52-00:05:59]
Summary
In this portion of the review, the host provides detailed technical specifications for the ZU Audio DWX speakers, including their Eminence titanium dome super tweeter that engages around 12kHz and bass response down to 38Hz. He outlines the pricing structure, with the base model at $1,398 and a Supreme upgrade package adding $699 for improved components, tighter tolerances, and extended factory burn-in time.
The host then shifts to his listening impressions, having tested the speakers with a Black Ice Audio F22KT88 tube amplifier and various sources including a Gen 3 Node and Cambridge equipment. He acknowledges the speakers’ large size and need for “spousal approval,” using humorous analogies about trips to jewelry stores or BMW dealerships, but emphasizes his “sound first, function before form” philosophy.
His sound quality assessment is overwhelmingly positive, praising the speakers’ wide soundstage, organic vocal reproduction, and concert-like dynamics. He notes they cost less than KEF LS50 Metas while delivering more impactful bass performance. However, he points out that their extreme detail can sometimes reveal flaws in recordings, and recommends adding a subwoofer. The large form factor and numerous customization options are cited as potential drawbacks for some users.
🏁 Final Thoughts & Verdict
What gear, products, or brands are discussed in this final portion?
- ZU Audio DWX speakers [07:09-11:11] – main product being reviewed
- Tidal streaming service [08:05] – used for high-res audio files
- JBL L-Series speakers [09:32] – compared to the DWX sound signature
- Blue Note Tone Poet Pressings [10:13] – vinyl records tested
- Klipsch Forte speakers ($5,000) [10:33] – compared for dynamics
- Focal Canta speakers ($8,000) [10:40] – compared for detail and beryllium tweeter
What is the host’s final verdict or conclusion?
[07:17-07:30] The DWX “will absolutely expose and shame poor recordings” but if you “carefully curate your collection” you’ll be “in hi-fi heaven”
[10:26-10:33] “On some level, the DWX were unlike anything I’ve ever heard in my home” except for the Klipsch Forte
[10:01-10:08] Praises the speakers for rock music: “rock and roll, in your face, live sound, you’re in the arena”
Were there any final recommendations — buy, skip, or consider?
[11:04-11:11] Strong consideration recommendation: “if anything I’ve said here resonates with you, you owe it to yourself to check out the Zoo DWX”
[11:17-11:22] Mentions ZU’s “generous 60-day return policy, so there’s really no risk”
Any final tips, caveats, or advice for viewers?
[07:20-07:32] Major caveat: If you have “crappy recordings” and “poor files, broken CDs” you’re “going to be in a little bit of trouble with the Zoos”
[11:12-11:16] Individual considerations: “everyone has different tastes, different rooms, different ears”
[08:30-09:02] Philosophy on speakers: Speakers shouldn’t have to “apologize for poorly recorded, poorly engineered, poorly pressed music” – cheaper speakers may cover up faults but lose “detail, nuances, air, space, subtleties”
How did the video wrap up?
[11:23-11:40] Standard channel outro asking viewers to “return right here soon to the United States of analog” followed by encouragement to click on YouTube’s suggested video
Any memorable closing quotes or strong final opinions?
[07:09] “The Zoo DWX is a whistleblower”
[08:30-08:39] “I believe that speakers don’t have to apologize for poorly recorded, poorly engineered, poorly pressed music”
[09:09-09:25] “Let’s take the opportunity right here to join together as audiophiles and put the responsibility of the quality of the recording back into the hands of the artist and the engineers”
[10:20-10:25] “It was like the musicians were in my room, and I know that sounds cliche, but I can’t help it. They were there.”
Summary
In this final portion, the host delivers his ultimate assessment of the ZU Audio DWX speakers with a crucial caveat: these speakers are unforgiving “whistleblowers” that will expose poor recordings mercilessly. He shares a telling anecdote about Paul McCartney’s “Junior’s Farm” sounding terrible on the DWX, initially making him consider returning them, until he realized the fault lay with the recording quality itself. This leads to his philosophical stance that premium speakers shouldn’t apologize for bad source material, unlike cheaper alternatives that mask flaws at the cost of losing important details and nuances.
The host enthusiastically describes how the DWX speakers excel with well-recorded material, comparing them to the beloved 80s JBL L-Series sound he’s been chasing since college. He tested everything from rock classics by Yes, The Clash, and John Mellencamp to audiophile-grade Blue Note jazz pressings, finding the speakers delivered both thrilling dynamics and intimate detail. While comparing them favorably to $5,000 Klipsch Forte speakers for dynamics and $8,000 Focal Canta speakers for detail, he notes the Focal’s beryllium tweeter offers slightly more high-end refinement.
His final recommendation is strong but measured: if his description resonates with potential buyers, they owe it to themselves to try the DWX speakers, especially given ZU’s generous 60-day return policy that eliminates risk. However, he emphasizes that individual preferences, rooms, and ears vary, making personal audition essential. The review concludes with his assertion that audiophiles should demand better from recording engineers rather than expecting speakers to cover up poor source material.
Analysis generated from archived transcripts. Channel: United States of Analog — hi-fi gear reviews, vinyl, and audiophile culture.
