Design philosophy

In searching for fundamental understanding in audio systems, Zu has realized the profound interplay of each element, device and discipline, and so approaches performance solutions as a whole. For a loudspeaker to recreate a sonic event with all the intimacy and glory possible requires the highest dynamic range potential and the lowest possible distortion—a basic statement, but one that presents an incredibly complex set of problems. To approach dynamics as the main design element is not overwhelming, likewise for amplitude response (frequency response) but a balancing of the two can overwhelm even experienced designers. And that is to say nothing of the complexity generated when time and three-dimensional space are factored. The loudspeaker’s complexity and the current design environment which is saturated with assumptions have resulted in a market full of unsatisfying products. These less than rewarding objects reflect the single-minded approach of a designer’s particular belief. Zu’s design philosophy is a comprehensive view of the dynamic system. This panoptic vision, with a focus on fundamental development and understanding, allows Zu to find and implement real and satisfying solutions. Correct cable design is rooted in electrodynamics and not special sauces, fancy secret boxes or conductors that have been hand assembled atom by atom. Approaching a design comprehensively results in Zu products that perform, offer sincere value, and are priced to reflect genuine economics and not arbitrary whims.

And if you haven’t had enough, here’s more loudspeaker spiel.... Loudspeaker development has fractured into two basic camps. The “dynamics or bust” camp and the “measure flat or don’t bother me” camp. To realize that these camps are married to the overall dynamic behavior of a loudspeaker system is essential for the progress of loudspeakers. Further, to know that dynamic range is a fundamental characteristic, one that cannot be improved through signal manipulation will result in a loudspeaker that better serves music. While signal manipulation can correct for loudspeaker dynamic behavior errors in both time and bandwidth, it is at the expense of overall dynamic range and in varying degrees resolution, stereophonic recreation and intimacy. Many other parameters must be considered but truly emotional playback can only be accomplished through very high efficiency loudspeakers—with a capacity for the broadest dynamic range, wideband linear dynamic behavior and capable of digging down to at least the second octave (32 – 64Hz). Engineering of a fundamentally correct transducer combined with an enclosure that will not hinder its performance provides many benefits.

Amplitude nonlinearity must also be resolved in the transducer as crossover and fi lter networks impinge signifi cantly on the intelligence of the signal. The loudspeaker system engineer must consider every element and design to resolve the smallest transient; preserve phase coherence and time integrity for convincing presentation of soundspaces; strive for natural frequency balance in typical living rooms; propagate bass impact with surface area and effi ciency rather than excursion; and package all these qualities beautifully in products that can be used and appreciated in normal homes.