Sounds a bit shrill-is it my Audion?

[Stratmangler]

I have to agree with what Shaun has just said.
Speakers are a reactive load, and the amount of current required to drive them can vary enormously. It's also entirely program dependent.
Taking an awkward load (as the Zus appear to be) and powering them with a single ended 300B amplifier is going to be, well let's just say it will be interesting.

You're only over in Chorley - give Toppsy a shout about listening to some Edingdale MkIIs.
They've been designed specifically with single ended 300 amps in mind.

[Macca]

Can't find any measurements for these speakers on line but according to this review https://hometheaterreview.com/zu-aud...kers-reviewed/

The OMEN DEF's frequency response is a reported 30-25,000Hz into a nominal six Ohm load with an efficiency of 98dB at one Watt at one meter, making it an ideal candidate for tube amplifiers, especially single ended triode amps like my Decware SE84C+.

Also

I ended my evaluation of the OMEN DEFs by connecting them to my single ended triode system. With a whole two Watts of power to play with, the OMEN DEF saved their best for last for the Decware/Zu Audio combination was amazing. Not only did the addition of tubes curb a bit of the OMEN DEF's slightly forward sound, it also added additional air and dimension to the mix, making for one hell of a performance when listening to an old favorite like "Say Goodbye" from Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds' album Live at Luther College (RCA)

Given that this is a crossoverless speaker using two full range drivers and his comments about the speakers sounding 'uncouth' with a 'bright sounding or lean amp' my guess is that the issue here is a speaker with some audible cone break up added to an amp with some audible odd-order harmonic distortion. With a speaker like that you really need an amp that is smooth as silk, not one that adds a bit of 'raunch' via some distortion.

[sq225917]

Truth is, it could be any number of things and the only way to find out is by changing one thing at a time. Zu's are widely regarded as being 'able' to lean towards a forward sound. One mans forward is another mans exciting so YMMV. I think Macca is likely on the money. Certainly my limited experience of them is that they aren't good for head banging.

[paulf-2007]

Are the speakers newish Steve, hard to tell from the above? Are they fully run in?

Zu run the speakers in at the factory and even replacement or upgraded drivers are run in. As for the person who suggested zu are shouty, sorry but that is bollocks.

[Infinitely Baffled]

Steve, I have got an Audio Note 300B SET amp sitting here doing nothing. You are welcome to have it on loan for a couple of months to substitute into your system to see if it improves things. OK, it's the same sort of amp as yours, generically speaking, whereas it might have been more logical to sub-in a completely different type. But you've got to start somewhere, and the fact that it is also a 300B jobbie could be a useful comparison. It is using Shuguang Black Treasures, by the way. If you can face the schlepp over to Welshpool to collect it, it could be a worthwhile first step to pinpointing your problem. PM me if interested.
IB

[sq225917]

Like I said one man's shouty is another man's exciting.

[jandl100]

This seems like a sticky problem and the first thing I’d try is another amp ... given the Zus’ sensitivity even a £50 chip amp might tell you something.

I'd be happy to loan the OP my Amptastic Mini-T - a small amp that punches way above its weight imo and should provide a decent quick comparison.

Steve - drop me a PM with your name and address if you want to give it a go.
-- it's only £2.90 each way with Royal Mail small parcel post.

[Andy831]

Hi Steve

If it helps I could bring a pair of Nick Gorhams 300b set monoblocks around to try on the Zu's

Andy

[paulf-2007]

Like I said one man's shouty is another man's exciting.

I don't know who these men are Simon, I certainly know shouty, some lowthers yes, some small fostex and those drivers that are popular in open baffles, can't remember the name. I also know exciting, but I don't see zu as either, maybe in an untreated room with reflections etc they may be. Going slightly off topic, dx45 6" lowthers have non of the shout of the bigger drivers and are just totally revealing, if a little bass light.

[Jazid]

It could be the speakers interaction with the room, my listening room makes everything a bit shouty and I have had to play with all sorts to ameliorate this effect which is a PITA. I'd wait till the other half is out and move the speakers and listening position around, also get some towels or blankets to break up reflection points as an earlier poster suggested. This will tell you how much the room can change the sound so you can judge this particular contribution to your problem, it could just be the 'smoking gun' and is free to do, if it works then proper room treatment is relatively affordable (if domestically acceptable). If the sound just remains shouty then I'm afraid you're going to have to think about trying a few different pairs of speakers IN YOUR ROOM.

Re. Valve amps the Audion might have something to do with your problem, but Zu speakers are designed with SETs in mind (unlike Tannoy DCs), and Paulf above enjoyed his Zu speakers with an even lower powered PX25 amp so I'd say unlikely to be a massive effect. Jerry's T-amp offer is sensible, a diffferent class of amp is needed to highlight any amp-speaker interactions should these be significant.

Re. Valves I am a bit OCD valve rolling and have rolled more 300b than I care to admit in SET, PSET, and PP amps. There are certainly differences but they are modest compared to speaker and room effects, they will flavour a well-functioning system, not cure a problem. If still keen you may be better off rolling the driver valves first as these often have a more pronounced effect, and are much cheaper and easier to sell on. If your valves are getting toward the end of their life then I'd expect a lifeless sound and weakening frequency extremes. That might sound shouty but lifeless doesn't seem like your system's problem?

Re. Servicing the amps, I'd get it done as a priority. I think I have read that (older) Audions run quite hot and towards the limit of component tolerances - maybe ne reason why they sound so good? A look over from someone like Graeme (Valvebloke on the Wam) or Mr Firebottle here could be prudent - there's a lot of expensive damage possible with a popped capacitor and your speakers (and house) deserve a bit of protection...boring but prudent. They will check over the valves at the same time so you know if there's a discernable problem there.