Zuhootenanny!

Last Friday, Colleen and I headed out to Whetstone Audio to attend Brian Di Frank's second hootenanny, which honored Zu. Sean Casey of Zu was there to display many of his amazing high-efficiency speaker models such as the Soul Superfly, Essence and Definition Mk. 4. If you've ever visited a Zu room at a trade show, you know that Sean always brings the coolest music along, and this night was no exception. The Zuhootenanny had more of a rockin' feel--as well as a younger demographic in regards to the attendees--than our event last December, although I did spot a few of the same people as before.

My biggest goal for the evening was to hear the Zu version of the Technics SL-1200, which I've blogged about before, but alas, it was not meant to be due to some unforseen issue during shipment. The turntable in question sat off to the side, still in its box (which looked like any normal everyday SL1200 box). I still hope to check it out one day--if anyone can uncover the hidden potential of the best-selling turntable of all time, it's Zu Audio.

As usual, the Zu speakers were dynamic and punchy, even with relatively low-powered (but superb) amplification from Leben. I can't wait for Brian's next event--these hootenannies are really entertaining, and I always manage to find at least one worthwhile LP to buy every time I visit!

Zu Audio Technics SL1200 turntable?

Yes, it's true...Zu Audio is now offering a fully-modified reworking of the Technics SL1200 turntable. But before I put this in the "lipstick on a pig" file, I must point out that nearly everything Zu Audio makes is excellent. I own their take on the Denon DL-103 cartridge and think it redefines cart performance under $1000. So this gussied up version of the SL1200 may actually be worthwhile.

Look at the list of mods on this puppy:

*Stock tonearm assembly is removed and replaced with Zu / SL-1200 Armboard / Rega

*Deck core is machined and taped to accept new armboard.

*Top plinth is reworked and encased in composite damping.

*Encapsulated top plinth is primed, painted, hand cut and polished. (Option)

*1.5” (3.8cm) thick billet aluminum armboard installed (machined to accept all Rega arms).

*New armboard sandwiches top aluminum/composite plinth with composite core.

*Platter is damped with clear ester based epoxy of medium durometer.

*Customer can spec color preference, though it is the bottom side that has the art...

*Upon request, pitch control is removed from circuit and deck.

*Upon request, popup light assembly is removed from deck.

*Ringly-jingly bits and pieces are removed or secured in plinth.

*Platter / top-half of motor is balanced.

*Transformer is removed from deck (with KAB PS-1200GX outboard power supply option).

*Zu umbilical cabled.

The price of this TT, with a Rega RB1000 tonearm included, is $4500. It may sound spectacular, but for this kind of money I think I'd go for a Rega P9, which also uses the RB1000. But that's just me.

See? It really is lime green.

This pic is more to settle a bet than anything, but after reading my most recent Vinyl Anachronist column at Perfect Sound Forever (available at http://furious.com/perfect/vinyl75.html), someone emailed me and challenged me on the fact that I had a lime green Rega P3-24 at home.

Well, here it is. It has the TT-PSU electronic power supply upgrade, the GrooveTracer machined aluminum subplatter and sapphire bearing and the Zu Audio DL-103 cartridge, so it's not exactly a garden-variety P3 (although it would look great in a garden!).

So there, pal. Pay up.