Short answer: the GR-Research NX-Studio for a clean waterfall, the Zu Audio Method for high sensitivity. The NX-Studio’s burst decay plot is ultra clean, though its sealed enclosure means bass is tight rather than deep. The Method measures about 90-90.7dB average through the 300Hz-3kHz vocal range, but a severe 1.5-3kHz suckout, down as much as 19dB below the mean, removes attack and clarity from brass and woodwinds.
Buy the GR-Research NX-Studio. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $2,930 you would save on the Zu Audio Method does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| GR-Research NX-Studio | Zu Audio Method | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3630 per pair | $700 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers | #220 of 222 in Large Size Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 18”H x 8.5”W x 15.5”D (457.2 x 215.9 x 393.7 mm) | 15”H x 8.7”W x 11”D (381.0 x 222.0 x 280.0 mm) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms | 8 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 87dB | 91dB |
| Drivers | GR-Research M165NQ 6.5” paper cone, non-resonant polymer frame, copper shorting rings and aluminum phase plug sealed enclosure woofer, GR-Research Neo3 Planar Magnetic Ribbon open baffle tweeter | 8” coax HE (Eminence/Zu) woofer, Eminence ASD-1001 tweeter |
| Weight | 20.5 lbs (9.3 kg) each | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Woofer Cabinet | sealed | ported, front |
| DIY Kit | Yes | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 56Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 0.25 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 3.05 |
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