The End Of A 35 Year Journey ---Zellaton -The Reference Ultra Final Frontier

[Steve Williams]

One important thing I forgot t mention yesterday was listening first without the proprietary Zellaton footers and then with them. Initially Gideon had suggested that we might not need the Zellaton footers as my speakers were sitting on carpet and the footers might be too damping. We listened for a few hours and I was quite pleased with what I was hearing and frankly forgot about the Zellaton footers when Gideon got up and said "time to listen with the footers now"

Well what I thought was pleasing without the footers became nothing short of a revelation with the footers. There was no overdamping whatsoever but rather a tighter and far better defined sound. These footers are very interesting in seeing their composition and how they are constructed but the magic appeared once they were placed under each of the bearings under the speakers. For those using Zellaton speakers without these feet I suggest giving them a try. WE never used them when I had the Plural EVO speakers here on loan but I suspect the sonic change would have been identical. These footers IMO are a must use

 

[abase21]

Hello Steve,
Congratulations on your new acquisition! Zellaton speakers are certainly out of my price range, but I have read every word in this thread and have been following your journey closely. It's remarkable that you're giving interested parties the opportunity to experience the speakers and the rest of your system in person.

 

[XV-1]

Congrats Steve.

One thing I noticed, they are a lot smaller in height than I was expecting and in general compared to most top of line speaker offerings.

Enjoy the ride

 

[Kbh57]

Congrats Steve. Beautiful speakers and a great set up. Years of enjoyment ahead.

 

[dbeau]

Congrats Steve.

One thing I noticed, they are a lot smaller in height than I was expecting and in general compared to most top of line speaker offerings.

Enjoy the ride

Likwise, but wife would like that

 

[Steve Williams]

Congrats Steve.

One thing I noticed, they are a lot smaller in height than I was expecting and in general compared to most top of line speaker offerings.

Enjoy the ride

Likwise, but wife would like that

They are 2"taller than the Plural Evo and much deeper.They weigh well over 100 lbs more than the Plural Evo. Dont let the size deceive as the sound stage they throw is beyond belief. read Ray's comments from his listening yesterday

 

[Audioarts]

I would like to focus for a moment on a key attribute of uncompromising ZELLATON design philosophy, namely its use of Duelund Coherent crossover parts exclusively. Ray and I touched upon this yesterday as it has an enormous influence on the unique electrostatic transparency, coherence and dynamism Ray heard yesterday.

Among the standout features of these Duelund components is the WPIO dielectricum (Waxed Paper in Oil). The raw metal / paper winding is vacuum impregnated with a mixture of wax and oil, ensuring that every fiber of the paper is saturated and sealed under vacuum conditions. This process eliminates all air and moisture, which can lead to unwanted dielectric properties, resulting in a purer, more natural signal transmission.

Another hallmark of these components is the use of pure metal foil in place of metalized plastic. The metal foil and paper is wound on vintage Siemens winding machinery, a detail that underscores the artisan-level precision behind each part. This machinery allows for an exceptionally tight and uniform winding geometry, further reducing microphonic noise and improving tolerances.

Unlike mass-produced components that are supplied with typical manufacturing tolerances (e.g., ±5% or ±10%), these Duelund for Zellaton parts are measured and matched to exact specifications down to multiple decimal places. This ensures each component behaves identically in the signal path, preserving tolerances and frequency accuracy throughout the loudspeaker’s crossover network.

In essence, Zellaton’s use of these bespoke Duelund components exemplifies their pursuit of sonic perfection, where every detail, from dielectric material to winding technique and measurement accuracy, is meticulously chosen to manifest Zellaton potential, especially in the new Ultra lineup.

 

[Steve Williams]

They are 2"taller than the Plural Evo and much deeper.They weigh well over 100 lbs more than the Plural Evo. Dont let the size deceive as the sound stage they throw is beyond belief. read Ray's comments from his listening yesterday

The crates with speakers each weighed over 400 pounds and took 4 muscle men to get them up my stairs

 

[Kingsrule]

Nice to have the months of waiting over!

Could the listeners please comment on the image height please?
IMO the hardest aspect of the sound field to get even close to correct and the most important to me....

 

[Steve Williams]

Nice to have the months of waiting over!

Could the listeners please comment on the image height please?
IMO the hardest aspect of the sound field to get even close to correct and the most important to me....

Thats a fair question as that was always my biggest anxiety going from the tall Wilson to a speaker of this size. I can tell you without hesitation that the soundstage is. as big as the Wilson. Also yesterday Ray commented that the soundstage for him was heard all the way down the side walls to his sitting position. The immersion and size is as believable as(if not better) than any speaker I have ever owned

 

[Audioarts]

I think the all encompassing and lifelike imaging is mostly due to ZELLATON wideband technology which allows a dispersion that even much taller speakers cannot match. Add to that the quasi open baffle in rear which supports atmospheric and breathable elements, creating organic and lifelike imaging.

 

[Big Dog RJ]

I would like to focus for a moment on a key attribute of uncompromising ZELLATON design philosophy, namely its use of Duelund Coherent crossover parts exclusively. Ray and I touched upon this yesterday as it has an enormous influence on the unique electrostatic transparency, coherence and dynamism Ray heard yesterday.

Among the standout features of these Duelund components is the WPIO dielectricum (Waxed Paper in Oil). The raw metal / paper winding is vacuum impregnated with a mixture of wax and oil, ensuring that every fiber of the paper is saturated and sealed under vacuum conditions. This process eliminates all air and moisture, which can lead to unwanted dielectric properties, resulting in a purer, more natural signal transmission.

Another hallmark of these components is the use of pure metal foil in place of metalized plastic. The metal foil and paper is wound on vintage Siemens winding machinery, a detail that underscores the artisan-level precision behind each part. This machinery allows for an exceptionally tight and uniform winding geometry, further reducing microphonic noise and improving tolerances.

Unlike mass-produced components that are supplied with typical manufacturing tolerances (e.g., ±5% or ±10%), these Duelund for Zellaton parts are measured and matched to exact specifications down to multiple decimal places. This ensures each component behaves identically in the signal path, preserving tolerances and frequency accuracy throughout the loudspeaker’s crossover network.

In essence, Zellaton’s use of these bespoke Duelund components exemplifies their pursuit of sonic perfection, where every detail, from dielectric material to winding technique and measurement accuracy, is meticulously chosen to manifest Zellaton potential, especially in the new Ultra lineup.

Can certainly relate to Duelands... I've got a few of them in my modded CJ amplifiers. Apart from the already top tier performance they're capable of, it went from that to extraordinary levels. Duelands are a bit tricky to install though, due to their flat & large round shape, not your regular caps. Therefore, if certain gear have deep chassis then adding Duelands makes it far more viable. Otherwise you'll simply run out of space! Installing these in speaker systems would be much easier. If I recall correctly, Graz up in QLD, offers either Duelands or Mundorf caps as a choice when refurbing Apogee's. Each type has its merits along with the pretty penny... but oh my! are the levels of performance truly elevated! Mods are great when executed properly, especially done by a specialist like Graz.

The cabinet size of the Z-Reference Ultra's is not a hindrance at all! In fact, it clearly goes to show how well designed this system is and the expertise and skill put into this project by the Z-Team. Hats off to them! I've mentioned this before in another post, I've auditioned some top tier systems but only a handful have given me that "stop the train" moment. Those very few have been:
Infinity's IRSV, Infinity Beta (which I've owned), Gryphon Pendragon's, Genesis Primes/Dragons, Martin Logan Statements Evo-II's, and Diptyque DP160mkII. Now, I can very easily realize that these Zellaton's would most definitely be part of this special group. The ironic thing is, I haven't yet heard the Z-Statements, so probably that'll be included, I would believe so. Not easy to find a Z-Statement owner as yet in the regions that I visit but I'm sure there will be one round the corner by Aug or Sept on my next trip. And of course those Genesis Tributes, a must listen to before departing planet Earth. Considering the above limited edition speakers, most of them are not box/cabinet types, rather planar types aided by dynamic bass towers. Simple goes to show, those cabinet resonances are critical! They'll either make or break a speaker system, regardless of price. In Zellaton's case, there are no apparent resonances whatsoever! Thank goodness for that.

Enjoy those finest tooons! And keep those tooobs glow'n
Woof! RJ

 

[ray-dude]

I'm not the best person to comment, since I'm one of the strange people with single driver wideband speakers (true point source). I'm spoiled for height and depth imaging, and even get imaging that is behind me on some recordings (particularly binaural recordings). I've also learned that I'm particularly phase sensitive compared to many other audiophiles, and hear things differently than some. There is also the important caveat that I heard the speakers less than 24 hours after they were first installed.

I should also clarify that me describing imaging location is independent of speaker position/height - hearing laterally beyond the speaker position and hearing height above the top of the speaker for example, or depth behind the speakers or in front of the speakers.

That being said, the Zells did definitely have a very welcome widebander type imaging attribute to them. To Steve's comment, I was getting excellent lateral imaging well past 180 degrees (very rare for me to experience that with a multi-driver speaker). Depth was robust and I was getting a good sense of height, which was mainly manifesting in a sense of the physical space the recording was done in (this sense of recording space is absolute crack for my brain...loved hearing it yesterday).

To the direct question, height resolution is not as pronounced as what I hear with my Voxativ 9.87's, but delightful, especially with all the considerable strengths the Zells bring that my Voxativ's can't come close to. I found the height resolution extremely good vs other multi-driver speakers I've heard

 

[Billygxx]

Nice to hear such positive commentary as I am about to transfer funds for a set of my own Ultra Reference speakers. Steve, this blog(and Gideon) played a heavy role in convincing me to spend the considerable cost for my office system. Unlike Steve I WILL be waiting for my gold rings.

 

[Steve Williams]

I wanted chrome actually. I do like white however Billy. Congratulations. The speaker is more than I ever expected. You’ll love it. I also love the Zellaton white.Its more about the sound than the looks but the wait will be worth it.

 

[Steve Williams]

Nice to hear such positive commentary as I am about to transfer funds for a set of my own Ultra Reference speakers. Steve, this blog(and Gideon) played a heavy role in convincing me to spend the considerable cost for my office system. Unlike Steve I WILL be waiting for my gold rings.

BTW Billy I hope your office is in your home because if not imo you’ll be missing those speakers when you’re home at nights. I’d take your Plural Evo to your office and enjoy the Reference at home. It’s truly a remarkable speaker.

 

[Audioarts]

Nice to hear such positive commentary as I am about to transfer funds for a set of my own Ultra Reference speakers. Steve, this blog(and Gideon) played a heavy role in convincing me to spend the considerable cost for my office system. Unlike Steve I WILL be waiting for my gold rings.

Billy, we wish you could have joined us this past weekend. I would have asked you to bring your Beck LP, the last record you and I played after setting up your Plural’s…, all this mishigas audio really makes sense once the needle hits “Morning”

 

[Billygxx]

Billy, we wish you could have joined us this past weekend. I would have asked you to bring your Beck LP, the last record you and I played after setting up your Plural’s…, all this mishigas audio really makes sense once the needle hits “Morning”

The Beck LP and hearing “mishigas audio” takes me back to my childhood and my mom’s idea of my crazy audio. But yes, when the needle hits the groove, the magic begins. The Zellatons are for an office away from home but I do spend a lot of time there. With the Zellatons I have decided to bring my Olympus there as well. Multiple arms and cartridges en route-should be a killer system! I mean, why redo the kitchen when you can get new speakers!
At home construction begins soon for a room that is actually specified for the speakers.

 

[Steve Williams]

The Beck LP and hearing “mishigas audio” takes me back to my childhood and my mom’s idea of my crazy audio. But yes, when the needle hits the groove, the magic begins. The Zellatons are for an office away from home but I do spend a lot of time there. With the Zellatons I have decided to bring my Olympus there as well. Multiple arms and cartridges en route-should be a killer system! I mean, why redo the kitchen when you can get new speakers!
At home construction begins soon for a room that is actually specified for the speakers.

Well maybe keep the Reference at the office and put Statements in the new room

 

[Kbh57]

Kingsrule, I can relate my experience, for what its worth. I have the Plural Evos, not the big boys, and have a fairly large, far from perfect room. Its in a basement, roughly 24x32 with two big openings leading to larger areas-not necessarily ideal, but you work with what you have. The PEs image beautifully in my room and cast a soundstage that is wide, deep, and believable. The soundstage extends beyond the speakers and is not at all constrained in height or depth. The sound is open, energetic, and natural. The dynamics and energy are nothing short of amazing. I've now got a few hundred hours with the PEs (Burmester 218 amplification) and its never once occurred to me that there was any issue with fully energizing the room. The power handling capability and utter control of these guys makes it all seem effortless. To my ears, the PEs play "big" and command my room.

I've recounted this before, but I first heard the PEs at SWAF in Dallas. I was looking at a new amp-I had already bought the last speakers I ever intended to own-and visited Gideon's room. It was not a standard hotel room, more like a meeting room, quite large and completely untreated. Bigger than my room. I found the PEs captivating, particularly because they totally energized that big space without missing a beat. When the crowd asked Gideon to crank it, not a hint of struggle. I spent several hours in that room over four days and after that experience I knew these guys would handle my space with ease-and they do. Maybe its the wideband drivers-I don't know- but they handle the high current and deliver the goods, but are equally adept with lower power.

We all hear differently, but to my ears the ability of the Zells to energize a room with grip and dynamics, while sacrificing none any of the natural tone and delicacy of the music is unsurpassed.