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

[MarkusBarkus]

he'll do the jig, maybe with a slight twerk

...video, please, Steve.

 

[John T]

Cool optical illusion/reflection!

 

[LL21]

I listened to the Zellaton Reference speakers this past week, just outside of Toronto at the Boutique Audio Gallery — website: boutique.audio

The Zellatons were powered by numerous amplifier brands. It was fortuitous to swap them out at will: JMF, Alieno, Engstrom and SPEC.

It also wasn't too shabby that I was able to compare (A/B) to the YG XX speakers that were also on hand.

Photos of the Zellatons from different angles. I had a real blast up North, so much so that I'll be heading back.
View attachment 149860View attachment 149861View attachment 149862

Wow...unusual opportunity indeed! Any listening notes on what you heard...how the speakers reacted to the different amps? And any comparison of the YG XX and the Zellatons?

 

[Steve williams]

Hi David

Were those Reference Ultra or Reference Klassik

 

[Steve williams]

...video, please, Steve.

Only my wife sees me twerk

 

[davidavdavid]

Hi David

Were those Reference Ultra or Reference Klassik

Hi Steve

Those Zellatons up in Canada were/are Reference Ultras, as I believe the Reference Klassik possess silver/metallic colored drivers, and the ones in my photos have dark drivers. The finish was/is custom, identical to the pair Zellaton debuted at Munich in 2024.

I trust this sufficiently answers your question.

 

[Steve williams]

Hi Steve

Those Zellatons up in Canada were/are Reference Ultras, as I believe the Reference Klassik possess silver/metallic colored drivers, and the ones in my photos have dark drivers. The finish was/is custom, identical to the pair Zellaton debuted at Munich in 2024.

I trust this sufficiently answers your question.

Porsche Aventurine Green with chrome rings. That was exactly how I ordered mine

 

[davidavdavid]

Porsche Aventurine Green with chrome rings. That was exactly how I ordered mine

Exotic combination, when appropriate, I'd like to see a picture. #norush

 

[Steve williams]

you are correct....

Here is the Reference Mk ll Klassik

Zellaton - Reference Mk II

here is the Reference Ultra

Zellaton - REFERENCE ULTRA

tweeter size is different as is sensitivity

From what I understand the crossovers are also different. Cabinet dimensions are identical as is weight

 

[Steve williams]

I think this Reference Ultra speaker is Porsche Aventurine Green with Chrome rings --identical to what I ordered

 

[John T]

Very impressive! Stunningly beautiful...I love your choice of color Steve...

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Attn: David
I've heard those Alieno amplifiers before, driving Wilson's, Alexia V's I think or Shasa Daws... think I've got the speakers mixed up. Anyway, driven by the Alieno amps, it wasn't that great. However, the Momentum preamp and VAC tube gear was far better, it had all the poise, authority, control and finesse. It was really tops.

Have also auditioned the Spec gear, another fine SOTA design done by the Japanese team at Spec, really marvellous gear.

Trust you had a blast! I can see sheepys grazing in the background... I reckon they were doing the twerk! Whiles those finest tunes were played on those Zellaton's! Go sheepy, go sheepy, twerk twerk... brilliant!

That deserves a mighty WOOF!
RJ

 

[Kvali1]

I find it very interesting when members describe specific cabinet type speakers to emulate Electrostats... very interesting. I'm thinking on the same lines in fact, during my limited audition with them last year (about 3hrs on private demo) driven by CJ's ART amplifiers. I can certainly relate to the Electrostats indeed, such that the Zellaton line seems to present the sound wave from one type of material. Or at least it seems to be the case.

Hence, when comparing to other high performance cabinet types, you can certainly hear the array of drivers using multiple types of materials, including the tweeters which vary drastically. Being an electrostat owner for as long as I first ever opened a glass bottle of Coke, I can distinctively hear that cabinet and multiple drivers associated with them, no matter how complex the design.

However, when you hear a Zellaton speaker for the first time, all those preconceived notions of cabinet resonances and box design is completely wiped out! There's hardly any coloration if at all, and like I said the presentation seems to emanate from one driver. It's bloody marvellous!
I'm not sure how Zellaton techies have accomplished this in a cabinet type system but whatever they've done and whatever they've used is simply outstanding! A true SOTA design I must say. I don't think I've ever heard a cabinet type speaker with an array of dynamic drivers sound quite the same.

In fact, having previously owned Wilson's for a short while, I can confidently admit that the Zellaton design is far superior, yet far more simple in driver technology, and this is what results in a far more natural reproduction of the source recording.

Obviously when it comes to panel type speakers, and Electrostats for that matter, there's nothing on earth that's man made in terms of cabinet/ dynamic driver design that can represent Electrostats, no chance! The physics is totally different and it would be quite silly to replicate this design up against a cabinet/box-less design... there's absolutely zero chance of that ever happening.
Nonetheless, like I said before, if I were to ever change from my current Stats to a cabinet type system, Zellaton would be that speaker.

Attn: Steve
BTW I checked with my good mate in Spore, yes he was using the ART27A with the Z-Ultra Reference, along with the Art88 preamp. I also remember the SACD player used was a T+A HV series player, now that was one fantastic stop the train moment for me. I'll never forget those limited 3hrs I had with that system, every second and every minute was worthwhile.

You don't get these sort of chances or opportunities at hifi shows...and so the vast number of people who've heard lofty systems in such shows (when not placed optimally) will always criticise the gear, especially the speakers. Then there are shows where they've done the best possible and placement seems to be optimal with top gear, great! BUT the biggest let down is the source. Useless mediocre digital streaming with minimal bandwidth and connectivity cutting out, absolutely useless.

Whenever I visit Spore, which is once a year every Feb or May, I always make it a point to experience something new. Something out of the ordinary and something of supreme quality. Zellaton was all of that, and had a very fine level of finesse that's unmatched by a far magin. It's not even funny. Nothing more to add really.

Cheers Stevo! And do enjoy those finest tunes.
WOOF! RJ

This is amazing. I’m newer in my love for electrostatic speakers but I 1000% agree with everything you’ve said here !!!

 

[Steve williams]

THE JOURNEY BEGINS​

What an incredible day today as Gideon arrived via Lexington Ky where he did the install on the Plural Evo speakers that were supposed to come to me after SWX Audio Show. Straight from John Wayne Airport to my listening room as Gideon worked his magic. Those crates are the best I have ever seen with any speaker or electronics. The crates are all hinged and came apart in minutes and downstairs in my garage in 30 minutes. Gideon positioned the speaker and with a tape measure and his expertise the speakers were set up in 30 minutes

 

[Steve williams]

More tomorrow when I listen some more and wrap my head around these speakers

I will say this that all of my anxieties as to the use of my Lamm ML3 Class A 32 wpc amps was immediately put to rest. Not only can they drive these speakers they can with ease and a ton of headroom to spare. Any one who says these Zellatons are lean, needs to have a listen again as these little speakers are simply exquisite and leave nothing to the marination. As well having used Wilson for the past 35 years and being used to a big sound my other anxiety was also put to rest as to the realism if the sound stage they preset. I heard things today on my demo tracks thatI have simply never heard before. For the money I would be hard pressed to find an equal to the Plural Evo. Now I am truly anxiously awaiting delivery of my Reference Ultra speakers next month. These PE should be auditioned by anyone looking for something very special. Today was really my entry into the world of Zellaton and everything it brings to the table

For those thinking I talk in hyperbole I suggest reading @MylesBAstor review of the speaker. IMO Myles is one of the best and honest reviewers in the industry. Myles liked the speaker so much he purchased it. There was nothing we played today be it simple or complex, dynamic or symphonic that these little speakers couldn't handle. More tomorrow after another day with Gideon

and one more thing the Schnerzinger EMI and Grid protectors were recalibrated and the sound was even better

Anf then the icing on the cake was installing the Schnerzinger Multi Guards and calibrating them . These little devices are truly remarkable

More tomorrow........

ZELLATON Plural Evo Loudspeakers - Positive Feedback

ZELLATON Plural Evo Loudspeakers: Coming Full Circle

positive-feedback.com

 

[Steve williams]

Today is going to be a busy one as both Gideon and I will be comparing sources as yesterday we had but a brief glimpse into Vinyl and tape, due to a cable issue that was my fault and until I figured out the problem the day had slipped away and Gideon was jet lagged

I did find time to spend a few hours over sushi for dinner and had a chance to learn more about the Zellaton philosophy

I will say this however that I was hearing detail and clarity with speed and dynamics from these PE speakers that I have never heard with my big Wilson. How Gideon was so masterful in setting them up sp quickly without any problem was sheer genius on his part

I also found that by resetting the Schnerzinger Grid and EMI Protectors and installing the Multi Guard set opens up the detail in the soundstage that both he and I immediately heard the difference

And finally my sitting position has been moved from prior near field settings to where I was inside the triangle to about 18" further back

 

[Big Dog RJ]

Ah! Nice one Stevo, good on ya mate.

Yes, I can certainly and very confidently say that your Lamm amplifiers will drive the Zellaton's with ease. Not only effortless dynamics but the level of control Class A tube power has on systems like these are SOTA at their highest level!

As I mentioned before, I had the opportunity of auditioning the Zellaton's (ultra Reference) driven by CJ's ART27A, which is 35w pure Class A, partnered with CJ's Art88 preamp. That was one stop the train moment for me. Nothing short of breathtaking.

Very happy for you matey, and more so because I've actually heard these speakers. Anyone would want to criticise especially at the given price range but that's mainly due to the fact that many haven't even heard a Zellaton speaker. I can think of various other top flight dynamic driver types that cost a bloody fortune. However, there'll never be another Zellaton.

The Lamm's will be just peachy.
Just enjoy those finest tunes.
WOOF! RJ

 

[Kbh57]

Gideon has had a busy week, but he is leaving great sounds in his wake. Good cultural tour for him- going from hillbillies to SoCal sophistication.

My early returns on the PEs are great. This is all very subjective- lots of great speakers out there- but the Zellaton sound does it for me. I knew that the first time I heard them in Dallas. As good as the PEs are, can’t imagine what great fun awaits you when the big ones show up.

Have a great day.

 

[vinyl_mike]

Today is going to be a busy one as both Gideon and I will be comparing sources as yesterday we had but a brief glimpse into Vinyl and tape, due to a cable issue that was my fault and until I figured out the problem the day had slipped away and Gideon was jet lagged

I did find time to spend a few hours over sushi for dinner and had a chance to learn more about the Zellaton philosophy

I will say this however that I was hearing detail and clarity with speed and dynamics from these PE speakers that I have never heard with my big Wilson. How Gideon was so masterful in setting them up sp quickly without any problem was sheer genius on his part

I also found that by resetting the Schnerzinger Grid and EMI Protectors and installing the Multi Guard set opens up the detail in the soundstage that both he and I immediately heard the difference

And finally my sitting position has been moved from prior near field settings to where I was inside the triangle to about 18" further back

It's amazing considering that we both have been on this audio journey for a long time, to find an incredible new “discovery.” Personally, I am spending my time rediscovering a lifelong collection of music, listening through the Zellatons as if I were hearing the music for the first time.

Having heard the Klassik References, I’m sure the Ultra References in your system with the Class A purity will be insanely good!
Welcome to the club…

Mike

 

[Steve williams]

This is a real experience playing stuff I know by heart yet it seems like the first time hearing it. Listening now to Midnight Sugar by Three Blind Mice and I’ve never heard piano as perfect as this. I’m totally amazed. All with Pkural Evo. This is a speaker that needs to be heard. Bass piano and drums like they’re in the room with me