The iMP provides 1 watt into 8 ohms and everyone who came into the room couldn't believe how loud and clear the sound was. Of course, the iMP and the Druids were made for each other -- 101 dB sensitivity for the Druids. The iMP runs off of the newest tubes in the world (6111) and is claimed to be the world's smallest tube amp. The work of pro audio guy Zach Vex, the iMP should be a huge hit with the low-priced hi-eff crowd.

Just from the tunes in the room, you can tell the guys at Zu are driven by an intense passion for music. Sean Casey DJed and almost spent more time talking about great underground music than his speakers. At one point, when a person asked to hear Nora so-and-so, he was like, "no way, you've got to listen to this" and he was right -- his track was much more interesting and enjoyable.

Not that he wouldn't play whatever anyone asked, but this passion for the music was so wonderful compared to the general hum about this or that piece of gear being too cool, too peaky, whatever. If you're not here for the music, what's the damn point? Needless to say, I've got a list of killer tunes to check out and look forward to CES to hear what else he's got.

Zu Cables
Opera Audio
ZVEX Amps