Thanks, that model also looks intriguing, and quite a bit cheaper than the XC. The FR looks good, but I am really looking for a closed back if possible given the WTF situation. Cheers!
1 Like
@SleepyRhythms BIG thank you for the write-up and ideas. Would love to find a pair of Auteurs, but from your description the Aeolus is intriguing. Just reading the ZMF website, looks like the Auteurs are discontinued and the Atrium is coming to market. ZMF also mentioned a new Auteurs classic will reappear but upgraded with a tweaked the driver learned from the Atrium - if I understood correctly.
Holding a concern the Aeolus being too warm or overly warm sounding.
What I found interesting listening to a couple of trusted reviewers like Andrew on headphones.com, they are free of the usual “great headphone, but…” comments.
Your pointing me to ZMF is appreciated as I’m deciding on which model. The launch price of the Atrium at $2300 isn’t out of the question, just having a thought if I want to spend that much cash.
My amp and DAC will drive anything with quality. Holo Spring 3 KTE and Quicksilver HPA.
My other amp/DAC is a PS Audio Gain Cell DAC w/headphone amp. I also built a Pass WHAMMY with the BurrBrown 2134PA chip that 2 friends are fighting over borrowing.
3 Likes
I don’t find the bass on the Aeolus overwhelming at all. It’s definitely impactful, but not in a way coming off as thick and bombastic. Auteurs are great if you want a more relaxing headphone emphasizing neutrality. Well ZMF neutral anyway ha
1 Like
Does anyone know of any decent headphone stores in Miami?
Ok so I am loving the non-speedball OTL Crack amp (with BS650, HD800S and ZMF Atticus). I am thinking of where to go from here. I know some may say ‘if you love it stop’. But I feel there is yet more out there to explore… and since this is my first taste of a warm, spacious holographic sound I want to sample more. This is my thought process.
Cayin HA 300 → Seems to be plagued with issues although proponents of it seem to really like it (@jambaj0e liked it even more than DNA stellaris for its warm euphonic sound).
A+S Kenzie / mogwai → Again seems to have lot of noise issues from my reading and ive read some impressions that mids are actually fairly flat / recessed? But this seems to be a common rec for a euphonic tube sound.
Crackatoa → Seems like a logical next step, still OTL, speedball integrated so maybe not as euphonic? Also will the step up in sonics be worth it over crack otl?
DNA Stratus / stellaris → Seems to be universally praised as a warm but detailed amp… my concern is that it may not be warm enough for me (at least 3 people ive talked to called stellaris neutral and ha300 and wa33 elite warmer and more euphonic).
Custom? Aric audio, radu tarta etc → Fairly pricey and risky (poor resell most likely) if it doesn’t turn out well.
I know at some point I have to just get things and try them (for context again the amps I’ve heard, audio gd he9, elekit tu8600 with mullard and WE clone tubes, ARC ref5se + pass x350.8 and before all that HDV820 and burson conductor SL so I have some level of minimal experience). But it would be nice if there was a clear path just based on recommendations for a warm euphonic but good quality amp. Seems its going to be very hard to find."
5 Likes
I heard the Kenzie at Canjam with my Cocobolo Aeolus and was floored. Totally fine for noise unless something is going on with your wall outlet.
I’ve wanted to see someone review the Crackatoa - someone that I know from here, including putting it together. So I suggest you embark on that venture immediately, and if it’s good but not for you, I’ll look for a good price in the Buy & Sell section. . .
4 Likes
Ya I probably will. @pennstac I assume thats a natural upgrade.
@SleepyRhythms Id love to do a shootout of the kenzie with Crack OTL
3 Likes
I’m really enjoying the Pendant SE tube headphone amp made by Amps and Sound and available from Zach and Bevin at ZMF. It pairs very well with my ZMF Vérité’s and contouring the sound is possible by rolling different tubes. It has a lifetime warranty, also. The original Pendant OG had some noise issues but the new pendant is very quiet. It’s worth considering. Here is the thread for the Pendant.
Have fun and good luck!
4 Likes
Tyler has both in at the moment if you want to ask him anything
1 Like
Definitely install the Speed Ball option. It will provide added life and enjoyment to what you already own. Makes a good 2nd amp or increases resale later.
A very overlooked amp is the Quicksilver Audio HPA. These guys just don’t advertise or provide eval units. Same tube set with 12AX7 input tubes EL84/6BQ5 output tubes of other renowned amps. These are hand made in USA with predominantly USA parts. Price just increased to $1195, but still a bargain. Think ZMF Pendant for $1000 less.
6 Likes
I wouldn’t disregard DNA amps just yet. There are tube rolls that can get you farther into a warmer signature using Vintage Rca 2a3 tubes as well as certain rectifiers. I keep a set of Rca spring blackplate 2a3’s for that exact reason as I sometimes add them to a Phillips 5r4gys or GEC U52 to really push it into the direction you are looking for. Although maybe that won’t be warm enough as I still haven’t built my Crack yet and can’t compare your personal level of warmth to mine.
4 Likes
Unless the Stellaris Skews significantly warmer than the stratus, it’s a hell of a lot warmer than the WA33, the knock on the WA33 is it sounds almost solid state at first blush, It’s a sound I like, but I can see people looking for warm and relaxed really not liking it.
The DNA amps aren’t BHC warm/euphonic, but they are more obviously “tubey” than some of it’s contemporaries.
Higher end tube amps generally tend to be less Euphonic (there are exceptions) that the amps a lot of people get into tubes with.
The weakness IMO in the DNA amps if I’m nitpicking is they tend to come across a bit lathargic with the wrong regulator, especially through the high impedance output. And you have to know your going to end up with headphones it will drive.
3 Likes
I think the key here is the WA33 elite vs non elite. The stock one is known to sound a lot more SS whereas the elite is more euphonic and tubey… this is from many people who have either heard or own them.
Ya I might still just get in line. Donald said stratus is a bit warmer than stellaris.
From what I’ve been told the speedball takes away some of the euphonic warmth and richness. Did you find that to be the case?
I have a Crack non-Speedball, but have the Speedball parts kit. I’ve read mixed opinions about the upgrade and never heard any reason to upgrade. The Cracks forte is harmonics (aka euphonics), and its not as technical as a SS amp. I let it be what it is.
Regarding resale value, a Speedball kit is $100+ and whatever the installation risk/cost happens to be. It’ll cost you more and net you more, so it’s a wash. I’ve seen standard Cracks sell for about the same as the parts cost ($250 to $300), as kit value is highly dependent on build quality. No warranties…
IMO, kits are about value and DIY involvement rather than resale. Resale will always be highest with established brands such as Woo, DNA, McIntosh, etc. regardless of the merit.
3 Likes
Hey guys,
New joiner here. After doing tons of research I still can’t figure out what would be a good pick between the Blessing 2(Normal or Dusk), 7z Timeless, or DunuSA6. My dailies at the moment are the Senn 660s, but I also own BD 770s, 990s, 1990 DTs and the Senn 598s, 599, and 600.
I want to get into the IEMs but there’s crazy amounts of information so any help would be appreciated 
and you guys are more then welcome to give recommendations as well.
The type of headphone: IEMs
My price range is: $500 but I can push if need be
I like to listen to: Rap/RnB/Jazz/Classical/Blues
I will be using them for: Gaming, Youtube, Movies.
4 Likes
Hey, welcome to the community!!
The only IEM I have of the 3 you mention is the 7hz Timeless. One thing to be aware of with the 7hz is it needs a good amount of power. So if you’re planning to use it from a phone it might not be your best choice.
I know I’m in the minority here but I’m not a big fan of the Timeless to be honest. I find it weak in the midrange and not a great all-rounder… Especially if under powered. It does sound better on better gear.
When i first listened to it it’s clarity grabbed my attention and was initially impressed but for me it doesn’t really engage me with my music.
Anyway, I’m not trying to beat up on the Timeless. My point is…
- It really needs power. A dap or amp. Not best from a tablet or phone.
- Something like the Blessing2 is probably a better all-rounder. IMO
Just my 2 cents on it. Good luck with your search
4 Likes
It’s still a very euphoric amp with the speedball, speedball cleans it up a bit, gives it a level of control it doesn’t have without the speedball, I thought the improvement was worthwhile.
But very much YMMV.
Certainly worth listening to without the speedball.
2 Likes