Yes–definitely yes. I owned 2 Audeze headphones along with 2-3 ZMFs and the same cables fit all of them.
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Thanks. And, thanks to all that commented on the pinout.
I first listened to the ZMF Aeolus with Universal (Perforated Lambskin) pads and worried that I had made a poor purchase, however I discovered that culprit was that the amplifier pairing with my RebelAmp created poor synergy. I am going to have to revisit those Universal (Perforated Lambskin) pads after I pair some better amplifiers with the ZMF Aeolus.
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Since then, I have listened to the ZMF Aeolus with 16 headphone amplifiers so far, but still have many more to go. Unexpectedly, my ZMF Aeolus does not pair well with a number of my popular, usual go to headphone amplifiers, yet they synergize shockingly quite well with a number of my under $300 dust collecting amplifiers! This is really good news for enthusiasts that want to get into a very good system on the cheap. The ZMF Aeolus can be a solid quick fix for budget-minded enthusiasts that already have one of these inexpensive headphone amplifiers.
Pairing with inexpensive amps is nice. Should you be looking for a “not inexpensive” amp, I recently bought a Rogue Audio RH-5 tube hybrid amp. The Aeolus pairs exceptionally well! The bass response is incredible. My preferred pad is the perforated universe suede.
The Aeolus also pairs very well with the iFi Gryphon portable DAC/Amp using the balanced 4.4mm output.
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For the past day I borrowed from my Monoprice M1570 memory foam Velour pads to sort through my amplifiers. I am enjoying this combo very much for now. Minimizes pad reflections and the drivers are closer to my ears. Out of desperation, I ordered Brainwavz XL Hybrid Memory Foam Earpads overnight from Amazon to arrive here today to see if it improves the already great sound.
I am reading that many are favoring the Universe (Perforated Suede) pads just as you suggest. I am trying to decide if that is the route to go or the Verite Pads as both are suggested from ZMF pad faq. I like drivers close to my ears but it is not an easy choice to make at $60 and $70 a pop.
I hear you on the pad cost. Although, some other manufactures pads are quite a bit more expensive than ZMF. I know you don’t want to wait a year for pads, but I bought my universe suede during the ZMF November sale as “B” stock at a significant discount. I have no idea why they are “B” stock. They look perfect. Prior to the full suede, I had been using the universe hybrid perforated. The full lambskin pads were just too dark sounding for me. The suede brightens them up. The Brainwaves you ordered are similar to the universe hybrid. Brighter sounding than lambskin, but not as bright as the full suede.
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I too found the Universal (Perforated Lambskin) pads too dark. You are making the suede sound appealing. I just might wait a year to score a few sets on some discounted pads in the 2022 November sale. I can wait a year.
I bought two sets on the “B” stock sale: the universe suede perforated for the Aeolus and an Auteur suede perforated for my Auteur. I’m preferring the full suede on both.
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I just tried the Brainwavz XL Hybrid Memory Foam Earpads and it was not listenable. The resulting sound was somewhat like trying to listen to live band with ear plugs and sound proof earmuffs on. It looks like I am going to stick with Monoprice M1570 memory foam Velour pads until November.
Full suede as in “not perforated” correct?
I doubt it.
If those 2 sets of pads were sold as specified for an Aeolus and Auteur, respectively–they’re almost certainly perforated.
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I used a set of hybrid Auteur perf pads with your headphones. included the universe with the purchase because those were the “Zach Recommended” pads, but I can send you the others if you want to try them.
Also - I sent you a message on the other forum.
— Kevin
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I actually love these Aeolus using my borrowed velour pads and have sent to you a pm.
You have been too kind already. This community has so many cool and generous members. I am going to hold out for the November sale to see what suedes get offered. But thank you immensely for the extremely generous offer.
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Perforated, just all suede vs. perforated hybrid vs perforated lambskin
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3 posts were merged into an existing topic: ZMF Aeolus - Open-Back Dynamic Headphone - Official Thread
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I use Hart Audio cables (modular system). I have 4 sets of headphones and 2 amps, so it makes it very easy to swith out headphones/amps without unplugging cables from the headphones.
Just picked up a beautiful Cocobolo Aeolus with copper grills and rods and a nice 2K Copper cable. I’ve been on an Auteur kick for the last few months, but I thought I’d give the Aeolus a chance again since it was my first ZMF a few years ago. I didn’t have any tube amps or a nice DAC back then, so I thought I’d see how I like them out of my new and improved setup (Bifrost 2 > Quicksilver Headphone Amp or SW51+).
Things are sounding fun and engaging! It’s a little darker sound than my Auteurs, but I knew that would be the case. I’m using the included perforated lambskin Universe pads, but I’ve got the suede variant on order. That should brighten up the sound a little and put things right in the sweet spot for my preferences.
I got a Zen Stream a few days ago and am enjoying using my phone as a remote with Tidal Connect. I like to think it sounds better than my iPhone with CCK adapter plugged into my Bifrost 2, but I won’t be doing any real comparisons. The convenience factor has won me over already!
On a side note, I think the Cocobolo cups on the Aeolus are darker than the Blackwood on my Auteur!
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Has anyone tried the crescent headband yet?
I found it to be quite an improvement.
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I purchased it and put it on my Verite. I like it. Very comfortable and more cushioned than the old band.
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