It’s pure headphone porn, even more alluring because I own 4 ZMFs and know full well how wonderful their sound is.
My assistant is tying me to the mast as I type this. I’m gazing at the blackwood Caldera Open (I already own a Caldera Open!) and drooling.
PS: I had a loaner Aegis TC-tube amp here for several months. Listened to it frequently and posted a review on Head-Fi. I was immensely relieved when my friend Anthony took the loaner. Now he’s obsessing over it and scheming about purchasing it. I was too, though it’s too big, I already have 8 or 9 amps, and at some point it becomes overwhelming (but the sound–amazing!).
You and me both!
I was also looking at a Blackwood Caldera, and one of the AO in the Ebony. And if I’m being honest, one of the Auteurs in Ebony, and the AC in Cocobolo and Camphor burl. I need to just stop! I already own an AO (launch edition in Cherry/copper), VO (Blackwood LTD), Eikon (Stabilized Maple burl), and Aeolus (Sapele)…
Don’t get me started on the Aegis!
I need my internet access taken away.
Yup.
One of the key problems of being a grownup is no one gives you boundaries. No time outs. Some spouses perform vaguely similar functions – but the consequences of noncompliance are grim.
Indeed. That’s what is keeping me on the path of righteousness at this moment.
After years of hesitation, I decided on ZMF and quickly ordered the two open-back top models one after the other.
Due to the outstanding sound quality, their excellent workmanship and their gorgeous appearance, I will certainly not stop at these two ZMFs.
One model has already been decided on, got something to do with
—— Black & White Ebony LTD ——
and another will probably be ordered in mid-August, should a similar color variant
(love green-gold combo)
be available for the missing model by then.
The Aegis was actually in my focus, but I am extremely happy with my pairing
&
and currently see no need for an additional tube amplifier.
Beautiful ZMFs, for sure.
I hope you get a chance to try the Verite Open. It’s easily my favorite dynamic driver headphone ever. As the Caldera Open is my favorite planar headphone ever.
I have other dynamics and planars that please me a lot, but these two are top of the heap.
What is your preferred ear pad with these?
4 years ago they came with the stock pads–presumably Verite pads. I loved the sound & never tried any other pads.
Later ones came with the Universe lamb perf pads, I really like the VO with the BE2 lamb perf pads though. I think they’re a better match than the Universe pads.
I agree, I prefer the BE2 lamb perforated with my Verite too.
But one of the advantages of buying ZMF is that if your preferences don’t align with mine, a pad change will normally get it to where you want the headphones to sound.
I wish Zach would “on more time” release a limited edition of the Verité Open.
Because I am very late to the Verité party
I asked him, via E-Mail, if he could custom make an emerald green version with 18k gold grill and rods.
We’ll see if, and what, he responds in this regard.
That VO would be amazingly beautiful!
Caldera pics are up, the other resin ones to follow.
This Bundles are interesting
BUT…….
If I can be completely honest, at least with the Calderas, it’s almost too much of a good thing.
A question of taste, but that’s a lot of bling-bling
I’m glad you saw that Lothar, I was about to let you know there was ONE Verite available. It has your name on it! You need it to round out your collection.
Mine should already be on its way to me.
I’ll give you a sneak peak:
A little less colorful, more conservative for an old man like me
Those are loud. At least 2x as loud as @pennstac’s cicadas! Those are world-record 144+ dB loud.
I need eyeplugs.