I have definitely done this. Thanks for the tip!
1 Like
Excellent point! And definitely worth researching when debating which ZMF to buy.
Each of the driver types Zach uses have a very distinct sound quality to them that set them apart from each other. For those reading that donât know, the Atticus/Aeolus use a TPE driver, the Eikon/Auteur use a biocellulose driver, and the Verite Open/Closed use a PEN driver with a vapor deposed beryllium coating.
6 Likes
Thanks and you raised excellent points also! I had to make a selection recently and have the Eikon on the way.
3 Likes
100% split the Verite budget between an Auteur, tube amp, and a good dac. Everything would come together magically. Or go for any other ZMF that sounds good to you. Auteur is a wonderfully balanced, organic sounding headphone synergizing great with OTL amps thanks to all of Zachâs dynamics being 300 ohms.
Very little experience using tubes. The only reason I got the Echo was because it was Zachâs go-to recommendation. Itâs paired with a Bifrost 2 which is a perfect combo in my opinion. The Echo turned my 6XX and Elex into different headphones. I feel like the warmth of that amp would pair perfect with the neutrality of the Auteur.
Edit: Focal uses the Euforia to show off their headphones at shows. Feliks amps have a natural synergy with them. Although I have heard the Espressivo had some occasional hot treble. The Echo and Elise are the most warm. Not overbearing in any way.
7 Likes
A slightly warm tube amp works great with an Auteur, I agree. I would also state that a good tube amp brings out the technical abilities of the Auteur more fully. I felt it was mainly a tonality/timbre can until a good tube amp brought it to life.
4 Likes
Thank you - thatâs solid advice!
Iâm happy to hear youâre enjoying the Echo with your Elex! Have you noticed any changes to the lower frequencies due to the slight impedance mismatch?
4 Likes
None whatsoever. There is zero issue even using the 25 ohm TR-X00 models. Also flexible enough to use with all the Audeze full sized planars series excluding the LCD-4. Youâre good as long as you donât try something like an Abyss or HE-6. I use it with my modded T50rp MK3. 
The very first thing I noticed using the Elex on the Echo was the removal of that metallic edge instantly turning the slightly bright tonality into a silky, euphonic upper end while keeping the best qualities. What the Echo excels at is being able to pull pretty much any any headphone into its coherency. Mid forward cans suddenly sound laid back, and the bass gets a slight lift. It pulled way ahead in performance compared to everything I have setting a new benchmark in terms of a holographic, immersive listening session. Iâm not good at wording these things. Hereâs an extra bit from a reply I just got from Evan at Upscale Audio.
âElise and Echo have similar tone and warmth, Elise simply has superior extension on the top and bottom octaves, more dynamic punch, and a more 3D stage. If Echo wasnât too warm for you, Elise wonât be either - if anything itâs a bit more open. Elise will drive the T50rps well, though it does do best with high-Z dynamic headphones like your Senns and ZMFs. The Elex will have a touch extra bass and smoother highs off the Elise than the Echo, itâs a sublime pairing as well.â
So to answer your question, even though optimal spec is 100-600 ohms, this amp will totally be good in your case. If anything, I felt the Elex was even more dynamic than on my other gear. Headfonics did a review commenting on the Elear being a great pairing, and I can see why as that headphone needs a very wet sounding amp.
6 Likes
@SleepyRhythms Thank you very much!
3 Likes
Updated wood page posted. I spy a @Torq photo?
10 Likes
You do!
I really need to send Zach some more pictures of the more recent pieces ⊠but I have been feeling more than a little creatively challenged of late âŠ
8 Likes
I thought it looked familiar! Itâs a fine capture. I hope you find your muse. Cheers.
5 Likes
They really jazzed it up. Impressive.
4 Likes
I agree. Itâs an improved resource page and more pleasing to the eye. Content wise, references to pore size appear to be removed compared to the old page.
4 Likes
So are the woods on the current list available to be ordered for any of their cans?
1 Like
Thereâs currently VC and VO Camphor burl. Aeolus is having a Cocobolo run. Sign up for their news letter.
6 Likes
Not necessarily. The wood info page is a bit misleading in that respect. When you go to each cansâ order page, the available wood is indicated.
6 Likes
Nope. I asked Zach that question. Each model has a standard wood, and sometimes a LTD option, and those are your only choices.
3 Likes
I signed up more than 6 weeks ago but I have received nothing so far. Have they sent a newsletter out since then?
5 Likes
I donât believe so. Probably only for new woods
They send about 4 to 6 emails a year.
7 Likes