“Starlet” used to mean something radically different.
FWIW, the other night I finally did some listening to that pretty silkwood VO. My, my…that sound is wonderful.
Bravo, ZMF! This sound is something special.
Will be comparing soon to my favorite HP, the Aeolus.* I can already tell there will be no loser…
*kinda/sorta did this comp late last year w/the loaner VO & a borrowed sapele Aeolus. Something of a Batman vs Superman situation IMO.
I’m interested to hear about your experience. I’ve never heard an Aeolus and I’ve been wondering if they sound different enough from a Verite to make it worth buying one.
I can tell you these headphones do sound substantially different–each one aces its chosen sound signature to the point I simply forget about competing designs.
The Aeolus in particular absolutely colonized my collection: I may soon sell a rather wonderful, DQ’d HFM design, the HEX v2; last year I sold the rather amazing/beautiful Meze Empyrean, because in direct comparisons to my HEX v2 and a friend’s sapele Aeolus, it failed to distinguish itself.
IMO both headphones well worth owning (tragic for the wallet–but true). I’ll do some comparing in the next week or two & post impressions here. But I already know pretty much what I’ll be saying…
I will be in the same situation with a Verite Open and an Aeolus at some point. I had planned on moving the Aeolus not too long after getting a VO but I have taken to it pretty well. We’ll see if I keep both over a longer period of time.
I’ll be interested in your impressions. I’ve been on the fence re the Aeolus for a while. I’m not convinced it’s for me but it may be that guilty pleasure can I’ve considered getting. I’ve got a VO and Auteur so I’m starting to get a better read on what the Aeolus may be like.
No rush to get it. Would prefer a LTD version anyway because… pretty.
Alright, My camphor burls are getting ready to be shipped!!! I can’t wait and it will be really hard to burn them in before playing extensively. I think I will let them play for 24-48 hours and them I’m rocknrolln. I don’t know if I can wait any longer. Of course between listening sessions I will keep them burning in for a week
If you guys are around today for a live stream Saturday at 1 pm PST!!!
So, I would go back and read the 1027 posts, but don’t feel like it. So can someone give me a short TLDR on the best pads to use for Verite, or at least what some of the major ones do for the sound? Thanks 
Let me save you some time, there is no consensus across the different pad options with the VO exception to the Universe lamb skin being the most 3D and euphoric. That was may take in reading through this thread, and over on Head-fi. Hell, my own experience was dependent on the amp I was playing them through. On my solid state hybrid, and also on my Chord Mojo I preferred the Universe. On my current OTL, and when I demoed the DNA Starlett I preferred the Verite. Now that I have the hybrid Be2 I stick with those as I hate switching pads every time I switch amps!
Probably not helpful, but my thoughts on the pads.
Uni pads: 3D stage is easily possible. More warmth across the board (more resonance). Most punchy. Mids to treble can sound more recessed depending upon the ears. Most likely to be euphonic for me.
Verite pads: Most balanced tonality, worst staging, almost 3 blob like or 3 blob with smaller bands connecting them. Most airy treble, least bass betwixt them. Its not a bad pad if you are looking for a more “neutral” tone with maybe the best technicalities - could be FR related to it being the most neutral, least bloomy pad.
BE2 pads: Most bass emphasis but not as warm across the FR as the Uni seem to be. Essentially a V pad with more bass. Staging is middle ground between the Uni and V pads, can still get some 3D.
All of mine are perforated lambskin, which at the last meeting I attended was voted the best covering for these pads.
I run the Uni pads.
So do I. As many have said, they’re more euphonic/3D. for me, this is what makes these my favorite cans. Others:800S ,LCD 3, HD 600 and 6xx, Elex, Fostex Ebonies–all of which sound wonderful. But these are in a league of their own.
Playing around with BE2 Leather pads and EQ –
Red is my predicted EQ and purple is my unit’s measurement. Gray line is Harman OE2018 curve for reference.
I’m going to take the plunge and purchase the Vérité Open during ZMF November. I’m hoping the group can help me decide a few options. I’ll be using a Schiit Bifrost 2 for DAC, Schiit Lyr 3 & Bottlehead Crack w/Speedball for amps.
Should I get the magnesium or aluminum chassis? What are the pros & cons for each? The description mentions magnesium is more fragile and may scratch as it’s painted. I’ll be getting polished steel rods & grilles.
I also want to get an upgraded cable as my primary. Pros and cons between the Lektrik S 4-strand and the Vérité silver 2-strand (trying to stay under $350 for cable). Also, sleeved or not?
I’m leaning towards suede for the sheer comfort for both headband and strap. Any thoughts?
For pads, planning on the Vérité lambskin perforated, Universe lambskin perforated, and the BE2 Suede perforated.
I know all of this is subjective. My goal is to have extreme comfort, amazing sound and good looks too - not me but the headphones.
Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.
Congrats on making the decision!
If you are going with a black chassis, select aluminum. I have the magnesium in gray, with my rough hands taking extra care the paint is chipping in a few spots. My own fault, as I thought I was being careful when changing pads.
The suede strap is perfect, got it upon the recommendation of @Gordon_Freeman and @TylersEclectic. Do you need a matching suede headband? That is for you to decide, personally I like the contrast of suede with leather.
You are spot on here, you could also switch out to a hybrid in one pad you have listed.
On the cable options, I am of no use. Definitely take advantage of the extra discount when bundles.
Congrats @anon36506748 !!! I will let others weigh in on their thoughts. @TylersEclectic may have a good recommendation!! I think your are going to enjoy listening with those amps and Dac!
Magnesium is standard on VO I think? I imagine no issue changing out but will add a small amount of weight. Maybe an ounce. I’ve only had mine a short while so can’t comment on paint issues.
People seem to like the suede straps but pilot or copilot pads are very nice. I have the copilot myself and it makes an already comfortable can even better.
@anon36506748
@Roark kind of nails it… magnesium is great if you’re trying to bring the weight down… but honestly I have both styles and it isn’t a “big” factor… both “chip” over time…
Suede straps are very nice! you can always request both strap styles during checkout… also Pilot pad is fantastic as well, as another option for comfort…
I’d go with the pads that you mentioned =) then slowly start picking up other pad options as you are inclined.
Cables I think are aesthetics so go with what you like the look of most!
I think your amps/DAC setup will be perfectly wonderful with the Verite Opens 
So you are telling me my $1k cable is worthless? Not very cool of you >:(
Thanks @TylersEclectic, @Roark, and @perogie for your advice.
I’m not all that worried about weight, so I’ll just stick with the default black chassis especially since it sounds like either one is susceptible to chipping over time.
I quite like Tyler’s cable for his purple closed Vérités, so I’m thinking I’ll go with the silver and ask Zach to have them match my grilles & rods at the time of order. @TylersEclectic, can you share what the configuration is of your cable with the purple splitter?
Now I just need to wait for ZMF November to start and join the waiting list.
Cheers.
Thousand dollar headphone cable? Which one do you have?
I have a couple of Cardas Clears. That’s an expensive HC, but not that expensive…
