Can vouch for tt2 / hugo2 with zmf (autuer in my case).
I know I should look at a higher end tube amp than my bottlehead, but I can’t afford a tube butler, and don’t enjoy shopping for them on my own.
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The Lyr 3 isn’t ‘warm’ so much as shaped by the tube chosen. It’s by no means a technical or analytical amp, but can be neutral-ish or bright-ish if desired.
I bought my Lyr 3 with a bundle of tubes, and some do not deliver what’s thought of as “tube tone.” Some are downright piercing, while others cut off the highs and/or emphasize the mids. The DAC shapes the delivery too, as specific tubes shift from being too bright to handle versus fine. This applies to my Sylvania Bad Boy, which I like only on a warmer DAC.
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That’s fair. Tbh I would say the same of the Valhalla 2 - it’s not inherently warm, it IS whatever tubes you put in it.
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So, now that I have a few weeks experience with the Verite I have to say I’m surprised to find that its defining feature isn’t its frequency response or tonality, but rather the physicality of the sound it presents. There is real weight and girth present in the sound presented by the Verite beyond any other headphone I’ve ever heard. When Gogo Penguin plucks the double bass you can really feel the vibration of the strings and the reverberation of the wood. Much like the HD800S presents sound in a way no other headphone quite matches, I think the Verite presents sound with a physicality & weight that no other headphone matches. I can’t even quite account for HOW it does it. Is it magic? 
It must be magic, right? 
Do all ZMF headphones have this trait, or is this Verite specific?
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I experienced similar, like going from a bookshelf to floor standing speaker.
I haven’t heard all ZMFs, but it likely applies across the board. The Eikon has more physicality than the VC. Enjoy.
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Good analogy. And wow - if Eikon has even more physicality I’mma need to get me one of those too.
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I don’t think the Lyr 3 is particularly warm. Unless the Stax SRM T1S is also warm. Both are fed off of my BF2, and although I obviously pair the different amps with different headphones, I was never struck in any of my comparisons by noticeable differences in “warmth”. The Hifiman HE-560 seems warm, if by that you mean produces solid mid and deep bass, but it maintains much the same character when I feed it with the iFi xDSD.
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Great looking setup there! I’m waiting on my Studio B, how do you like yours so far? What tubes are you running in it?
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Looks like EML 300Bs? Curious about the rectifier though, as that definitely isn’t a typical 5AR4. Maybe a 5U4G? I have a Studio Jr 300B, and absolutely agree that it pairs well with my Aeolus, even better with my HE1000se (which I sold my Verite for). I haven’t varied away from the 5AR4 rectifier type though based on other owners’ experiences. For the 5670 tube, the WE 396A square-getter has been my favorite by far.
I’ve got a pair of EML 300B mesh plates, a Western Electric JW 396A, and Mullard GZ34/5AR4 ready to go when mine arrives.
That should be near end-game combo of tubes! If you ever want a warmer/lusher 300B tube, highly recommend the Gold Lion 300B.
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Once it arrives I’ll let y’all know! Oh, and so I don’t totally derail the thread it’ll be paired with a set of VC’s.
Love it, my favorite amp right now, beating out the Mogwai SE.
Currently using stock JAN input tubes with EML 300B’s and a Sophia 274B rectifier.
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That Eddie Current stuff looks amazing. What kind of headphones work best with the 300Bs?
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Dynamics for sure. The VO’s and Utopia both sound amazing off the Studio B.
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I have the TT2 and have had the pendant in house, also I have the ZDT jr. that all being said… I use the TT2 the most and love it! You might also like something like the ECP T4 ( my current favorite hybrid tube amp).
Also love my Stellia with the TT2 and ECP T4.
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For those of you that own the VO and Aeolus. Is leakage similar? Considering late night sessions in the office, and noise emission to those who are sleeping nearby. The Aeolus doesn’t leak much, but am curious about the VO leakage. I like the idea of VO, better than VC. A little less bass is my preference.
The Aeolus seems the best for least amount of leakage. The VO leaks definitely more. Maybe the same or closer as the Auteur.
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Hi everyone.
I recently ordered the VO LTD Desert Ironwood and I am EXCITED as a kid at Christmas for them to get built and finally arrive to my awaiting eyes and ears.
Please share your experiences regarding your anticipation, communication with Zach and Bevin, how long it took for your beloved ‘jewels’ to arrive, and your initial reactions upon seeing and hearing.
And now that you’ve had them for some time, has the experience lived up to your hopes and expectations?
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