Your review is spot on with my experience. It’s seriously good fun. Though, because I’m fortunate enough to have the IE 900’s for portable listening, I’ve decided to trim down my collection and the result was that I chose the Z1R over the Bokeh to complement my Verite Closed & Atrium Closed. Keep in mind, I ended up selling the LCD-5, Atrium & Verite Open, Eikon & Atticus, and passing over the Caldera, Utopia, ATH-AWKG Kirogaki after extended listening. So, it’s high praise when I say: If I could own only a single ZMF, the Bokeh would be towards the top of my shortlist. 😁
Would you say something like the Atrium closed is an upgrade in sound over the IE900. I have the IE900 and wanting an over ear with competing bass but also good technicalities.
@@ghas4151 indeed. If you love the IE 900 but want an even “bigger”, more expansive, and immersive experience, the AC will be your ticket. Same can also be said with the Sony MDR-Z1R, depending on your preferences and tastes.
I picked up bokeh on launch.. beautiful cherry red.. so enjoyable and natural.. the one issue i had was microphonics with cable.. I replaced this with zmf upgrade cable.. great headphones
Yep. Absolutely love the Bokeh. I use them all the time on my desktop set up. The lack of compromise at each level is amazing. Stunning sound, with fantastic bass (slight lack in sub bass), great separated mids, and surprisingly clear, well defined uppers. These rock with well recorded rock and I love listing to EDM on these. Deadmau5 sounds fantastic I love the cherry wood finish on mine. However, while they are just about portable powering wise, let’s not kids ourselves here, they are not exactly “portable”. They are still big and heavy, tho still are very comfortable to wear While the 3.5mm jack might not look as good, it means I can use my custom cables and that’s a huge bonus without the need for adapters. The one issue I do have is pad rolling is for the dedicated as they are NOT EASY to put on. This isn’t an issue with a lot of headphones, but being ZMF the options are vast and swapping the mesh means tuning them with these options is definitely…..an option. But the pads are fiddly to put on and the wood finish is a bit poor with rough, un-rounded edges. But for the price these are a true gateway to the ZMF range. The problem is how much you need to spend if you want better and is that worth it. Demoing ZMF in the UK is extremely difficult.
Bokeh is dang good! honestly been listening to it more than my Caldera closed lately... Hopeful for more time with them once summer travel and kid camps slow down ha!
@@TylersEclectic it seems the CC is very legit based on reviews. Almost gave in to the FOMO… but I just don’t jibe as well with planars. Then, after a brief hiatus, I listened to my Blackwood VC again and was blown away all over again. 🤤 One of these days I’ll get some time with the CC, though.
@@asplmn Caldera Closed is my favorite planar! But, I’m also more inclined towards dynamic drivers over planars:). The Bokeh just does everything right it feels like… super easy to get along with.
@@PassionforSound I prefer the CC to the open… it leans more into the ZMF sound in my opinion. Where the CO was more neutral, once again in my opinion. Both are fantastic, but I prefer the ZMF house sound being leaned into like on the Caldera Closed. I think the Bokeh shouldn’t be slept on though… that is a new standard in awesome ha!
I managed to be in the first 100 orders of the first batch, and I have loved using it on dongle DAC amps (Cayin RU7 and Shanling UA5) as well as desktop amps (Geshelli Archel 3 and xDuoo TA-26S). I use the Bokeh more than I use the Verite Open, though not as often as my Focal Bathys. Of course the Verite is still the best overall sound quality.
They're quite different so it depends on what you value. The Auteur Classic is a wonderfully neutral (but not boring) sound, but the sense of soundstage depth is relatively limited. The Bokeh is more fun with its tuning and also throws a slightly deeper soundstage which I enjoyed. I'd personally get the Bokeh, but it depends on your preferences and use case.
@@PassionforSound That's interesting to know. I naively thought that Auteur Classic would have a better soundstage as it is open back. Vocal and soundstage are the two things I focus on, as my playlist are mostly made of j-pop, j-rock and movie soundtracks. Also, ZMF is launching Bokeh Open so I got another option to contemplate on now.
Some people have said the Bokeh would be particularly good for those who enjoy the HD6xx/HD650 and are looking for a similar sound signature with improved bass, technicalities and resolution. What are your thoughts?
I'm not sure that I agree. The 600/650 are distinctly more mellow and smooth while the Bokeh is a bit more dynamic and energetic. All are excellent headphones, but I think the Bokehs are probably technically stronger and are definitely tuned differently.
Zee Emm Eff. Zach and ZMF aren’t from the commonwealth so I’m going to refer to it as he would I can’t believe I said that, it’s usually zee that sounds like nails on the chalkboard, but nope
The Bokeh sounds way better than most of its competition with affordable gears. E3 can be more technical, but you need tons of juice to make it enjoyable or else it can sound flat and lifeless on affordable chains
Great Video👍🏻 How do they compare to the beyerdynamic T5.3 Gen? Or the Aeon Noire? I know you don't have them (T5) anymore, but these are the closed backs I know best.
These are a very different sound and I prefer them in many ways. I loved the T5.3, but they were pretty strongly coloured. The Bokeh is more naturally tuned so it never goes wrong and has a little less bite in the treble too.
@@PassionforSound thanks for the answer. I've read that the bokeh also have some kind of 3D sound (but there seem to be different opinions on that topic), is it comparable with the spatiality you get from the T5's?
@NII-pd4fm I think so. Perhaps not quite as spacious, but definitely good IMO. Those suggesting the Bokehs don't do that have probably listened from a source that lacks depth.
@@PassionforSound I bought the aeon noire after the T5 (which I loved, but the mid bass was just too much sometimes) and it was the best closed back I ever heard (with the 2 notch white). The mids were a little bit too clean though and it was spicy in the upper mids and treble (for my liking of course and not with every song). After all I've read and heard, the bokeh could be "the perfect" headphone for my preferences. Good Bass, full, but clean mids mids, a good and balanced top end and spacious sound. I think I will buy them for christmas this year. Thanks again and keep up your good work.
great review. would love to know how these compare with my current favourite closed back, the Kennerton Magni. if you get the oppertunity, please review a pair? would buy a Bokeh and compare myself , but i have my mind set on a high level open back planar and cannot do both. anyone else reading this , if you have compared Bokeh-Magni please post some thoughts?
Great review. I normally use open headphones for enjoy th emusic and IEM in mobility or when I don't want to disturb my wife if I am listening at the bed. I keep also an old Bose AE2 that I use time to time. A good close headphones for using at home in those cases could be interesting, but I have the Hifiman Arya Organic as my next headphone to buy... Ç This video has moved to me to thinking about how interesting could be an heaphones that could be convert to closed... What do you think about?, do you know if something like this exits?
I have a Sash Tres 45ohm with the replaceable open, semi-open and closed cups. Cool idea, great headphone when open, but it's borderlkne impossible to design one with good tuning with various cups.
Yes, the covering for closing up a convertible headphone would have to include some very complex acoustic design to keep the sound enjoyable in both modes. It would be cool though.
I think the Z1R is more tonally balanced and a little more technical. As to which is more enjoyable, that'll be a 50/50 split across a range of people, I suspect.
love my Atrium’s but I often used closed backs and IEM’s on the go in the city for their noise isolating abilities. I literally have to have some form of noise control when out and about due to just how noisy it is where I travel on foot. Another factor in the city core is not wanting to draw too much attention in what I am wearing. These headphones would likely be a very good choice for someone to take with them to read by the lake, or listen to music at home while the air conditioner is on.
IEMs are the best for portability and being out and about. I love the Bokeh, but I personally wouldn’t take mine out of the house. Giant wood cups also looks silly in public, but that’s highly subjective.
Great review, as always:) anyone tried it with Mojo 2? Will Chord be enough to Bokeh nicely? :) I’m looking for warm, bit dark sounding, good bass, closed back headphones, now I have Meze Liric first generation, wonder if it will be a nice improvement to change for Bokeh? I used to have Eikon and I love how ZMF headphones are made, but Eikon was 300ohms, not the best for a small dac.
I test the Bokoh some time ago and noted its performance and features , what it do signal though is the right thing brands should be looking at and should be doing .. trickling performance , features , and design that were in precious iteration tie to flag ship down to the more main stream mid price bracket and made them main stay On the other extreme I test the Austrian Audio Composer around the same time and noted its excessive price hike and only ( relatively ) marginal improvement as far as sonics goes compared to their main stay Hi-X range this is the 2 distant approach to new products am seeing with so many Hi-fi / Audo product Mfr these days , and I am not thrilled at the latter
The Z1R is superior in my opinion if you don't need portability. I don't have the Z1R here anymore, but am hoping to pick one up when I get the chance.
@@FisherMan-bh9dn but you are getting smarter while us Americans are getting dumber . Look how bad things are in the U S and our election is split with a incumbent vice president that performed a coup and hasn’t done 1 thing or even 1 interview since she stole the nomination and Americans liberal media just covers for her .
@@PassionforSound the only wood phone I have closer in price is the AWAS which I prefer. The open version Bokeh is the Bokeh to get tho, it's much better.
@@PassionforSound I spent time with the Bokeh open A/Bing with the closed at AXPONA this year and if it hasn't released yet, it's worth waiting for anyone wanting a Bokeh and worth it buy for those that already own the closed. I also had the chance to audition the Caldera closed. ZMF's HQ is a stone throw away from me, we're neighbors :)
@@PassionforSound Not sure if they have been out but I auditioned the Bokeh open and A/B's it with the Bokeh closed. The Bokeh open is the better phone of the two. I also had the chance to audition the Caldera closed.
I purchased it at the early-bird price.
my first pair of ZMF, love it
You chose a great time to buy and a great entry into ZMF Headphones
Your review is spot on with my experience. It’s seriously good fun. Though, because I’m fortunate enough to have the IE 900’s for portable listening, I’ve decided to trim down my collection and the result was that I chose the Z1R over the Bokeh to complement my Verite Closed & Atrium Closed.
Keep in mind, I ended up selling the LCD-5, Atrium & Verite Open, Eikon & Atticus, and passing over the Caldera, Utopia, ATH-AWKG Kirogaki after extended listening. So, it’s high praise when I say:
If I could own only a single ZMF, the Bokeh would be towards the top of my shortlist. 😁
That's cool to hear. Thanks for sharing
Would you say something like the Atrium closed is an upgrade in sound over the IE900. I have the IE900 and wanting an over ear with competing bass but also good technicalities.
@@ghas4151 indeed. If you love the IE 900 but want an even “bigger”, more expansive, and immersive experience, the AC will be your ticket. Same can also be said with the Sony MDR-Z1R, depending on your preferences and tastes.
I picked up bokeh on launch.. beautiful cherry red.. so enjoyable and natural.. the one issue i had was microphonics with cable.. I replaced this with zmf upgrade cable.. great headphones
Congratulations. You got them at an even more impressive price!
You do such a great review . So detailed and entertaining. . I’m quite happy with what I buy based upon your description.
I'm thrilled to hear that! ♥️
Yep. Absolutely love the Bokeh. I use them all the time on my desktop set up.
The lack of compromise at each level is amazing. Stunning sound, with fantastic bass (slight lack in sub bass), great separated mids, and surprisingly clear, well defined uppers.
These rock with well recorded rock and I love listing to EDM on these. Deadmau5 sounds fantastic
I love the cherry wood finish on mine.
However, while they are just about portable powering wise, let’s not kids ourselves here, they are not exactly “portable”.
They are still big and heavy, tho still are very comfortable to wear
While the 3.5mm jack might not look as good, it means I can use my custom cables and that’s a huge bonus without the need for adapters.
The one issue I do have is pad rolling is for the dedicated as they are NOT EASY to put on. This isn’t an issue with a lot of headphones, but being ZMF the options are vast and swapping the mesh means tuning them with these options is definitely…..an option. But the pads are fiddly to put on and the wood finish is a bit poor with rough, un-rounded edges.
But for the price these are a true gateway to the ZMF range. The problem is how much you need to spend if you want better and is that worth it. Demoing ZMF in the UK is extremely difficult.
That's true about the pads being tricky. That took me a while to get the hang of
Bokeh is dang good! honestly been listening to it more than my Caldera closed lately... Hopeful for more time with them once summer travel and kid camps slow down ha!
@@TylersEclectic it seems the CC is very legit based on reviews. Almost gave in to the FOMO… but I just don’t jibe as well with planars. Then, after a brief hiatus, I listened to my Blackwood VC again and was blown away all over again. 🤤
One of these days I’ll get some time with the CC, though.
@@asplmn Caldera Closed is my favorite planar! But, I’m also more inclined towards dynamic drivers over planars:). The Bokeh just does everything right it feels like… super easy to get along with.
Very cool Tyler! 👍
I'm REALLY hoping to try the CC soon. I miss the open Caldera 😥
@@PassionforSound I prefer the CC to the open… it leans more into the ZMF sound in my opinion. Where the CO was more neutral, once again in my opinion. Both are fantastic, but I prefer the ZMF house sound being leaned into like on the Caldera Closed. I think the Bokeh shouldn’t be slept on though… that is a new standard in awesome ha!
I listened to Bokeh at CJL. I told Zach that I thought they were a lot of fun.
I managed to be in the first 100 orders of the first batch, and I have loved using it on dongle DAC amps (Cayin RU7 and Shanling UA5) as well as desktop amps (Geshelli Archel 3 and xDuoo TA-26S). I use the Bokeh more than I use the Verite Open, though not as often as my Focal Bathys. Of course the Verite is still the best overall sound quality.
Congrats and thanks for sharing your gear and preferences!
Nice review. I am considering getting either a Bokeh or Auteur Classic this November. Which one will you recommend more?
They're quite different so it depends on what you value. The Auteur Classic is a wonderfully neutral (but not boring) sound, but the sense of soundstage depth is relatively limited. The Bokeh is more fun with its tuning and also throws a slightly deeper soundstage which I enjoyed. I'd personally get the Bokeh, but it depends on your preferences and use case.
@@PassionforSound That's interesting to know. I naively thought that Auteur Classic would have a better soundstage as it is open back. Vocal and soundstage are the two things I focus on, as my playlist are mostly made of j-pop, j-rock and movie soundtracks. Also, ZMF is launching Bokeh Open so I got another option to contemplate on now.
@user-LC8128 I've heard a Bokeh Open prototype and it sounded great. Maybe wait for that one before deciding if you're not in a hurry...
Some people have said the Bokeh would be particularly good for those who enjoy the HD6xx/HD650 and are looking for a similar sound signature with improved bass, technicalities and resolution. What are your thoughts?
I'm not sure that I agree. The 600/650 are distinctly more mellow and smooth while the Bokeh is a bit more dynamic and energetic. All are excellent headphones, but I think the Bokehs are probably technically stronger and are definitely tuned differently.
Thanks Lachlan👍
Zee Emm Eff. Zach and ZMF aren’t from the commonwealth so I’m going to refer to it as he would
I can’t believe I said that, it’s usually zee that sounds like nails on the chalkboard, but nope
This is no shade, but I love your definition of "cheaper"! Glad your still putting out the reviews lad.
Hahhaa, less expensive for sure.
It was a reference to its performance vs headphones costing more money not an overall commentary on its price 😁
For ZMF, they are cheaper
@@PassionforSound Aaaah, Oz and Ireland, the new two countries separated by a common language
The Bokeh sounds way better than most of its competition with affordable gears. E3 can be more technical, but you need tons of juice to make it enjoyable or else it can sound flat and lifeless on affordable chains
These are looking very lovely for the price
💯
Mmm, black limba. Or "korina" if you're a fan of Gibson or Reverend.
Pretty.
I think Bokeh vs Atrium closed would be an interesting comparison.
I got rid of my AC even though they are amazing. The Bokeh are just perfection.
I would have been interested in that too, but don't have an AC here. ☹️
Great Video👍🏻 How do they compare to the beyerdynamic T5.3 Gen? Or the Aeon Noire? I know you don't have them (T5) anymore, but these are the closed backs I know best.
These are a very different sound and I prefer them in many ways. I loved the T5.3, but they were pretty strongly coloured. The Bokeh is more naturally tuned so it never goes wrong and has a little less bite in the treble too.
@@PassionforSound thanks for the answer. I've read that the bokeh also have some kind of 3D sound (but there seem to be different opinions on that topic), is it comparable with the spatiality you get from the T5's?
@NII-pd4fm I think so. Perhaps not quite as spacious, but definitely good IMO. Those suggesting the Bokehs don't do that have probably listened from a source that lacks depth.
@@PassionforSound I bought the aeon noire after the T5 (which I loved, but the mid bass was just too much sometimes) and it was the best closed back I ever heard (with the 2 notch white). The mids were a little bit too clean though and it was spicy in the upper mids and treble (for my liking of course and not with every song). After all I've read and heard, the bokeh could be "the perfect" headphone for my preferences. Good Bass, full, but clean mids mids, a good and balanced top end and spacious sound. I think I will buy them for christmas this year. Thanks again and keep up your good work.
@NII-pd4fm Merry Christmas and great choice of present!
great review.
would love to know how these compare with my current favourite closed back, the Kennerton Magni.
if you get the oppertunity, please review a pair?
would buy a Bokeh and compare myself , but i have my mind set on a high level open back planar and cannot do both.
anyone else reading this , if you have compared Bokeh-Magni please post some thoughts?
I've reached out to Kennerton in the past, but had no response ☹️
Thank you for this review, Do you prefer the bokeh to the Sony mdr z1r? Or is the other way around?
I prefer the MDR-Z1R overall so long as size isn't a consideration
@@PassionforSound thank you for responding. I have to try out the Sony MDR Z1R, as my audio preferences are very similar to yours. Thank you.
Great review.
I normally use open headphones for enjoy th emusic and IEM in mobility or when I don't want to disturb my wife if I am listening at the bed.
I keep also an old Bose AE2 that I use time to time.
A good close headphones for using at home in those cases could be interesting, but I have the Hifiman Arya Organic as my next headphone to buy... Ç
This video has moved to me to thinking about how interesting could be an heaphones that could be convert to closed... What do you think about?, do you know if something like this exits?
I have a Sash Tres 45ohm with the replaceable open, semi-open and closed cups. Cool idea, great headphone when open, but it's borderlkne impossible to design one with good tuning with various cups.
Yes, the covering for closing up a convertible headphone would have to include some very complex acoustic design to keep the sound enjoyable in both modes. It would be cool though.
What cable is that red one?
It's a Flow cable: th-cam.com/video/x3_ciWC1M7E/w-d-xo.htmlsi=iLSR446pyb8wX4fT
Thanks for the review! As always, a great review
🙏♥️
Better than sony mdr z1r?
In Technicality and tonality?
I think the Z1R is more tonally balanced and a little more technical. As to which is more enjoyable, that'll be a 50/50 split across a range of people, I suspect.
@@PassionforSound is z1r also more technical and balanced than zmf verite closed and atrium closed?
Which has better staging, imaging and layering
@RX-rd4sc I think so. The ZMFs are all excellent, but the Z1R is really balanced and technically excellent in all ways.
love my Atrium’s but I often used closed backs and IEM’s on the go in the city for their noise isolating abilities. I literally have to have some form of noise control when out and about due to just how noisy it is where I travel on foot. Another factor in the city core is not wanting to draw too much attention in what I am wearing.
These headphones would likely be a very good choice for someone to take with them to read by the lake, or listen to music at home while the air conditioner is on.
IEMs are the best for portability and being out and about. I love the Bokeh, but I personally wouldn’t take mine out of the house. Giant wood cups also looks silly in public, but that’s highly subjective.
@@asplmn enjoy 😉
I tend to agree. These seem more like a headphone for the office rather than for the commute to the office 🙂
@@PassionforSound they look beautiful and I’m sure I’d love their sound - hope you enjoy!
If you like the bokehs sound, which IEM would you recommend?
Great review, as always:) anyone tried it with Mojo 2? Will Chord be enough to Bokeh nicely? :)
I’m looking for warm, bit dark sounding, good bass, closed back headphones, now I have Meze Liric first generation, wonder if it will be a nice improvement to change for Bokeh? I used to have Eikon and I love how ZMF headphones are made, but Eikon was 300ohms, not the best for a small dac.
I've used the Bokehs quite a bit with Mojo 2. It's a great pairing.
Thank you for your answer :)
I test the Bokoh some time ago and noted its performance and features , what it do signal though is the right thing brands should be looking at and should be doing .. trickling performance , features , and design that were in precious iteration tie to flag ship down to the more main stream mid price bracket and made them main stay
On the other extreme I test the Austrian Audio Composer around the same time and noted its excessive price hike and only ( relatively ) marginal improvement as far as sonics goes compared to their main stay Hi-X range
this is the 2 distant approach to new products am seeing with so many Hi-fi / Audo product Mfr these days , and I am not thrilled at the latter
Bokeh vs Z1R?
The Z1R is superior in my opinion if you don't need portability. I don't have the Z1R here anymore, but am hoping to pick one up when I get the chance.
@@PassionforSoundsomeone selling used z1r on ebay for 1000$ and brand new for 1468
I think its a great deal if the shipping cost is not that high
Pls review fiio ft1
If I can get my hands on them, I will
Thanks Lachlan!
Nice info..❤
When "cheaper" is still $1100 I have to just laugh. I'm sure they're great though.
I'm jelly your bokeh looks better than mine!
It's a gorgeous pair, but sadly, not mine... despite my joke at the end
Isn’t possession 9/10 of the law
That's the understanding I'm working on 🤣
Not in Australia. The government now owns everything. 😂
@@FisherMan-bh9dn but you are getting smarter while us Americans are getting dumber . Look how bad things are in the U S and our election is split with a incumbent vice president that performed a coup and hasn’t done 1 thing or even 1 interview since she stole the nomination and Americans liberal media just covers for her .
Cheaper 😂
For ZMF, they are cheaper. Less than half the cost.
They're also cheaper than the comparable competition
background rock sucks for a review
Thank god he is pronouncing it correctly
They're too warm and can be sluggish at times.
What's an example of a headphone you prefer at the price?
@@PassionforSound the only wood phone I have closer in price is the AWAS which I prefer. The open version Bokeh is the Bokeh to get tho, it's much better.
@dentboxhero1717 I think you're getting confused with something else. There is no open Bokeh.
@@PassionforSound I spent time with the Bokeh open A/Bing with the closed at AXPONA this year and if it hasn't released yet, it's worth waiting for anyone wanting a Bokeh and worth it buy for those that already own the closed. I also had the chance to audition the Caldera closed. ZMF's HQ is a stone throw away from me, we're neighbors :)
@@PassionforSound Not sure if they have been out but I auditioned the Bokeh open and A/B's it with the Bokeh closed. The Bokeh open is the better phone of the two. I also had the chance to audition the Caldera closed.
Just get fiio ft1s 😂😂😂