I heard some ZMF headphones at Axpona23 for the first time. Really impressed by the company in general. The Caldera was the one that stood out to me the most. As a full package to own and spend crazy money on, I think its a win and a keeper for years and years. Hopefully I can afford one (and a worthy amp) soon.
Here's a short version as I'm not sure when I'll get that next video on these out: First - closed back vs open back is the obvious one. Planar vs dynamic. Then you have the 300ohm vs 60ohm. Closed with play better with otl tubes. The Caldera is going to be an easier to drive, complete balance of sound vs the AC. The AC gives you more flavor as I captured on my video review of the Atrium Closed. Upper midrange is more relaxed on the AC. The Caldera has better technical chops, but the AC is no slouch. Stage is actually pretty close on both which is amazing for a closed back to say that. My question for you would be what are you looking for? Two very different HP's in the fact of the open vs closed case.
@@Skeeb23 perfect. I'm looking for musical bliss. I placed an order for the AC Olive 🫒 I suspect it will ultimately supplant my Atrium Open and act as a great complement to my VC. Great review, man!
Nice one man. I think the best way to explain SRV spectacular guitar playing is he's playing with some "Grit". I'm on the fence with the Caldera. I already have the newest HE1000 V2 (V3) Stealth Magnet as my go to Planar which I just love more than I ever expected. I also have a Stabilized Auteur Classic which imo is the best bang for the buck ZMF headphone. If Zach does a Stabilized run of the Caldera at some point I might take the plunge. Nice review 🍻
@@Peace_Guard I think the weight of the ZMF's will differ a bit depending on what type woods are used on a particular headphone at that time and with the Stabilized materials. Burt I've had a Camphor Burl VC and currently own a Stabilized Auteur Classic and the weight was no a problem with either. The headband setup Zach has innovated is one of the most comfortable I've experienced with a HP. I use the AC for gaming for hours and the y never feel heavy or fatiguing. I don't think the sound signature would change drastically between Wood and Stabilized as Zach fine tunes each HP's sound sig before shipping them. You can probably email ZMF with any questions you have. I have emailed with Zach before with questions and he's been happy to answer them.
You really can't go wrong with either. The biggest difference to me is the DD vs Planar. You can pair OTL tubes with the Atriums and get some special sauce going...or you can enjoy the speed and natural sound of the Caldera but also pair it with different amps. Both will sound great and both have the tech chops. The open Atrium probably slightly edges out closed in that, but not by much. Caldera will be easier to drive if that matters.
The zmf caldera surpasses Meze Empyrean Elite and is more enjoyable than Susvara while still beeing technically 🙂 It migh be the best allrounder . Would love to compare it side by side with Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system 🙂
You deserve way more subs than you got. Good stuff as always sir ❤
I appreciate that man! 🙏
#facts
I agree.
Skeebs killin it as always. Great vid.
Great vid bro!
Thank you! 🙏
Thanks for sharing!
I heard some ZMF headphones at Axpona23 for the first time. Really impressed by the company in general. The Caldera was the one that stood out to me the most. As a full package to own and spend crazy money on, I think its a win and a keeper for years and years. Hopefully I can afford one (and a worthy amp) soon.
ZMF is magic...the really good kind, for your ears!
Thanks for the great video and review.
Completely out of my budget to get one of these, but maybe some day.
I hear that. It's out of my budget as well currently, but such a fantastic headphone!
Really nice review, well done! (subscribed:)
🙏
*Very helpful video. Am looking forward to the comparison of Meze Elite and ZMF Caldera.*. THANK YOU.
have u tried playing call of duty with the zmf caldera if so what amp/dac did you use and how did it sound? i want those head phones for gaming''''
Subscribed. Thank you.
Would love to hear your thoughts on how these compare with the Atrium Closed
Here's a short version as I'm not sure when I'll get that next video on these out:
First - closed back vs open back is the obvious one. Planar vs dynamic. Then you have the 300ohm vs 60ohm. Closed with play better with otl tubes. The Caldera is going to be an easier to drive, complete balance of sound vs the AC.
The AC gives you more flavor as I captured on my video review of the Atrium Closed.
Upper midrange is more relaxed on the AC. The Caldera has better technical chops, but the AC is no slouch. Stage is actually pretty close on both which is amazing for a closed back to say that.
My question for you would be what are you looking for? Two very different HP's in the fact of the open vs closed case.
@@Skeeb23 perfect. I'm looking for musical bliss. I placed an order for the AC Olive 🫒
I suspect it will ultimately supplant my Atrium Open and act as a great complement to my VC.
Great review, man!
@@asplmn you must have alot of money to waste since VC dont need another closed backs to complement it
@@soulfulfool and nobody _needs_ a headphone as expensive as the VC, either. ;)
@@asplmn I need
What kind of filter was that on the DDJ section. That looks epic.
It's a Davinci Resolve filter that is a colored outline. It's a fun one to use.
Nice one man. I think the best way to explain SRV spectacular guitar playing is he's playing with some "Grit". I'm on the fence with the Caldera. I already have the newest HE1000 V2 (V3) Stealth Magnet as my go to Planar which I just love more than I ever expected. I also have a Stabilized Auteur Classic which imo is the best bang for the buck ZMF headphone. If Zach does a Stabilized run of the Caldera at some point I might take the plunge. Nice review 🍻
Grit, yes! Excellent description, Thank you!
Do stabilized versions have any other differences than aesthetics? Sonics, weight, maintenance etc.?
@@Peace_Guard I think the weight of the ZMF's will differ a bit depending on what type woods are used on a particular headphone at that time and with the Stabilized materials. Burt I've had a Camphor Burl VC and currently own a Stabilized Auteur Classic and the weight was no a problem with either. The headband setup Zach has innovated is one of the most comfortable I've experienced with a HP. I use the AC for gaming for hours and the y never feel heavy or fatiguing. I don't think the sound signature would change drastically between Wood and Stabilized as Zach fine tunes each HP's sound sig before shipping them. You can probably email ZMF with any questions you have. I have emailed with Zach before with questions and he's been happy to answer them.
Ok, Caldera vs Atrium for Edm, rock and Opera ?
Caldera vs Atrium, better technicalities for FPS ?
Thanks 🤟🏻
You really can't go wrong with either. The biggest difference to me is the DD vs Planar. You can pair OTL tubes with the Atriums and get some special sauce going...or you can enjoy the speed and natural sound of the Caldera but also pair it with different amps. Both will sound great and both have the tech chops. The open Atrium probably slightly edges out closed in that, but not by much. Caldera will be easier to drive if that matters.
The zmf caldera surpasses Meze Empyrean Elite and is more enjoyable than Susvara while still beeing technically 🙂
It migh be the best allrounder . Would love to compare it side by side with Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system 🙂
"Promo sm" 😂