I own both the AO and the Caldera. I’ve listened to the AC. I would say that your review is pretty much spot on. The two Atriums are more similar than not in their overall presentation which pulls you back from the performance. The Caldera is an upfront presentation without losing instrument separation or soundstage.
I have a Violectric V550, because I don’t like tubes and how hot they can get warming up the room. I’m thinking about getting the Atrium or the Caldera but don’t like that everyone keeps saying you have to have them on tubes. The v550 has high voltage output that the manual claims is so that it can push high impedance headphones really well. This is a $3000 amp, so I’m wondering if anyone has a ZMF headphone on this specific amp. Its a slight warm and neutral amp with gobs of power and soundstage
@@Skeeb23 nice! I already have a VC which is very snappy and punchy. You should totally try to get your hands on a VC for review and comparisons. If you're in the PNW area, I may be able to hook you up... ;)
I recently purchased and received my Caldera. These are just amazing for every genre. Running these off of my Burson Soloist GT(SS) is just amazing. For tubes, I have the Woo Audio WA22 and it just opens it up more in terms of staging and adds more weight to the sound. I actually now use my WA22 as a pre-amp to my Soloist GT and it is an experience to say the least. This is my first ZMF and no regrets on the purchase. I also lean towards planars, so this purchase was a no brainer to me. Currently, I am using these with the Caldera Thick pads but I also enjoy these with the Caldera Suede pads. Thanks for the comparisons very interesting! I would like to try the ATC some day.
How is the bass? I love my LCD-5's but they need eq with a bass bump and 9K with a narrow Q. I like an accurate but a punchier bass. I like the bass on focal clears and MG's and Stellia's. Do you think the Calderas would satisfy the bass, I do't want an exaggerated bass.
@@marc8vino I owned the LCD5.. it definitely requires a bass shelf. The Caldera on the other hand slams well and is very well extended and not exaggerated by any means. I got it for listening to Metal primarily but it handles all genres equally well. There are definitely more bass heavy headphones out there but I find Caldera to be just right in the bass department. It can also easily handle a bass shelf bump if you need more but its not necessary... overall you can't go wrong with this headphone.
I own both the AO and the Caldera. I’ve listened to the AC. I would say that your review is pretty much spot on. The two Atriums are more similar than not in their overall presentation which pulls you back from the performance. The Caldera is an upfront presentation without losing instrument separation or soundstage.
I love ZMF's but I am curious how the Modhouse are going to stack up to the calderas.
Thanks!
Oh wow, thank you good sir!!
I have a Violectric V550, because I don’t like tubes and how hot they can get warming up the room.
I’m thinking about getting the Atrium or the Caldera but don’t like that everyone keeps saying you have to have them on tubes.
The v550 has high voltage output that the manual claims is so that it can push high impedance headphones really well. This is a $3000 amp, so I’m wondering if anyone has a ZMF headphone on this specific amp. Its a slight warm and neutral amp with gobs of power and soundstage
Comic/movie reference is a different flavor and oddly makes sense.
Seems like the Atrium Closed would better for EDM than the Caldera, tho, no?
Both! Low end slam yes, but speed and that snappiness...plus the Caldera is no slouch with bass.
@@Skeeb23 nice! I already have a VC which is very snappy and punchy.
You should totally try to get your hands on a VC for review and comparisons. If you're in the PNW area, I may be able to hook you up... ;)
@@asplmn thanks for the offer. I'm in the MW but I'll be at CanJam next month and plan to spend plenty of time at ZMF.
Do you remember the pads you liked on the Atrium Open? Are they the Stock pads on this set you reviewed?
The planar is the least power hungry??
Easiest to drive. Different amps will give you different things. Remember the Atriums are 300 ohms.
more confusion
7:30 the cringeyness is insane
I recently purchased and received my Caldera. These are just amazing for every genre. Running these off of my Burson Soloist GT(SS) is just amazing.
For tubes, I have the Woo Audio WA22 and it just opens it up more in terms of staging and adds more weight to the sound. I actually now use my WA22 as a pre-amp to my Soloist GT and it is an experience to say the least.
This is my first ZMF and no regrets on the purchase. I also lean towards planars, so this purchase was a no brainer to me. Currently, I am using these with the Caldera Thick pads but I also enjoy these with the Caldera Suede pads.
Thanks for the comparisons very interesting! I would like to try the ATC some day.
Very cool, yes the Caldera is on my wishlist for sure! Best planar I've heard for my tastes!
How is the bass? I love my LCD-5's but they need eq with a bass bump and 9K with a narrow Q. I like an accurate but a punchier bass. I like the bass on focal clears and MG's and Stellia's. Do you think the Calderas would satisfy the bass, I do't want an exaggerated bass.
@@marc8vino I owned the LCD5.. it definitely requires a bass shelf. The Caldera on the other hand slams well and is very well extended and not exaggerated by any means. I got it for listening to Metal primarily but it handles all genres equally well. There are definitely more bass heavy headphones out there but I find Caldera to be just right in the bass department. It can also easily handle a bass shelf bump if you need more but its not necessary... overall you can't go wrong with this headphone.