Search results for query: *
- Users: johnnypaddock
- Order by date
-
THE WATERCOOLER HEADPHONE EDITION – Headphones, Amps, DACs, and desktop/home audio related – a freewheeling discussion of gear, impressions, music, and musings.
I went down the DNA path a few years back, eventually ending up with a Stellaris. I agree, it's really holographic. I was listening to the Stellaris > VO last night and couldn't believe how tactile and 3D the instruments sounded. It's an effortless sound with insane layering and depth, slightly...- johnnypaddock
- Post #1,391
- Forum: Headphones (full-size)
-
THE WATERCOOLER HEADPHONE EDITION – Headphones, Amps, DACs, and desktop/home audio related – a freewheeling discussion of gear, impressions, music, and musings.
I had the M3 last year for a few months and loved it. I haven't heard the Wavelight so I can't compare, but I strongly preferred the M3 to my previous DAC, the Sonnet Digital Audio Pasithea. The M3 had lots more resolution, plenty of instrument separation, very natural sounding with a little...- johnnypaddock
- Post #1,124
- Forum: Headphones (full-size)
-
ZMF Caldera Closed
I'll be following this as well. Stellaris is my favorite amp, but I might end up using the solid state Benchmark HPA4 with the CC. It will be interesting to see how they compare.- johnnypaddock
- Post #278
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions
I was saying the latter. I find DNA amps help mitigate the lower bass quantity of the HD-800S.- johnnypaddock
- Post #4,346
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions
Actually I haven't heard the 2022, and that might make a big difference. I agree that the Utopia is more dynamic, but I found the HD-800S to sound more natural. For that fast, dynamic, harder-hitting sound I ended up preferring the ZMF VO with Be2 pads. The sound signature is similar to the...- johnnypaddock
- Post #4,342
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
DNA Stratus 2A3 amplifier - first impressions
I'm pretty sure I'm in the minority on this, but I prefer the HD-800S to the Utopia coming from the Stratus (and Stellaris). Utopia images better, but the HD-800S wins out for soundstage. I find them very close when it comes to resolution/technicalities, so this is just a personal preference...- johnnypaddock
- Post #4,340
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Verite Closed-New Closed Back ZMF Flagship.
I wouldn't say the AO was lacking in any particular area. For me it was a case of the AC being preferable in a number of areas, with no real drawbacks. The imaging is sharper, it hits harder in the midrange, and the bass response is amazing. It's more engaging, and the whole presentation comes...- johnnypaddock
- Post #12,298
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Verite Closed-New Closed Back ZMF Flagship.
That was exactly how it went for me as well. I like the AO but I have a strong preference for the AC. When it comes to VC/VO, I wouldn't want to be without either one.- johnnypaddock
- Post #12,296
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Verite Open
It's possible, but I'm pretty sure both of the pairs that I posted are Universe. I've got a multiple other BE2 pads and they are all thinner. You're right though, the perforation on my newer Universe looks like it matches up with the BE2 in your photo.- johnnypaddock
- Post #9,393
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Verite Open
With most ZMF's I have a clear preference for certain pads, but with the VO I always find myself going back and forth between the BE2 and the Universe. I find the BE2's to be a little more neutral, harder hitting, with a smaller but maybe more clearly defined soundstage. With the Universe pads...- johnnypaddock
- Post #9,387
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
Feedback by 'johnnypaddock' on listing 'ZMF Salire, Tiger Maple'
Quick communication, careful and fast shipping, excellent condition. Highly recommended.- johnnypaddock
- Feedback
-
For Sale SOLD - ZMF Atrium (Bubinga) - Local Pickup Available, MA / NH
- Price
- 1800.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
ZMF Atrium in limited Bubinga wood I picked this up recently here in the classifieds recently but decided to go in another direction. Offering them up for the same price I paid. The headphones are in excellent shape with no functional or aesthetic issues. ZMF Lektrik S cable included along with...- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 1
- Category: Full-Size
-
Feedback by 'johnnypaddock' on listing 'ZMR Atrium Open Limited Bubinga'
Easy transaction, great communication, honest description and quick shipping. Thanks!- johnnypaddock
- Feedback
-
For Sale Focal Utopia 2020 - Excellent Condition, 3+ Years on Warranty - Local Pickup Available, MA / NH
- Price
- 2000.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
...original invoice, March of 2022, along with the 60 month warranty registration. Original packaging, XLR cable and 6.3/3.5mm cable included. All packaged up and ready to ship today! Also willing to meet up in-person, northern MA / southern NH area. $2,000 shipped, USA ***No trades - Thanks***- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 0
- Category: Full-Size
-
ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!
Thanks. That all makes perfect sense. I’ve got a Benchmark HPA4 that I can always use with the Caldera, but I really love the Stellaris and go with it almost every time I listen to headphones.- johnnypaddock
- Post #6,024
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship
Insanely nice!!- johnnypaddock
- Post #5,414
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Verite Open
For an opposing opinion, in my experience woods on opposite ends of the hardness scale will show clear differences. I can’t imagine comparing something like cherry with ironwood and not hearing each as unique. If you’re comparing woods that are closer to each other on the spectrum, the...- johnnypaddock
- Post #9,305
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!
I apologize if this has been asked before, but do you find the Caldera to be a good match with the Stellaris? I’ve been thinking about either the Caldera or the closed version once it comes out.- johnnypaddock
- Post #6,011
- Forum: High-end Audio Forum
-
For Sale ZMF Vérité Closed (Monkeypod) - Local Pickup Available, MA/NH
- Price
- 1575.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
Selling a ZMF Vérité Closed in Monkeypod with magnesium chassis and upgraded crescent strap. Everything is in great shape, minimal signs of use. I'm the original owner and listened to these as part of a 4 headphone rotation. Comes with Universe and Auteur solid lambskin pads, original seahorse...- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 0
- Category: Full-Size
-
For Sale Bricasti M3 DAC with Network Card, Remote, MDx 1.11 - Local Pickup Available, MA/NH
- Price
- 3400.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
*****SOLD***** Selling a Bricasti M3 DAC with MDx 1.11 firmware, network card and remote control. Unit is in excellent condition, working perfectly with only the lightest signs of use. I love the sound, just selling because I upgraded to the Bricasti M1 Series II. This is carefully packaged...- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 0
- Category: DACs
-
ZMF November // 2023 // MEGATHREAD!
Thanks... I've had my eye on one of the ZMF November models in Kingwood. Gorgeous wood, and I'd like to try a harder wood Atrium for this go around. 570g isn't too bad with the ZMF design in my experience.- johnnypaddock
- Post #1,511
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
-
ZMF November // 2023 // MEGATHREAD!
How's the weight on that bad larry? I've been thinking about getting an Atrium again... Beautiful sounding headphone. ***You can feel good about Hood***- johnnypaddock
- Post #1,507
- Forum: Sponsor Announcements and Deals
-
For Sale Metrum Acoustics Ambre ROON Endpoint
- Price
- 550.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
Metrum Acoustics Ambre ROON Endpoint Black color, excellent condition with minimal cosmetic marks from normal use. Works perfectly, very easy to set up as a ROON endpoint. I don't have original packaging, but this will ship in an oversized box with tons of protection. Short USB cable and power...- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 0
- Category: CD Players, Transports, and Other Audio Components
-
For Sale ***SOLD*** Sonnet Digital Audio Pasithea DAC - Local Pickup Available, MA / NH
- Price
- 2600.00 USD
- Condition
- Good
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
***SOLD*** Sonnet Digital Audio Pasithea DAC **NOTE** - The original I2S input on this DAC needed to be replaced. The replacement module is installed and working perfectly. Please note that due to the design, the replacement had to be installed where the USB port is. I have both modules and I'm...- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 2
- Category: DACs
-
For Sale ***SOLD*** DNA Stratus v4 - Local Pickup Available, MA / NH ***SOLD***
- Price
- 4400.00 USD
- Condition
- Excellent/Like new
- Negotiability
- Firm
- Ships to
- United States of America
...and I'm only selling because I upgraded to a Stellaris. All stock tubes are included, although the owner's manual is missing. It's all packed up and ready to go! Local cash sale strongly preferred, northern MA / southern NH area. Not interested in trades. Thanks for looking. $4400 ***SOLD***- johnnypaddock
- Listing
- Comments: 1
- Category: Desktop