OPPO PM-1 Review

*I am reviewing the Meze 99 Classics as a condition of the recent tour conducted by the fine folks at Meze. The following is simply my honest impressions.

Introduction and Initial Observations

First, a little bit about this headphone. The 99 Classics are marketed as a headphone built from the ground up with an aim at those looking for both high quality, neutral sound and high-end looks in one package. There are a few things I'd like to add to this, now having seen, touched, and heard the headphones myself--these promises are definitely delivered upon in my experience. I was impressed that the headphones use real wood and metal, with very little to no plastic being used at all. Further, I find the headphones to be quite attractively designed, though this will come down to personal preference. Despite this, the headphone remains quite light and ideal for listening on the go. My only qualm with the build quality of the headphones is that I would rather they cost about $40-50 more and come with lambskin earpads instead of the cheap feeling pleather ones that come with it at present.

Equipment Used

JRiver Media Center (FLAC files)→Aune T1 (with various tubes)
Samsung Galaxy Note 5

-Nothing fancy here, really. But, fortunately, the 99 Classics don't need anything fancy to sound great.

How Do They Sound?

I really liked listening to the 99 Classics. They have a lively, energetic sound, yet have a touch of warmth to them. The highs are clear, but not sharp. The mids are fairly intimate and bass has a pleasant fullness to it. The way these are tuned actually reminds quite a bit of a "smaller sounding" ZMF Omni. The Omni has deeper bass, more detail, larger soundstage, more depth, and better imaging BUT if you were to kind of take the core essence of that warmish, intimate, and yet detailed sound of the Omni and shrink it into a portable headphone, I think it would look a lot like the 99 Classics. Some more points on the 99 Classics:

Extremely easy to drive.
Sounded equally nice out of the T1 and my phone. I would be totally content using these portably with nothing but a phone or mp3 player. To emphasize: no dedicated amp needed.
They are very light on head. Not the most comfortable headphone ever, but quite good still. I actually had this weird issue where the headband would pinch my hair and pull it when I removed the headphones. Despite this, I actually like the headband design.
These lean warm and are energetic sounding. Treble-heads need not apply. Also, I'd say bassheads will be disappointed. However, those who like a lively sound that isn't overemphasized in any one area, you will probably dig the 99 Classics a lot.
Many people have complained that the earpads are too small. I agree to an extent, and think the pads would be better if just a bit bigger, but I am overall OK with the way the pads are at present. One really cool thing is that Meze has taken this feedback into account and accordingly have made larger earpads available.

Final Notes

I haven't listened to a ton of portable headphones, but I like the 99 Classics more than all the ones I've heard. This included the NAD Viso HP50, Audioquest Nighthawk, Sennheiser Momentum, and Oppo PM-1 (cost is a factore here). When I decide to get a set of portables, it will almost certainly be the 99 Classics.

@cyberslacker

@cyberslacker I would say that they are generally well built and definitely able to be used out an about, but they shouldn't be treated carelessly. I don't think they'd take well to being sat on. If I were going to go about town with them, I would keep then on my head/around my neck and then place them inside the carrying case that comes with them before placing them in a backpack or something like that.

"... great for portable use ..."? If you like stares and snickers.

thanks for the review. i really like to buy one of these, specially the color white one.

it looks clean to me.

OPPO PM-1 Review

Introduction

The headphone up for review today is the OPPO PM-1. This headphone has not been as widely available in the United States as many other headphones, so the kind folks at OPPO have afforded me and several others the opportunity to listen to one of their headphones for a week. My thanks to OPPO for trusting me with their flagship offering!

Portable Planars

To date, my experience with planar magnetic headphones has been shaped by the likes of the Audeze and Hifiman offerings, and also by my personal favorite, the ZMF Omni. These headphones are generally larger and/or heavier and the designs typically do not lend themselves to being used on the go. OPPO severely deviates from this trend by making a line of planar magnetic headphones that are modest in size, lightweight, comfortable, sturdy, and perhaps most importantly, easy to drive.

When it come to comfort, build quality, and portability, the PM-1 ranks among the best headphones I've used. Even though the PM-2 allegedly offers near-identical sound quality, I wouldn't fault someone for choosing to pay the extra money for the luxurious look and feel of the PM-1. To be completely clear, I really like the look, feel, and comfort of the PM-1. I also dig the denim case that was included. The 1/4” terminated cable is decent—well built, and plenty long enough for most. Aesthetically, it is alright. It's a somewhat thick cable that essentially looks like it is sheathed in black paracord . The portable 1/8” terminated cable is a little more pedestrian looking and feeling—thin, light, and rubbery.

My Setup

JRiver Media Center (FLAC files)→Aune T1 (Voskhod 6n23p 1979 grey shield tube)→OPPO PM-1

Samsung Galaxy Note 5→OPPO PM-1

How Do They Sound?

My only regret right now is that I don't have as many headphones on hand to compare to the PM-1 as I would like, but still I have a couple points of comparison.

Feeding the PM-1 with FLAC rips from JRMC and feeding the PM-1 directly through my Galaxy Note 5 work pretty much equally well. These headphones are easy to drive and sound nice even without a dedicated amp.The first thing I notice about them is that they have a nice natural presentation. I'd characterize the overall tonality to being closer to Hifiman offerings than Audeze ones. That is to say, these are titled a little toward lower treble/upper midrange and yes there is a nice, tight bit of bass, however, the sound is definitely a departure from the thicker, meatier sound of the LCD line and my ZMF Omni.

To be clear, though, I wouldn't say that the PM-1 is a sparkly sounding headphone. They are more what I would consider neutral, tonally, and perhaps slightly polite or even rolled off treble.As far as overall frequency response is concerned, what I hear is a headphone that should cater well to people who enjoy crisp, forward vocals and tight bass that digs pretty deep without overwhelming the rest of the spectrum.

One of the more clear limitations of the PM-1 is that it has a relatively small soundstage and so-so imaging.

That said, these are probably the best portable-feasible headphones I've heard.

Brief comparison notes:

vs. Sennheiser Momenum Over Ear v2:

PM-1 is more detailed, more neutral and has decent bass presence without the boominess present in the Momentum. The PM-1 also has superior comfort and build quality (although the Momentum isn't too shabby in this regard).

vs. Audioquest Nighthawk:

PM-1 is cleaner and clearer sounding and without the midbass bleed present in the Nighthawk. These are very different sounding headphones from the nighthawk, which has a thicker and “bigger” sound. If I had to guess, I think more people will enjoy the presentation of the PM-1, but the Nighthawk does have a certain allure to it.

vs. ZMF Omni

The Omni is currently my favorite headphone, and I would not necessarily consider the PM-1 a direct competitor even though they are planars in the same price range. The Omni is more suitable as a full sized headphone for home use and has much more potential sound-wise in it than the PM-1. The Omni has a larger soundstage, better instrument separation, better bass, more involving midrange, and smoother treble. The PM-1 is more of an ultra-premium headphone for portable use and less a headphone that I'd use as a permanent fixture in my home rig.

vs. the NAD Viso HP50

Ah, I wish I still had the HP50 on hand to do an in-depth comparison. The PM-1 seems to me to be most similar to the HP50 compared to the other headphones I've mentioned. I know that might sound off considering the price difference between these models, but I mean that they are similar in the sense that they are both neutral-tuned headphones directed at the portable headphone market. The PM-1 is more resolving to my ears and also has less of a mid bass emphasis with a little more sub-bass reach. They are also light-years apart when it comes to comfort and build quality (the PM-1 winning this easily, that is).

Final Notes

The PM-1 is a rock solid contender in the portable/transportable headphone market. Gorgeous design and build quality coupled with top notch comfort and very nice sound.
If the price of the PM-1 is off-putting, check out the PM-2 as they are near-identical sound-wise but using less-premium build materials.
If you are looking for a portable neutral headphone that isn't overly bright or aggressive, the PM-1 might be right in your wheelhouse.

Nice review!

The PM-1 is a headphone that when you physically touch you know how well-made it is. Every collection deserves a PM-1.

[size=24.57px]ZMF Omni Review[/size]

[size=20.007px]Introduction[/size]

First, a little bit about this headphone. This is the ZMF Omni, the current flagship headphone of the ZMF headphone brand, a brand created Zachary Mehrbach. ZMF headphones all utilize the now-ubiquitous T50RP drivers made by Fostex but they are heavily modified, damped, and placed in thoughtfully designed wooden cups to give each model a unique sound to suit listeners' preferences.

Just Another T50RP Mod?

To be honest, I wrote off ZMF headphones for long time because of a mental block I had that basically was this: “These are just T50RP mods, how good could they be?” I'm surely not the first person to think that mere mods “can only be so good.” I became a bit more open minded over time, however, when I considered some interesting truths I have read and experiences I have had about drivers used in many headphones. Consider the following:

The Audioquest Nighthawk obviously appears to use Fostex drivers yet note how different they sound compared to the THX00/600/900
Mr. Speakers has done some pretty impressive things with the T50RP himself
Symphones has done amazing things modding Grado SR325 drivers before developing their own version of the Grado-style driver
Beyerdynamic Telsa drivers looked exciting from a cutting edge R&D standpoint but they fell flat IMO
Grado outsources their drivers from who knows where (it is a secret, apparently)

The point of what I'm trying to express here is that while the driver is important, what often makes or breaks a headphone is the implementation of the driver and also the incredible impact of driver modification/tuning can have. Same goes for DACs and amps. A list of parts rarely indicates how successful the end result is.

Some Context/Why I Bought the ZMF Omni

I have had for some time now a pretty good idea of what I wanted in a headphone, and I've had many years of headphone trial and error to figure it out. I guess you could say that at this point, I'm a reformed treble-head. I used to crave a headphone with both a punchy and clinical presentation such as the HD800 in the right system or the Symphones Magnum X in aluminum cups.

Such headphones have been hard on my tinnitus over the years, and I noticed that I would frequently turn up the volume to compensate for the lack of bass I was hearing. I eventually started listening to more vinyl and I purchased a pair of HD600s to capture a warmer, fuller yet still intimate sound. I loved the HD600s and their natural presentation but eventually decided to move on from them because they lacked sub-bass. I don't really consider myself a basshead; I just want to hear the fullness of sound that is often achieved when listening to speakers but in a more intimate way that only headphones can provide.

One day I decided to message Zach Mehrbach at ZMF and we had a discussion about what I was looking for in a pair of headphones. I basically said that I love intimate vocals and vibrant mids but that I also wanted a headphone that was also resolving but with legitimate sub-bass and a decent soundstage, if possible. (In my mind I'm thinking give me the HD600 with better bass and soundstage and a touch more resolution—this to me would be the perfect headphone). He said that it sounds like we share the same taste in headphones and that I would probably be happiest with the Omni because it has the best soundstage in addition to the other features I was looking for. So I said okay, let's do this, and I placed my order.

My Setup

JRiver Media Center (FLAC files)→Aune T1 (Voskhod 6n23p 1979 grey shield tube)→Schiit Mjolnir→ZMF Omni

I was enjoying the Omni straight out of my T1 until I acquired a 4-Pin XLR balanced cable and a Schiit Mjolnir. The Omni actually did sound pretty nice out of the T1 but adding in the Mjolnir made huge improvements across the board—soundstage, imaging, dynamics, athority, etc. I have another NOS tube on order to try out in my T1 but my current choice of the Voskhod 6n23p from '79 is pretty stellar so I'm going forward with the review now.

How Do They Sound?

I will try to make this both as simple and informative as I can. They sound awesome. The Omni is the fullest and richest sounding headphone I have ever heard. That is to say:

There is sub-bass. I can't emphasize enough how much of a difference this makes when listening to my music. Once you realize how much bass has been missing from your other headphones, you won't want to go back to them.
Holy crap, these headphones have some detailed yet smooth and rich mids. No midbass hump, no compressed sounding vocals and no muddiness from the bass frequencies bleeding in to the mids. The Omni has a clear and articulate midrange that is altogether detailed, involving, and easy to listen to.
The highs are detailed, and thankfully they are not grainy and yet still not fatiguing. I noticed no harshness and no glare.
There is an impressive soundstage with the Omni. A step up from the HD6X0 headphones but obviously not as large a soundstage as the HD800. What the Omni really excels in is instrument separation and imaging. With my tube DAC there is an extremely pleasant holographic quality to the sound put out by the Omni.
As a whole, there is something unique and magical about the presentation that the Omni brings to the table. I love it.

Comparisons to Other Headphones

I have listened to many headphones over the years and most of the following notes are based on either owning the headphone or sitting down with a headphone for an extended period on multiple occasions.

Audeze headphones:
The Omni is most frequently compared to the Audeze LCD line of headphones and for good reason: they both share something of a warm, speaker-like presentation. That said there are differences between the LCD-2, LCD-3 and Omni. However, I really want to sit down and do an A/B between the Omni and the LCD line before I state specific differences. What I can say is that when I last listened to the LCD-2 and LCD-3 I liked them but not enough to want to buy them.
The Audeze EL-8 Open sounds a bit different than all of the above as it has a bit of a snappier presentation with less of that lush speaker-like presentation. I like the EL-8 Open but it lacks that special something that makes me crave listening to music on headphones.

Mr. Speakers Alpha Prime, Ether, and Ether C:
It's natural to pit these against the Omni since the Prime is a T50RP mod and the Ether and Ether C are also high-end planar magnetic headphones. The Alpha Prime and Omni are very, very different sounding headphones (interesting considering they share the same driver). The Alpha Prime is more airy sounding with a bit more treble emphasis and deep but less authoritative bass and generally less body to the sound. I am actually in the unique category of person who likes both the Omni and the Alpha Prime sound signatures. I do, however, prefer the Omni by a lot.
The Ether and Ether C are virtually the exact opposite of the Omni sound-wise. They could not possibly be any different. The Ether/Ether C have an extremely thin, bodiless sound to them and they have a void where bass should be. I can understand somebody liking these headphones but their presentation is really not to my taste.

Audioquest Nighthawk
The Nighthawk is an extremely polarizing headphone. I owned the Nighthawk briefly and I did come to understand its appeal, however, there are just too many things wrong with it to keep it around. The Nighthawk does have bass but the bass lacks articulation and the bass bleeds into the mids in flagrant fashion. The highs are rolled off and ultimately its a headphone that made me sad because it felt like a headphone with a ton of unrealized potential.

Other headphones
I could sit here all day and talk about the headphones I've heard, but I will spare you. If you'd like me to compare the Omni to some other headphone just shoot me a pm and I'll do my best to have a fresh listen and do a proper comparison.

Final Notes

The Omni really benefits from the extra power that my Mjolnir can give it. I recommend an amp that is well known for driving planars. It has been said that the Liquid Carbon is a good choice, and I am absolutely loving the Schiit Mjolnir (the current used price makes it a steal IMO).
Take the time to get the fit right. I watched videos on youtube for both ZMF and Mr Speakers for how to properly bend the headband for a good fit.
I use the lambskin pads. The cowhide pads do sound good, too, so I recommend ordering both to compare. Again, watch the ZMF youtube video for how to properly switch pads.

Edit: I forgot to mention that the wood that I chose is Bocote. This was a limited edition wood choice, but feel free to contact Zach at ZMF to talk about wood availability and its impact on the sound.

@Dennis160

Thanks for the compliments guys! @Dennis160 I don't normally pay attention to isolation and leakage when choosing a headphone because I listen solely in the privacy of my home. However, the Omni leaks less sound than one might expect from a semi-open design. As far as what is appropriate for office use, I'm not sure. I listen fairly loudly and you can can hear what song I'm listening to, but it's at a rather modest sound level compared to the open back headphones I've used. Your question might be better directed to Zach at ZMF or maybe one of the other Omni owners could chime in here as to whether they would use them in an office.

I was at the Phila Head-fi meet and met Zack at there and took a listen to them. I ended up ordering the OMNI a week or so later. I got the Cherry and to my ears they sounded great. There are other reviews up that go into lots of details. I appreciate the time and effort that he puts into each one to extract the best sound possible. Zack is awesome to talk to and very accommodating, things I really appreciate!

Love the grain on your ZMF Bocote headphones!I also purchased the Bocote Le and although beautiful yours are stunning!Will have to post pics when I am granted full access!

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joeq70

1000+ Head-Fier

Meze Audio 99 Classics

*I am reviewing the Meze 99 Classics as a condition of the recent tour conducted by the fine folks at Meze. The following is simply my honest impressions.

Introduction and Initial Observations

Equipment Used

How Do They Sound?

Final Notes

joeq70

1000+ Head-Fier

OPPO PM-1

OPPO PM-1 Review

Introduction

Portable Planars

My Setup

How Do They Sound?

Final Notes

joeq70

1000+ Head-Fier

ZMF Headphones Omni

[size=24.57px]ZMF Omni Review[/size]

[size=20.007px]Introduction[/size]

Just Another T50RP Mod?

Some Context/Why I Bought the ZMF Omni

My Setup

How Do They Sound?

Comparisons to Other Headphones

Final Notes