ZMFheadphones Bokeh Open

Disclaimer

Zach has kindly lent me his newest creation; the Bokeh open for a few months in exchange for my honest opinion. While I admittedly enjoy ZMF sound, I am not affiliated with the company; all you can read here are my honest findings. After reviewing the Caldera open, I had to buy a pair, and these have been my daily drivers since late 2023. Last year I also reviewed the Caldera closed and Bokeh closed, and while I consider them to be the best sounding closed back headphones in their respective price range, my heart is still captured by open-back headphones.



Intro, package, design, build, comfort

The easy to drive ZMF Bokeh headphones are the entry tickets into the ZMF universe; some call them ZMF gateway drugs. Around $1K, the Bokeh headphones are the most affordable tasters into the legendary tone and timbre of Zach's musical world. In my opinion, for tone and timbre nothing can compete with the Bokeh at this price point. It is just a bonus, that the open version is actually $100 cheaper than the closed one.


Bokeh closed driver on the bottom, Bokeh open driver on top. Same LCP drivers in different enclosures: the closed one has more dampening and the open sits deeper. Easy to drive: 103 dB/mW, 80 Ω.

The bokeh open sports the same LCP (Liquid Crystal Polymer) driver that we have seen in the closed version, but the open cups and different amount of damping gives these two headphones a distinctively different flavour. When I asked Zach about his tuning philosophy behind open and closed designs, he said: "I tend to tune closed backs a little more laid back by default, because many people have more issues with energy and tinnitus with closed backs due to the sound pressure...I want to make a different sound for open and closed, so they can complement and not replicate each other. Thankfully, the best sound in each format is usually a bit different". While they are certainly similar, the Bokeh open is not simply the open version of the Bokeh closed but a different sounding headphone tuned with slightly different intentions. I would call them siblings but not twins.

The current Bokeh open headphones are made of birch plywood sheets. These are industrial quality sheets with exceptional longevity. This is new to ZMF, previous headphone cups were fully carved of wood blocks. In my opinion the ply cups certainly look apart and cool, but I am not sure if they possess the same glamour as the block wood cups we are used to. In the future we are likely to see different wood variants.

Finish and build quality is up to the same high ZMF standard we already know. Of course, there are differences like a simpler headband and 3.5mm connectors instead of mini xlr, but the general feel of quality craftsmanship with the Bokeh is unchanged. The earpads provide adequate space for the ears and the headphones feel light enough (my pair weighs 525g on the scale with earpads). Initially I found the clamping force a bit strong, but this will wear off over time and can also be adjusted by gently stretching the headband.


The pad swap assisting/helping rings and the solid meshes that further dampen high frequencies.

I cannot miss mentioning the earpad swap system on the Bokeh. Swapping earpads the very first time on any ZMF headphone, can be a little bit of a learning process. I remember, my very first ZMF pad swap on the Caldera took ten minutes. Now I can change both pads in less than a minute. With the Bokeh open even experienced ZMF owners can pretty much forget what they have learnt. The oval shape of the Bokeh cups make pad swapping much more challenging than it is on any other round-shaped ZMF headphones. I have been through a lot of frustration and failed attempts until the ZMF team came up with the 'Bokeh pad-swap assisting ring' as a response to the complaints. I have to say, the ring works and makes the pad swap as easy as it is on other ZMF headphones. It is still a bit finicky to first apply the ring and then change the pads, but at least now it is an accomplishable process. Luckily, once owners figure out their pad preference on the Bokeh, I do not think they will swap them too often. I feel settled with the protein pads and stock mesh as my preferred combination above all others.


Really nice optional case for a reasonable $70.

ZMF has also released a pretty cool carrying case for the Bokeh, which is a great fit for any ZMF headphones. For $70 the case feels like a great deal, a sleeker and much more elegant alternative to the hard plastic pelican case that comes with most other ZMF headphones. The cables of the Bokeh are comfortable, light and non-tangling.

Sound

What does it mean that the Bokeh (open or closed) are tasters into the ZMF universe? First of all, we should attempt to define what 'ZMF sound' is. Once I asked this question from the master himself. According to Zach: "ZMF sound has to do with the transient impulse and dynamic nature and the timbral characteristics a lot. Not to say it doesn't include FR stuff, like a slightly relaxed 3/6k area, but overall, the decay character and transient excitement with the relaxed upper mids make our headphones sound the way they do."

In practice, to me that means a supremely natural and lifelike presentation with exceptional tone and timbre: a thick, weighty but also quite speedy and organic sound. A tuning that is focused on dynamics, fun, impact, and is also slightly warm and immensely engaging. ZMF is not about ultimate neutrality and not about chasing the finest micro-details. ZMF headphones create a supremely enjoyable, coherent soundscape with good technicalities and a unique, musical 'flow experience'. Bokeh is a taster into this world and tuning philosophy.



Technicalities

While the Bokeh open offers a more than decent technical performance, it is not their micro-detail retrieval or exceptional speed that will make them stand out. If you are solely after the highest level of details and biggest space; you are probably better off with the Arya Organic. What the entry level ZMF open dynamic headphones offer versus the Arya or pretty much any other competitor, is a thick, lifelike and coherent sound which is weighty and feels alive. Bokeh is about getting lost in the music and not about analysing 'planktons' to use one of those fashionable but irritating terms.

My experience is that after owning TOTL headphones, lower tear offerings usually cannot really excite or satisfy my spoiled ears. Lower tier headphones that I previously loved and enjoyed like the LCD-X now sound a bit plasticky, the Arya a bit thin, bright and too light. A ZMF will never sound plasticky and/or boring. In fact, the Bokeh open is one of the most enjoyable pairs I have ever heard at any price point. These new ZMF dynamics were genuinely stealing listening time from my Caldera open, they are that good. You can hear the love, passion and dedication these were tuned with.

Imaging on the Bokeh is excellent, instrument placement is accurate, but with slightly less clarity and definition compared to higher-end headphones. We have a smaller soundstage compared to the Atrium or Caldera, and while the width is excellent, soundstage depth and layering is behind the higher-end models. Layering and soundstage depth are adequate for the price, but not outstanding. This goes for resolution and micro-detail retrieval as well. All that said, in my opinion the Bokeh open does enough to satisfy the listener in these technical areas too. Resolution is enough to project a coherent picture and offer the experience of a lifelike 'flow'. When swapping to my Caldera, there is a noticeable jump in resolution and refinement, but after fully adjusting to Bokeh's presentation, I don't really feel I am missing out much on anything.

Tonality and timbre characteristics of the Bokeh (and ZMF headphones in general) are exceptional. This is where the Bokeh shines and stands out versus the competition (Focal, DCA, Audeze, Meze). Even within the whole ZMF line up, to my ears the Bokeh open has an exceptionally good balance of fun and accuracy. These are not neutral headphones; they do not try to be studio monitors. There is some bass elevation like in pretty much all ZMF dynamic headphones (to different extent), but this elevation is tasteful and in balance with the rest of the frequency range. Treble is nice and open, mids are not overshadowed, in fact they are quite forward. In my opinion ZMF has nailed the tonal balance and tuning of the Bokeh open: they are balanced, but at the same time come with an awful lot of dynamic fun.


The Aegis does wonders to all ZMF headphones: natural, dynamic. While the Bokeh do not scale as high as the Caldera, they certainly improve.

Bass is present and slightly elevated but never feels overwhelming or obtrusive. Bass in the Bokeh open is a strong and dynamic part of the coherent whole, the pumping heart of the musical stream. Many people associate punchy sub-bass with closed-back design, but the Bokeh is a great example that you can have excellent, dynamic bass with great sub-bass extension even in open-back design, even at this price point. Bass is precise, dynamic, feels more linear and cleaner than the closed variant (especially with the leather/protein pads on the Bokeh open). I prefer this more linear bass versus the mid-bassier, and smoother sounding Bokeh closed. The open Bokeh sounds more precise and more dynamic, which seems like a familiar theme from other ZMF open/closed pairings.

Mids have fantastic tonality on all ZMF headphones. This is the brand's strong suit, and the Bokeh opens are not an exception. Mids are lush, dynamic, lifelike and quite forward. Vocals and acoustic instruments have a unique, organic quality that to my ears the competitors (Focal Clear, LCD-X or HiFiMan Arya variants) simply cannot match. Zach has really mastered this lively, lifelike and tangible mid presentation throughout the years.

Treble on the latest Bokeh feels 'open', natural, slightly bright with good presence. Treble is not made brighter by artificial frequency peaks, but by a more holistic tuning approach. Compared to the Bokeh closed it feels as if we have opened a window and there is light and air coming through. My impression is that somehow bass and mid presentation of the Bokeh would suggest a warmer treble, but that is not the case. This treble is naturally open and not warm, subdued or rolled off like for example on the otherwise great LCD-2 Classics. This organic and naturally bright treble is never harsh, piercing or unnatural, but an integral part of the coherent whole.


Laser cut wooden grills. This is a first from ZMF.

Earpads and meshes

Like all ZMF headphones, the Bokeh open comes with optional earpads and meshes that alter the sound to the owner's preference. Bokeh is recommended to be used with three different earpads and two meshes. Higher-end ZMF headphones have more earpad options. While on the Caldera I can more clearly see someone preferring one or the other earpads depending on system synergy, preferred music genres and preferred presentation; on both of the Bokeh variants I found one earpad/mesh combination that I strongly favoured to the rest.

Even as a ZMF owner, I find it more and more challenging to keep up with the ever growing and evolving ZMF earpad offerings. Luckily, with the Bokeh headphones the recommended combinations are relatively easy; stock hybrid, full leather/protein (lambskin) and suede pads with stock mesh (more perforated) or solid mesh. It is important to note, that these earpads are not exactly the same as on the Bokeh closed headphones. Earpads on the Bokeh closed, and Caldera closed are top perforated only as opposed to the ultra-perforated (top and side) for the Bokeh open and Caldera open. It is also important to note that while the hybrid and leather pads are compatible with other headphones like the Caldera open, the suede pads of the Bokeh open have a higher foam density and tighter fenestration than other ZMF suede pads. And we are barely scratching the surface, folks.
The good news is that you can try all three recommended earpads and two meshes with the Bokeh open at a 35% discount if you opt for the 'tuning kit' at check out.


Stock hybrid and suede pads with Bokeh cables.

While on the Bokeh closed, I strongly preferred the stock hybrid pads as the most balanced option, my preference on the Bokeh open are not the stock hybrids but the leathers. This is probably because the Bokeh open's open cups provide more air and natural spaciousness by design, so the leather pads can increase bass dynamics without suffocating the soundstage and upper frequencies like they do on the closed cup Bokehs.


Eye- and ear-candies.

Leather pads to me have the sharpest transients, best precision, impact, dynamics which even leads to a perception of more details. Compared to the hybrid pads the sound might be a little less rich or thick, but in case of the Bokeh open I enjoy this enhanced definition more than a less defined but tonally slightly fuller sound with the hybrid pads. I am quite used to the Caldera's accurate and lifelike definition (using thick pads), which could partially explain why I prefer the leather pads on the Bokeh open.

The hybrid (and stock) pads on the Bokeh open offer slightly less bass definition and impact versus the leather pads, but also a more naturally open upper frequency spectrum. I felt that the difference between the hybrid and leather pads on the Bokeh open are much smaller than on the Bokeh closed. The hybrid pads on the Bokeh open do not offer that much more air and naturalness as they do on the Bokeh closed, but they do soften bass dynamics. The open cups provide enough air even with the more dynamic sounding leather pads, while the closed cups offer enough bass punch and dynamics even with the hybrid pads.

Suede pads are my least favourite pads on both Bokeh headphones. Suede pads soften the transients and in case of the Bokeh open I would even say they make the sound blunt. To me suede pads on most ZMF headphones take away too much of their lively and dynamic character. While this effect feels milder on the Caldera, I hear it exponentially on the Bokeh. Still, with some mid-centric vocal music some might prefer the suedes, but the overly soft lows and treble for me just kill dynamics with all modern and/or bassy music.

Regarding the meshes, my choice is the same as it was on the Bokeh closed: the stock perforated mesh is just perfect. The solid mesh further dampens higher frequencies, but to my ears suffocates the sound. Not as much as on the Bokeh closed, but still way too much to my liking. In my opinion, the treble on both Bokeh headphones become too bright without any meshes, while the rest of the frequency spectrum remains darker/warmer: out of balance to my ears.



More thoughts versus the Bokeh closed

I already mentioned Zach's tuning philosophy behind the closed- and open-back versions of the same headphones. I can only confirm that he has followed his own trail with the Bokeh variants. While in my opinion ZMF makes the best, most spacious and natural sounding closed back headphones compared to any other brand, I still prefer the open-back counterparts of all ZMF headphones. To me the Bokeh open simply sounds airier, more natural, more dynamic, more precise and more accurate versus the closed version. The closed back sounds warmer, darker and a bit slower/smoother. In my opinion the Bokeh open is a better balanced and more capable headphone than the Bokeh closed. If you do not need isolation, the choice should be obvious.


Compared to the Bokeh closed it feels as if we have opened a window and there is light and air coming through.

Versus other similarly priced headphones

What are the Bokeh open's direct competitors? Focal Clear, HiFiMan Arya variants, LCD-2/X, DCA Ӕon, Meze 109 Pro, Noire X. I have not auditioned the Noire X yet, but to my ears the Ӕons just cannot compete. The Bokeh open sounds much more dynamic, clearer and more natural than the DCA. Focal Clear has excellent dynamics and good details, but sounds a bit thin, and peaky in its brightness. Bokeh remains smooth, natural and rounded despite the brighter upper frequencies. LCD-2 and LCD-X have better bass definition and effortless extension, the LCD-X, similarly to the Arya Organic, offer more micro-details. One could argue that the LCD-X or Arya Organic are more accurate sounding headphones (in a studio sense), but the Bokeh open has a thicker body with a more natural/lifelike timbre that to my ears simply sound more pleasing despite the slightly lesser technical abilities in certain areas. I like the 109 Pro, but the new ZMF sounds fuller, tonally richer and smoother. The 109 Pro can occasionally sound more precise, but in direct comparison I find their thinner sound and sharper treble less pleasing than the thicker, weightier and more lush sounding Bokeh. Overall, while the Bokeh open might not be the most neutral, most technically advanced choice for the price, they certainly send all the competition to the back row with their organic/lifelike timbre and masterfully balanced, pleasing tonality. Out of this bunch I would pick the Bokeh open for a musical and fun listening session.



Versus other ZMF headphones

Where do the Bokeh open stand in the ZMF line up? The good news for your ears and bad news for your wallet is that the Bokeh open is not simply a new 'entry level ZMF' that you can just safely ignore if you already own the Atrium, Caldera or other ZMF headphones. While I liked the Bokeh closed, they did not quite blow me away. The Bokeh open has certainly surprised me in a good way and put a smile on my face many, many times! I was not expecting this much fun, and the Bokeh open to genuinely steal listening time from my Caldera open.
In my Bokeh closed review I said, to me those headphones sound a bit like a baby Atrium closed: the Atrium closed felt like a straight upgrade from the Bokeh closed. I do not think there is a straight upgrade to the Bokeh open in the ZMF line up in the same sense; the open Bokeh is much more of an individual. I truly believe that these are worth having in a collection even next to the Caldera or Atrium open (or any other TOTL headphones for that matter).


They sound lovely even out of a dongle DAC.

Of course, Caldera or Atrium will sound more refined, higher resolving with better technical abilities, but when you start your listening session with the Bokeh open, you won't miss any of that. I can get lost in the Bokeh open's supremely enjoyable tonal balance and dynamics even versus my technically superior Caldera open. The Bokeh open has a unique character that creates a well-deserved space for them in any (ZMF) collection. One might ask, what about the Aeolus or the Auteur as those are close in price. It is important to note that those headphones were intended for different usage scenarios. The Aeolus is a high-impedance dynamic driver headphone with TPE drivers; designed to be used with OTL tube amplifiers: that is where the Aeolus come alive. With the Auteur there is a little more flexibility regarding amplification, but the tuning is very different. The Auteur might be the most neutrally tuned ZMF, a very different take versus the Bokeh. The Bokehs were tuned for fun, and they are the easiest to drive headphones in the ZMF line up, intended for 'transportable' use. They sound fantastic out of a dongle DAC, like my super-enjoyable Cayin RU6. They are slightly smaller than other ZMF headphones, which combined with their cheaper price makes them a perfect holiday travel companion. I still would not wear them for commuting.


Gear used: Eversolo DMP-A6 with LPS upgrade, upsampling to 192 kHz into Holo Cyan 2. ZMF Aegis currently running: GEC U52, Mullard ECC35 slim base, Mullard/Philips/Tesla EL50/4654.

A few examples from the hundreds of tracks I used

Anima Sound System - Kallos: great left to right staging with adequate depth. Bass is present with a good sub foundation, like a tasteful subwoofer.
Joeira - Kurup: good staging, background noises are still nicely layered, although this is partly due to the excellent ZMF Aegis amplifier.
London Mozart Players Concerto in E Major Op8 no1 rv269 Spring I Allegro: Bokeh sounds really great, but Caldera's advantage in refinement becomes obvious at this recording. The TOTL planar offers more nuance, more depth, and a more refined and more articulated timbre of string instruments. The BO still holds up nicely for the price.
Buddha Bar XX - All we want is to smile (feat Alvaro Suarez): nice and realistic sounding claps and percussion in the middle frequencies; better than anything else I heard in this price range.
Chopin Nocturne in C sharp minor Lento con gran B 49 'For Wondering album': piano tone is as real as it gets. Caldera offers more finesse, speed and definition, but tonally the BO might even be a little closer to a real piano than the Caldera.
Gaudium - Distorted reality: bass snap and impact are super fun, but not obtrusive.
Cayetano - My job is done (feat. Alexandra Sieti): lovely, rich vocals.



Conlcusion

The qualities and tuning of the Bokeh open positively surprised me. These headphones sound distinctive; they have character. Their tonal balance is exceptional, as long as you are looking for a fun sound with strong but tasteful bass, organic mid- and natural treble presentation. I would not call these headphones warm, as there is enough brightness in the treble, but the sound is smooth and never harsh as it can be on some competing headphones. The Bokeh open offers satisfying note weight which comes with the signature tonal realism and timbre accuracy that makes so many customers love ZMF. If you only chase space, neutralism or micro-details, perhaps carry on with your quest. If you love note weight, excellent dynamics and a lively, entertaining but natural sonic performance, the Bokeh's are for you.
In my opinion, with this release ZMF will exponentially increase the number of their customers and devotees. $1000 in 2025 is an accessible price point and for that you can get your hands on the super fun ZMF flavoured sound that is engaging and addictive: a sound that makes you want to listen to just one more and one more track even after the clock hit midnight. This is a treat that many other, occasionally more 'accurate' sounding brands often do not possess. ZMF has done it again and in my opinion, they improved on the Bokeh closed.
Thank you, Zach, and the ZMF team for the opportunity!

The first time I heard the Bokeh open prototype was at CanJam NYC in March 2024. It was being used on a modest Schiit stack, I don’t remember what was playing but I do remember being enthralled. Now that it has been officially released I’ve been lucky enough to have a loaner on hand, and I find myself smitten all over again.

When I reviewed the Bokeh Closed I added a disclaimer, and I think I’ll include it here: I have a great affinity for how Zach tunes his headphones and I haven’t heard a ZMF that I didn’t like. At what I think was my1st headphone meet, I heard my 1st headphone from ZMF: the Vibro (probably MK II). I hadn’t been seriously contemplating headphones very long, but when I heard that headphone I knew: that was the type of sound I was looking for. It lead me to my1st blind purchase (the Eikon) and from there the Aeolus.Both have been sold since but I currently own an Atrium open, and I don’t think that’s going anywhere soon. Needless to say I am a fan of the ZMF house sound, so it’s not likely I’ll be posting a negative review. I’ll still be honest and call it like I hear it,but with ZMF there is a track record of me liking what I hear.

My audio chain consists of mostly FLAC and some MP3s from my HP EliteDesk to my Schiit Bifrost 2 (not 64) to either a Schiit Jotunheim 2, an xDuooTA-66 or my ZMF Pendant (1st gen). I tried the Bokeh from many sources including my diminutive Fiio M6, Shanling Up4 and FiioE10K. The easy to drive 80 ohm Bokeh sounded wonderful from all sources, indeed they seems to be fairly amp agnostic but definitely scaled with better gear. The TA-66 sounded surprisingly good, but there was a particularly lovely synergy with the Pendant so I did the vast majority of my listening from that amp.

Another consideration with any ZMF is the pad options, and there are many.Each will change the sound somewhat, and there are more in depth reviews out there that will give you an idea of what each pad brings to the table. I played with them briefly, and quickly settled on the full lambskin pads (Caldera Lambskin Ultra-Perf Pads I believe) since they gave me the sound I preferred most. They also offer a tuning kit with a choice of 3 different pads and different meshes to fine tune your listening experience. I left the default mesh installed for the duration of my time with the Bokeh Open.

Anyone familiar with ZMF already has an idea about their build quality and aesthetics.I’ve always found ZMF to take great care in the crafting of their headphones, and the Bokeh Open (BOp for short since I refuse to call it a “B.O.”) is no different. In an effort to create a more transportable headphone there were some design choices that are a little different than some of their more expensive models, such as1/8 inch cable connections, 80ohm impedance, and an available clamshell carrying case. They are still very solid in the hand with easy to use sliders and each cup rotates more than 180 degrees allowing it to lay flat. Fit and finish is, as I’ve come to expect,top notch.

Aesthetically any headphone is, by definition, subjective. As previously noted I enjoy the ZMF “house sound” and I’ve also always had an appreciation for the look that Zach goes for when creating his headphones. The hand crafted wood with metal accents isn’t for everyone, but it is indeed my visual cup of tea. It’s worth noting that the current stock “wood” is actually SpectraPly, which is a furniture grade plywood made from birch. I wasn’t as keen of the look of the first pictures I’ve seen but I have to say that having them in house, the appearance has definitely grown on me.


As with the Bokeh closed, I find the BOp to be comfortable, especially for a headphone weighing in at around 480g. The clamp as I received it is a bit tight for my tastes but I know the headphone is adjustable by careful bending,though I wouldn’t presume to try that on a loaner. It might be worth noting that they have started using a new chassis which IMO isn’t too much of a departure from their previous designs, yet it seems every bit as functional.

When I heard the Bokeh Closed I noted that the headstage was surprisingly large for a closed back headphone, and the BOp is no slouch either. For my ears I find the Atrium open to have the most expansive headstage in the ZMF lineup, while others find the Verite Open to take that crown. The BOp isn’t as wide or deep as either of those, but the headstage was still enveloping. I’m hearing it as not quite as wide as the reigning champs, while still having very good height and depth.

Where the BC (Bokeh Closed) was tuned with more emphasis on the bass, I’m hearing a more mature presentation on the open variant. There’s less sub bass emphasis, and I’m hearing less mid-bass overall as well. There’s still plenty for my tastes though, I don’t think anyone would mistake these for a bass lite headphone. It’s quality bass with very good texture and tautness. Speed is commendable if not beryllium or planar fast, Add a good touch of slam where called for and I was pretty much hooked.

Mids are a bit hot in the upper 2-4k range, which can definitely be a bit much for some listeners. On many tracks I found it dangerously close to fatiguing but fortunately it rarely crossed that line for my tastes. If you find yourself sensitive in this area I’d definitely demo before buying, though I’d add that adjusting the chain of equipment will make a difference as well if you have the luxury to do so.

I found the treble to be just about spot on for my preferences, which is to say airy but not too piercing. Closer to what the treble hungry among us might enjoy, especially in comparison to the Bokeh closed. I still wouldn’t say it’s too bright, especially in the context of the rest of the tuning. There is a little sparkle as far as I can tell, but I wouldn’t be overly confident given my aging ears.

A big surprise for me was I found the BOp to be able to resolve a good amount of detail and plankton. I don’t recall the BC in the same light, which is odd since they have the same driver. This leads me to believe it had something to do with the BC tuning either obscuring the detail or drawing my attention elsewhere in the music, but it seems to me that the liquid crystal polymer driver ZMF is using is more capable than you might expect given the price.


(Bokeh Open solid line vs Bokeh Closed dotted line - from the ZMF Website)


I’ve heard a lot of talk about the Bokeh Open being a mini Atrium, so I decided to do a quick comparison with it since it's my main headphone. In general I do get where the idea comes from, but I also think it misses the mark as many of these generalizations do. As a ZMF there is definitely some of the sonic DNA there, but I think especially since they have different drivers there are plenty of audible distinctions.

Anyone who has heard a biodynamic driver is probably familiar with the richness of the sound. There is plenty you can do to tune one of these drivers, but I think there’s an inherent weight to the sound that other drivers just don’t exhibit.

So the Atrium is definitely not as fast as the Bop, though I wouldn’t call the AO sluggish. The pricier sibling also goes deeper bass wise, and depending on the pads has more prominent bass overall. Mids are similar but a touch less since I’m using the fully closed mesh with the Atrium open. Combine this with the biodynamic fullness I find the AO to be more forgiving of bad recordings, yet even more resolving than the BOp.

Treble is of a similar vein to my ears, with different peaks yet a similar presentation. As previously mentioned the staging is no real contest to my ears, even if I find the BOp to be satisfying in that regard.As satisfying as headphones can be at any rate: they’ll never compare to speakers. That’s not what I listen to headphones for though I admit I enjoy a well thrown headstage when I hear one.

In the end I find the Bokeh Open to be a very compelling headphone as there’s lots to like here. I wouldn’t exactly call it budget friendly but with today’s ever bloated pricing in the headphone world, the level of performance the Bokeh Open brings is refreshing. The fit and finish is on par with the flagship headphones of ZMF, and the sound isn’t as far off as the price might suggest. If the 1k range* is where you’re looking for your next headphone purchase, the Bokeh Open is well worth checking out.


*(The Bokeh Open is currently selling for $999 USD)