LV Spartan that hasn't been my experience?! What happened?

When someone tells what happened the admin deletes it. I did it and got treated like that, so I did a review: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/zmfheadphones-eikon.22014/reviews#review-27437

That stinks you guys had bad experiences! Zach has been super attentive whenever I have email their support. If I have questions he has taken time to write me back personally. I think they can be in a tough position as a small scale business competing with big names. Their prices can be high, but you're paying for their R&D, advance supply orders and wood working. It is unfortunate there isn't an easier way for people to try before you buy. I think as long as you don't order a LTD wood you can return your headphones for a restocking fee.

Well, taking the risk before trying is one thing, but the wood and R&D are calculated in price. Having in mind the lead time and the charges for return the pre- and post- service and the overcoming of flaws should also be adequate and better. And I did not felt any kindness.

Great write up, thanks for taking the time. Really appreciate the brief comparisons, very helpful.

My pleasure @DesignTaylor !

@goldwerger Excellent review! I am curious though, as someone who listens to mostly metal music and loves the hard-hitting Abyss 1266 TC sound, would this headphone be a decent alternative? I love the bass and slam of the 1266 TC, but the comfort could be better and I suspect the comfort, overall timbre, and midrange of the ZMF is probably superior to the TC as well. Would love to hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Thanks @monkey4054
I think you are hitting on just the right trade offs.
The 1266 bass is definitely unique, but the Caldera would be more than a “decent alternative”. It does not have the same level of physicality as the 1266 (no headphone does), but it definitely has a great bass and sub-bass that are to me very satisfying.
The mid base of the Caldera is superior in my view (I think the 1266 is at a disadvantage here in general).
The Caldera timbre is in fact superior to most planers headphone, across the the board (except the Susvara which also has a wonderful timbre, but offers a different presentation).
I personally find the 1266’s form factor too much. Compared to the 1266, you will find the Caldera more comfortable for sure

Thanks for you reply @goldwerger. You have certainly piqued my interest in the Caldera! The bass presentation and slam of the 1266 is really all it has over the other flagship headphones.. If only there was a headphone that had everything... maybe one day

This is a killer review! It covers an awful lot of ground but isn't WAR AND PEACE length.

If you wrote this all in one sitting, you deserve an award for speed & dedication!

Thanks @Pharmaboy I honestly meant to do a short write-up when I woke up that morning, but had so much fun writing it crept up on me when I realized when I done it was little more than I planned for happy this was worth doing

Looks like the hype is big and also the demand. Just got shocked by the terms you have to agree to:
"The Caldera is currently sold with a product release discount, and therefore any purchase cannot be cancelled, returned or refunded in any way. Ship time will vary due to the high demand upon release, but we have built a number of sets pre-release. If there is any delay beyond a ‘within’ 4 week delivery schedule we will communicate the new timeline to you. While our headphones are made to order just for you, we cannot accommodate custom requests or photos of your headphones past what is offered and shown on our website. Headphone appearance will vary, and natural wood characteristics and variations will be present. We are flattered that you’ve decided to try the ZMF Caldera – we can’t wait for you to hear it!"

Anybody knows what happens if you get a bad quality unit or a damaged one during shipment?

I’m just a consumer. If you have questions for ZMF you should send it to them.

Loved your review! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree on so many levels!

Thanks Geoff!

Very nice reviews, well done

Thank you sincerely

Thanks Jeff for a great review . Will great to hear both the Atrium and the Caldera at upcoming show in Chicago I love my Vérité Open so will ne interesting listening . Detailed review from a man with a detailed ear.

thanks @FunctionalDoc (though the review written right above here is my me, 'goldwerger'; perhaps you intended this for 'geoffalter11' review further at the top?). Eitherway, can't recommend coming to CanJam and testing in person. From experience, ZMF (which are local) have a very big room and the Chicago show, and the traffic is smaller than NYC offering more quiet listening time. I'll definitely be there..

Read this a second time, it remains one of the best reviews on Caldera with an accurate sonic comparison of Caldera vs VO IMO. And I am one of those that has decided to keep just one VO; instead of having Atrium and Caldera at same time (for now).