Did you hear anything with your DIY cable?
And no I’ll use stock cable. Not sure where tho? Maybe in my basement shop or I’ll swap a2dc connectors for something else and use it with other cans. Lol
Looking for ( found )"end game" headphones in 2K ± price range.
- Thread starter FYFL
- Start date
And no I’ll use stock cable. Not sure where tho? Maybe in my basement shop or I’ll swap a2dc connectors for something else and use it with other cans. Lol
So far, all I've done is to check to make sure it worked, literally a minute of listening, sadly. So I will have to do a more controlled listening, which I hope to do within the next couple of days.
One thing I will note thus far is the DIY is certainly less microphonic and more ergonomic to me (the nearly 10' stock cable was just way too long for the 4' I need a cable for). So unless there is a notable sound difference, the stock will be back in the box forever for me haha. I'm hoping my DIY capable is indiscernable (sound wise) from the stock, since I'm quite happy with the sound as-is.
I agree. In revealing system, most things have affect on sound reproduction. Some more, some less, some for better, others for worst. Key is to know what you’re looking for. Getting the main component right is the battle already won. Rest is just sprinklers on the cake.
If you need just 4 feet than that long stock cable could be a hustle to deal with. Besides, your cable looks much better.
There's probably an imperfect contact.
Did you figured out what’s problem? Connector is sort of a coaxial design with tiny center pin. I doubt that it’s bent. You could try contact cleaner first. A2DC on the cable end is not something you need to be careful about while using proper contact cleaning solution but, be very careful with connectors on ear-cup side. Hope you get to the bottom of it.
It works without doing nothing, so I ignore it. Anyway since yesterday I am back on T1s. Even if they are warmer and nowhere as accurate, I realised I prefer them. So ADX5000 will go soon. Of course, it is not a final decision, and I will take some time with them, but how I see now, T1s are better for my taste. We will see if ZMF will change something.
Few notes:
My ADX
Few notes and corrections.
I’ve said that I felt that DIY A2DC connectors seemed stiffer/harder to insert and remove. I think that I’ll have to take that back. After some more play time with stock and diy cable, I would say that there really is no difference. At least not enough difference to make that statement.
second, my ADX serial NR is 1123 so they are not factory fresh.
Third, farther swapping cable game revealed few more differences between stock vs DIY cable. On Ian Janis “Breaking Silence” track (first 30 sec of that track) there’s a duo of two female voices and drums that add quite a bit dynamics and slam to this track. Voices on DIY cable are more easily distinguishable and have better separation while same cut on stock cable is a bit more less coherent and slightly chaotic/messy. Bass also appears to have better definition and articulation. It’s not deeper, just less muddy. And ADX bass is far from muddy to begin with .
Next I’ll try D50S dac with new Opamp and my reference DAC.
My ADX
Once you get used to a certain sound signature it’s a little hard to give up what you have grown accustom to. With 8 different headphones, I have quite a bit of verity in quality and sound signatures between them. LCDX and ADX sound closest to what my stereo speaker rig sounds like so they’re here to stay. Between those two I have softer and more lively presentation that covers most of my needs at the moment. If you’re enjoying warmer sound signature of your T1s, ADX is probably not a headphone to replace it. ZMF might be from what I’ve heard. So, perhaps you’ll find qualities in them that suits you better.
Few notes and corrections.
I’ve said that I felt that DIY A2DC connectors seemed stiffer/harder to insert and remove. I think that I’ll have to take that back. After some more play time with stock and diy cable, I would say that there really is no difference. At least not enough difference to make that statement.
second, my ADX serial NR is 1123 so they are not factory fresh.
Third, farther swapping cable game revealed few more differences between stock vs DIY cable. On Ian Janis “Breaking Silence” track (first 30 sec of that track) there’s a duo of two female voices and drums that add quite a bit dynamics and slam to this track. Voices on DIY cable are more easily distinguishable and have better separation while same cut on stock cable is a bit more less coherent and slightly chaotic/messy. Bass also appears to have better definition and articulation. It’s not deeper, just less muddy. And ADX bass is far from muddy to begin with .
Next I’ll try D50S dac with new Opamp and my reference DAC.
After some long listening sessions during the weekend (around 10h/day) I felt fatigue on my ears because of the ADX5000. More than this, something I never thought I will say happened. I realized that they are not so comfortable as they seem to be, despite their very light appearance. One of the problems I had on T1 were the earpads which I felt that somehow are small and touch your ear from time to time. The ADX5000 are bigger but narrower somehow, and the headband is not properly covering my head being somehow narrowed than needed and in this way the position of the earpads was not optimal. Maybe I am that kind of Sponge Bob head and need wider headbands, but on long listening sessions, besides fatigue I had the feeling that also comfort was decreasing. And another thing, these are poorly isolating every noise from the room. on some passages I was hearing my laptop fan, which ok, was at 100% because I was working something but however. Another thing I observed was that the noise they let loose around you when listening to music is much bigger than using T1s. Ok, this is not a big deal for me, I just considered worth mentioning.
And now the pros, because the cons were stated before. They have a much better bass than T1s, less quantity but much more quality, better defined and punchy. And they sound more natural, instrument separation is better. These are qualities nobody can deny. However, even if these are, for sure, important things for me, if I would have to choose now one of them, I would choose T1. We will see if my opinion will change, and of course, these are my impressions at the moment. Nobody is hurrying me to take any decision so I will wait and give them more chances.
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I never owned T1.2s so comfort comparison is impossible for me to speculate on. However, I find ADX and Dan Clark Aeon2C one of the most comfortable headphones that I own or tried on. Originally, ADXs had a clamp force that seemed a bit on the strong side. Headband is easily malleable so with a bit of force and your hands, this clamp force of a headband can be shaped to reduce it, if that’s what is needed.
But not all heads are the same so, there’s that. I use Nuggets which work for me to bring even better comfort but again, it depends on your head size/shape. But I also have to admit that I never ever had headphones ON my head for period of 10hrs. I don’t have that luxury or need. After all, I also enjoy my stereo rig that gets equal if not more time than headphones. As to ADX performance, ...... like with anything else, it’s a personal thing. They work for some, and for others, not so much. It’s just part of the game. If it wasn’t, we would have been enjoying one pair of headphones that were proclaimed as a “golden standard” in headphone world. Lol
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Terriero
Headphoneus Supremus
OctavianH, I think you have to valorate if you notice different approach for the music you listen more (and obviusly if you really like that approach).
I don't use a lot my HD 800, just when I miss it's particular approach to my daily music or with some genres that I listen not too often. But the thing is when I put them on I enjoy a lot that genres or that particular approach. For daily use I prefer another funnier HP.
I think comfort is so important, that's why I returned my T1.3, although I loved their sound...
I don't use a lot my HD 800, just when I miss it's particular approach to my daily music or with some genres that I listen not too often. But the thing is when I put them on I enjoy a lot that genres or that particular approach. For daily use I prefer another funnier HP.
I think comfort is so important, that's why I returned my T1.3, although I loved their sound...
I listen to my headphones while working, so this is why I make at least 10h per day. Headphone comfort reminds me about a Grado SR325is I had many years ago. For me is the description of wrong design, comfort wise. More exactly this model:
These were heavy, but only over your ear. The earcups started to degrade fast. Even in the box they were dissintegrating. That headband was too stiff. What to say, I sold them without regrets. Soundwise, they were fast headphones, but too bright for my taste. White weapons.
These were heavy, but only over your ear. The earcups started to degrade fast. Even in the box they were dissintegrating. That headband was too stiff. What to say, I sold them without regrets. Soundwise, they were fast headphones, but too bright for my taste. White weapons.
Comfort is usually an afterthought in reviewers headphone tier list (not all of them tho. Some, take comfort as a legit concern in long term satisfaction factor). And I don’t believe that most people with your daily listening regiment of 10hrs would argue for headphones such a Utopia, LCD-4. Abyss AB1266 or even ZMF VC as a good choice for daily drivers. Personally, I can’t imagine wearing a baseball cap for 10hrs straight, never mind a pair of headphones. So, if I were you, comfort would be my priority. And you mentioned one thing that is my personal pet peeve when it comes to headphone design/comfort and that is cups/ear cushions pads that come in contact with my ears. Whatever you might call that “cushionphobic” sensation, it irritates the hell out of me. And headphones sizable cups/cushion pads is a must for me to even consider headphones. So I get where you’re coming from and I totally understand your position regarding comfort as an important factor in choosing your headphones.
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Terriero
Headphoneus Supremus
I'm totally agree with you, @FYFL
As requested, I did an in-depth comparison between the Audio-Technica ADX5000 and ZMF Auteur; two of the best neutral-presentation, open-back headphones on the market, regardless of price. The similarities continue, as both are in the $1,500-2,000 price range and both have dynamic drivers. In the case of the ZMF Auteur, I am comparing with the Zebrawood Limited Edition version (with stock perforated Auteur pads mounted), using the ZMF OFC Copper cable. The ADX5000 is stock cable, stock pads and serial number in the 300s (if my memory serves me correctly). I do not believe in (or, more aptly said, I'm skeptical of and haven't personally experienced) burn-in, but for those who do, both of these headphones have very similar amount of hours on them so this is also not a factor.
The audio chain for this specific comparison is as follows:
Purpose-built (streaming and server core only on Audio-Linux OS) PC → Roon (Tidal and Qobuz) → Chord Qutest DAC → ZMF Pendant Tube Amp (stock JJ tubes) → Custom DIY Headphone (1/4" SE) 4-way switcher (minimalistic passive design, high quality components such as UK-made rotary switch and 20awg Neotech UP-OCC Copper wire) → Headphones
The test tracks for this specific comparison were as follows:
Boz Skaggs - Lowdown (Unplugged) (mid-range, layering, instrument and vocal separation)
Steely Dan - Deacon Blues (incredibly well-produced song, but its particularly good for detail/resolution, mid-range tone and instrument separation)
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing (imaging and soundstage, detail retrieval, good demonstration of well-produced classic rock)
Opeth - Master's Apprentices (low-end/bass impact and slam, handling of highly-compressed Metal)
Portishead - Glory Box (female vocals, prominent bass)
Comparison is broken down by the following:
Bass/Low-End "Impact/Slam":
The ADX5000 brings surprisingly tight, punchy bass. There is enough sub-bass presence where I can literally feel the driver excursion on my ear. Based on expectations, this can come as a bit of a (pleasant) surprise. Auteur has a noticeably warmer presentation to the bass, looser, bloomier; however, bass is not over-done and texture is pleasant. ADX5000 has less bass quantity than Auteur; while bass presence is fuller with the Auteur, it doesn't really have that physical rumble that the ADX5000 has, which leads me to believe that the ADX5000 has deeper extension. Overall, Auteur is a little less punchy; it is a more warm, quantitative bass presence, while ADX5000 has more of a tight, concise, “punch-in-the-gut” bass attack.
Verdict: I prefer the ADX5000 bass attack/slam over the warmer, fuller Auteur presentation, but this is going to be a toss-up based on personal preferences.
Mid-Range/"Tone & Timbre":
Auteur has the male vocals pretty forward in the mix, however, my initial feelings are that the presentation is relaxed, non-fatiguing; perhaps musical in the ability to just lean back and enjoy the music. However, the Auteur presentation is missing some of the “sparkle” or “magic” that I’ve heard in some of these songs; the ADX5000, on the other, is almost immediately bringing a more impressive sound right off the bat that tends to demand your attention more. The ZMF house sound really takes shape here; touches of warmth and (sizeable) presence of additional cup reverb. The ADX5000 is a little dryer, on the surface. With the Auteur, vocals are more pronounced; Auteur really pushes the Mids. Female vocals sound great on both headphones, but they really pop and grab your attention with the ADX5000. Interestingly enough, however, the Auteur on some tracks also brought the vocals (and in some cases, saxophone) too forward in the mix, which actually brought upon some listening fatigue. The ADX5000 consistently presented a more balanced mid-range that I found not pushing anything to the point of nuisance.
Verdict: I preferred the more balanced approach of the ADX5000, particularly with vocals. The star of the show for the Auteur is indeed the Mids and their (most frequent) tendency to have that oft-sought musicality, but I was surprised that their forward-nature left me feeling it was a bit much.
Treble/"Brilliance or Sibilance?":
Treble on both headphones were never fatiguing with any hints of bothersome sibilance or hiss. While the Mids are a little less forward on the ADX5000 than Auteur, the Highs are more noticeable. Between Auteur and ADX5000, ADX5000 has the brighter high-end but not to the point where it screams bright. Elements of a more overtly brilliant treble presentation was noticeable with the ADX5000 that, once again, had it presenting as more impressive, more attention-grabbing than the Auteur. Treble is somewhat muted with the Auteur but not as much so as other models in the ZMF stable.
Verdict: ADX5000 has a heightened sense of air, ambiance, openness that is a result of a more brilliant, pronounced high-end. I don’t find either headphone to have overly bright treble. Overall, I am more impressed by ADX5000’s more showy treble style.
Resolution/Separation/Detail Retrieval:
ADX5000 can pull out some of the tiny details, like the vocalists' closing of lips after finishing a word or the guitarist's fingers first contact with the string. With ADX5000, the balance between guitars, vocals and drums is very well done; separation of instruments, vocals, and vocal layers is borderline elite. Ultimately, Auteur is just pulling out less of these micro-details and passages sound a little busier and more congested on the Auteur as opposed to the ADX5000. Clarity of layered vocal parts is greater on the ADX5000, making the presentation of (female) backing vocals quite nice. Everything is truly well-separated and enunciated in the mix with the ADX5000, slightly less so with the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 handily wins with respect to these types of technicalities, bringing an excellent level of detail retrieval and overall resolution of sound that Auteur isn’t capable of.
Staging & Imaging:
ADX5000 has a slightly wider soundstage than Auteur, but the ADX5000 brings a “5-rows-from-the-stage” live feel, while the Auteur has a bit more decay, a bit more cup reverb that has it sounding more towards the back rows than 5-10 rows out from the stage. ADX5000 makes you really feel the panning inherit in a recording, more pronounced, perhaps for some this will reflect accurate imaging, but for others it might be a tad exaggerated. It is not up there with a well-positioned two-channel stereo system but it is closer to that standard than what the Auteur brings. At times, the Auteur’s imaging, particularly with center-stage voices and instrument solos, seemed to not have that dead-on accuracy that the ADX5000 was more capable of. The instrumental balance and separation helped lend a superior sense of stereo imaging with the ADX5000 over the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 is bringing out the "live-in-the-room" feel that presents a very true-to-form staging experience. Auteur is no slouch, but certainly more intimate with less ambiance. ADX5000 wins here, for my preferences.
Conclusion:
As noted in the introduction, both headphones are cream-of-the-crop when it comes to open-back, neutral-tuned examples. I came into this comparison having a roughly equal preference for either, truly enjoying my time thus far with both. Ultimately, I am a tad surprised by how the ADX5000 bested the Auteur in almost every category, but at this time, that seems to be the only conclusion I can draw from my time with them over this comparison. Where the Auteur excels is in its ability to allow the listener an enjoyable, laid-back experience, a distinctly “headphone” experience in all of its intimacy and slight flourishes of warmth. Where the ADX5000 excels is in its near-absolute realism, it’s ability to present music in a way that’s closer to the “live” experience than perhaps any other I have heard; the air, ambiance, the fast attack that puts you a few rows from the stage of a well-produced, well-balanced show.
The audio chain for this specific comparison is as follows:
Purpose-built (streaming and server core only on Audio-Linux OS) PC → Roon (Tidal and Qobuz) → Chord Qutest DAC → ZMF Pendant Tube Amp (stock JJ tubes) → Custom DIY Headphone (1/4" SE) 4-way switcher (minimalistic passive design, high quality components such as UK-made rotary switch and 20awg Neotech UP-OCC Copper wire) → Headphones
The test tracks for this specific comparison were as follows:
Boz Skaggs - Lowdown (Unplugged) (mid-range, layering, instrument and vocal separation)
Steely Dan - Deacon Blues (incredibly well-produced song, but its particularly good for detail/resolution, mid-range tone and instrument separation)
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing (imaging and soundstage, detail retrieval, good demonstration of well-produced classic rock)
Opeth - Master's Apprentices (low-end/bass impact and slam, handling of highly-compressed Metal)
Portishead - Glory Box (female vocals, prominent bass)
Comparison is broken down by the following:
Bass/Low-End "Impact/Slam":
The ADX5000 brings surprisingly tight, punchy bass. There is enough sub-bass presence where I can literally feel the driver excursion on my ear. Based on expectations, this can come as a bit of a (pleasant) surprise. Auteur has a noticeably warmer presentation to the bass, looser, bloomier; however, bass is not over-done and texture is pleasant. ADX5000 has less bass quantity than Auteur; while bass presence is fuller with the Auteur, it doesn't really have that physical rumble that the ADX5000 has, which leads me to believe that the ADX5000 has deeper extension. Overall, Auteur is a little less punchy; it is a more warm, quantitative bass presence, while ADX5000 has more of a tight, concise, “punch-in-the-gut” bass attack.
Verdict: I prefer the ADX5000 bass attack/slam over the warmer, fuller Auteur presentation, but this is going to be a toss-up based on personal preferences.
Mid-Range/"Tone & Timbre":
Auteur has the male vocals pretty forward in the mix, however, my initial feelings are that the presentation is relaxed, non-fatiguing; perhaps musical in the ability to just lean back and enjoy the music. However, the Auteur presentation is missing some of the “sparkle” or “magic” that I’ve heard in some of these songs; the ADX5000, on the other, is almost immediately bringing a more impressive sound right off the bat that tends to demand your attention more. The ZMF house sound really takes shape here; touches of warmth and (sizeable) presence of additional cup reverb. The ADX5000 is a little dryer, on the surface. With the Auteur, vocals are more pronounced; Auteur really pushes the Mids. Female vocals sound great on both headphones, but they really pop and grab your attention with the ADX5000. Interestingly enough, however, the Auteur on some tracks also brought the vocals (and in some cases, saxophone) too forward in the mix, which actually brought upon some listening fatigue. The ADX5000 consistently presented a more balanced mid-range that I found not pushing anything to the point of nuisance.
Verdict: I preferred the more balanced approach of the ADX5000, particularly with vocals. The star of the show for the Auteur is indeed the Mids and their (most frequent) tendency to have that oft-sought musicality, but I was surprised that their forward-nature left me feeling it was a bit much.
Treble/"Brilliance or Sibilance?":
Treble on both headphones were never fatiguing with any hints of bothersome sibilance or hiss. While the Mids are a little less forward on the ADX5000 than Auteur, the Highs are more noticeable. Between Auteur and ADX5000, ADX5000 has the brighter high-end but not to the point where it screams bright. Elements of a more overtly brilliant treble presentation was noticeable with the ADX5000 that, once again, had it presenting as more impressive, more attention-grabbing than the Auteur. Treble is somewhat muted with the Auteur but not as much so as other models in the ZMF stable.
Verdict: ADX5000 has a heightened sense of air, ambiance, openness that is a result of a more brilliant, pronounced high-end. I don’t find either headphone to have overly bright treble. Overall, I am more impressed by ADX5000’s more showy treble style.
Resolution/Separation/Detail Retrieval:
ADX5000 can pull out some of the tiny details, like the vocalists' closing of lips after finishing a word or the guitarist's fingers first contact with the string. With ADX5000, the balance between guitars, vocals and drums is very well done; separation of instruments, vocals, and vocal layers is borderline elite. Ultimately, Auteur is just pulling out less of these micro-details and passages sound a little busier and more congested on the Auteur as opposed to the ADX5000. Clarity of layered vocal parts is greater on the ADX5000, making the presentation of (female) backing vocals quite nice. Everything is truly well-separated and enunciated in the mix with the ADX5000, slightly less so with the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 handily wins with respect to these types of technicalities, bringing an excellent level of detail retrieval and overall resolution of sound that Auteur isn’t capable of.
Staging & Imaging:
ADX5000 has a slightly wider soundstage than Auteur, but the ADX5000 brings a “5-rows-from-the-stage” live feel, while the Auteur has a bit more decay, a bit more cup reverb that has it sounding more towards the back rows than 5-10 rows out from the stage. ADX5000 makes you really feel the panning inherit in a recording, more pronounced, perhaps for some this will reflect accurate imaging, but for others it might be a tad exaggerated. It is not up there with a well-positioned two-channel stereo system but it is closer to that standard than what the Auteur brings. At times, the Auteur’s imaging, particularly with center-stage voices and instrument solos, seemed to not have that dead-on accuracy that the ADX5000 was more capable of. The instrumental balance and separation helped lend a superior sense of stereo imaging with the ADX5000 over the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 is bringing out the "live-in-the-room" feel that presents a very true-to-form staging experience. Auteur is no slouch, but certainly more intimate with less ambiance. ADX5000 wins here, for my preferences.
Conclusion:
As noted in the introduction, both headphones are cream-of-the-crop when it comes to open-back, neutral-tuned examples. I came into this comparison having a roughly equal preference for either, truly enjoying my time thus far with both. Ultimately, I am a tad surprised by how the ADX5000 bested the Auteur in almost every category, but at this time, that seems to be the only conclusion I can draw from my time with them over this comparison. Where the Auteur excels is in its ability to allow the listener an enjoyable, laid-back experience, a distinctly “headphone” experience in all of its intimacy and slight flourishes of warmth. Where the ADX5000 excels is in its near-absolute realism, it’s ability to present music in a way that’s closer to the “live” experience than perhaps any other I have heard; the air, ambiance, the fast attack that puts you a few rows from the stage of a well-produced, well-balanced show.
Thank you for time you put into this write up and clear description of differences and similarities between those two headphones. As you know, ZMF VC wasn’t the only headphone from ZMF family that I was interested in. Auteur was also a headphone that caught my interest. Mainly, because of Auteur’s great tonality, balance and neutrality. Your breakdown gave me some valuable perspective on strengths and weaknesses of Auteurs. I was expecting that those headphones would have a bit more bloom in midrange and even less resolving treble and detail. I’m gladly surprised that they are actually a well balanced headphones with a touch of warmth.As requested, I did an in-depth comparison between the Audio-Technica ADX5000 and ZMF Auteur; two of the best neutral-presentation, open-back headphones on the market, regardless of price. The similarities continue, as both are in the $1,500-2,000 price range and both have dynamic drivers. In the case of the ZMF Auteur, I am comparing with the Zebrawood Limited Edition version (with stock perforated Auteur pads mounted), using the ZMF OFC Copper cable. The ADX5000 is stock cable, stock pads and serial number in the 300s (if my memory serves me correctly). I do not believe in (or, more aptly said, I'm skeptical of and haven't personally experienced) burn-in, but for those who do, both of these headphones have very similar amount of hours on them so this is also not a factor.
The audio chain for this specific comparison is as follows:
Purpose-built (streaming and server core only on Audio-Linux OS) PC → Roon (Tidal and Qobuz) → Chord Qutest DAC → ZMF Pendant Tube Amp (stock JJ tubes) → Custom DIY Headphone (1/4" SE) 4-way switcher (minimalistic passive design, high quality components such as UK-made rotary switch and 20awg Neotech UP-OCC Copper wire) → Headphones
The test tracks for this specific comparison were as follows:
Boz Skaggs - Lowdown (Unplugged) (mid-range, layering, instrument and vocal separation)
Steely Dan - Deacon Blues (incredibly well-produced song, but its particularly good for detail/resolution, mid-range tone and instrument separation)
Dire Straits - Money for Nothing (imaging and soundstage, detail retrieval, good demonstration of well-produced classic rock)
Opeth - Master's Apprentices (low-end/bass impact and slam, handling of highly-compressed Metal)
Portishead - Glory Box (female vocals, prominent bass)
Comparison is broken down by the following:
Bass/Low-End "Impact/Slam":
The ADX5000 brings surprisingly tight, punchy bass. There is enough sub-bass presence where I can literally feel the driver excursion on my ear. Based on expectations, this can come as a bit of a (pleasant) surprise. Auteur has a noticeably warmer presentation to the bass, looser, bloomier; however, bass is not over-done and texture is pleasant. ADX5000 has less bass quantity than Auteur; while bass presence is fuller with the Auteur, it doesn't really have that physical rumble that the ADX5000 has, which leads me to believe that the ADX5000 has deeper extension. Overall, Auteur is a little less punchy; it is a more warm, quantitative bass presence, while ADX5000 has more of a tight, concise, “punch-in-the-gut” bass attack.
Verdict: I prefer the ADX5000 bass attack/slam over the warmer, fuller Auteur presentation, but this is going to be a toss-up based on personal preferences.
Mid-Range/"Tone & Timbre":
Auteur has the male vocals pretty forward in the mix, however, my initial feelings are that the presentation is relaxed, non-fatiguing; perhaps musical in the ability to just lean back and enjoy the music. However, the Auteur presentation is missing some of the “sparkle” or “magic” that I’ve heard in some of these songs; the ADX5000, on the other, is almost immediately bringing a more impressive sound right off the bat that tends to demand your attention more. The ZMF house sound really takes shape here; touches of warmth and (sizeable) presence of additional cup reverb. The ADX5000 is a little dryer, on the surface. With the Auteur, vocals are more pronounced; Auteur really pushes the Mids. Female vocals sound great on both headphones, but they really pop and grab your attention with the ADX5000. Interestingly enough, however, the Auteur on some tracks also brought the vocals (and in some cases, saxophone) too forward in the mix, which actually brought upon some listening fatigue. The ADX5000 consistently presented a more balanced mid-range that I found not pushing anything to the point of nuisance.
Verdict: I preferred the more balanced approach of the ADX5000, particularly with vocals. The star of the show for the Auteur is indeed the Mids and their (most frequent) tendency to have that oft-sought musicality, but I was surprised that their forward-nature left me feeling it was a bit much.
Treble/"Brilliance or Sibilance?":
Treble on both headphones were never fatiguing with any hints of bothersome sibilance or hiss. While the Mids are a little less forward on the ADX5000 than Auteur, the Highs are more noticeable. Between Auteur and ADX5000, ADX5000 has the brighter high-end but not to the point where it screams bright. Elements of a more overtly brilliant treble presentation was noticeable with the ADX5000 that, once again, had it presenting as more impressive, more attention-grabbing than the Auteur. Treble is somewhat muted with the Auteur but not as much so as other models in the ZMF stable.
Verdict: ADX5000 has a heightened sense of air, ambiance, openness that is a result of a more brilliant, pronounced high-end. I don’t find either headphone to have overly bright treble. Overall, I am more impressed by ADX5000’s more showy treble style.
Resolution/Separation/Detail Retrieval:
ADX5000 can pull out some of the tiny details, like the vocalists' closing of lips after finishing a word or the guitarist's fingers first contact with the string. With ADX5000, the balance between guitars, vocals and drums is very well done; separation of instruments, vocals, and vocal layers is borderline elite. Ultimately, Auteur is just pulling out less of these micro-details and passages sound a little busier and more congested on the Auteur as opposed to the ADX5000. Clarity of layered vocal parts is greater on the ADX5000, making the presentation of (female) backing vocals quite nice. Everything is truly well-separated and enunciated in the mix with the ADX5000, slightly less so with the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 handily wins with respect to these types of technicalities, bringing an excellent level of detail retrieval and overall resolution of sound that Auteur isn’t capable of.
Staging & Imaging:
ADX5000 has a slightly wider soundstage than Auteur, but the ADX5000 brings a “5-rows-from-the-stage” live feel, while the Auteur has a bit more decay, a bit more cup reverb that has it sounding more towards the back rows than 5-10 rows out from the stage. ADX5000 makes you really feel the panning inherit in a recording, more pronounced, perhaps for some this will reflect accurate imaging, but for others it might be a tad exaggerated. It is not up there with a well-positioned two-channel stereo system but it is closer to that standard than what the Auteur brings. At times, the Auteur’s imaging, particularly with center-stage voices and instrument solos, seemed to not have that dead-on accuracy that the ADX5000 was more capable of. The instrumental balance and separation helped lend a superior sense of stereo imaging with the ADX5000 over the Auteur.
Verdict: ADX5000 is bringing out the "live-in-the-room" feel that presents a very true-to-form staging experience. Auteur is no slouch, but certainly more intimate with less ambiance. ADX5000 wins here, for my preferences.
Conclusion:
As noted in the introduction, both headphones are cream-of-the-crop when it comes to open-back, neutral-tuned examples. I came into this comparison having a roughly equal preference for either, truly enjoying my time thus far with both. Ultimately, I am a tad surprised by how the ADX5000 bested the Auteur in almost every category, but at this time, that seems to be the only conclusion I can draw from my time with them over this comparison. Where the Auteur excels is in its ability to allow the listener an enjoyable, laid-back experience, a distinctly “headphone” experience in all of its intimacy and slight flourishes of warmth. Where the ADX5000 excels is in its near-absolute realism, it’s ability to present music in a way that’s closer to the “live” experience than perhaps any other I have heard; the air, ambiance, the fast attack that puts you a few rows from the stage of a well-produced, well-balanced show.
BTW That Zebra wood matches your Pendent beautifully.
Also, you might look into some tube rolling options. Like with any well designed, transparent amp, tube rolling is like salt & pepper. JJ are decent current production tubes but you might wanna experiment a bit with known and respected alternatives.
And how’s the comfort level between those two? I’m not asking for esthetics or build as that seems like an easy win for Auteurs.
Great info and thank you again for your contribution and very useful comparison between those two fine headphones.
PS
Based on your description, I think that I might be more interested in ZMF VC. Strictly based on higher level of technicality and signature that would add something different to my personal headphone collection.
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