reddragon
Headphoneus Supremus
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- Dec 23, 2011
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ZMF headphones hand-crafts wood headphones in Chicago, USA with special attention to exceptional sound and craftsmanship.
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I'm kind of curious, is there much of a difference between the basic ZMF and the high end audibly, or is it more feature & aesthetic based?
What portable amps or DACs would go well with this pair of headphones? I'm planning on buying the ZMF V1, and I'm thinking of getting the Fiio e12 Mont Blanc, JDSLabs Cmoy, Electric Avenues PA2V2, or Emmeline "The Shadow" from Ray Samuel. What would you guys recommend for the road?
for the guys who have both the he500 and zmf, do you think the zmf matches the he500 in terms of technicalities? and which one do you prefer?
I think the Vibro matches the He-500 in terms of technicalities, at least as closely as a closed headphone will. It sounds phenomenal, and is much more comfortable than the HifiMan, but it does lack the last bit of openness and naturalness that open back will get you. Still a phenomenal headphone, very "out of head" sound. The V1 will get you about 60-70% of the way to the technicalities of an He500 in my opinion. Maybe more, but it's a very colored presentation, and it's definitely more obviously closed. I would prefer the vibrio just for it being closed back, and the comfort, but sound wise if be happy with either. I like the open back of the 500, and the enveloping sound of the vibro. YMMV.
Having both I would say the v1 has sweeter tones than the he500 which is more dry but airy and detailed, just as forward but faster and freer but I still like the v1 over the 500 on a lot of songs and for long sessions
The JDS labs is more on the bright side, which might suit you if you find the V1 a tad dark. The E12 is pretty meaty, and should be a good power match, but FiiO has a kind of particular warming, Bassier sound that doesn't suit everyone. I haven't heard the Electric avenues, but my preference would be the Ray Samuels, as it has (of the amps I've heard) the best musicality and technical abilities. Some have called it colored and dark, and it can be a polarizing amp, but it packs a punch. It also needs very extensive burn in time. Again, your move, those are just my experiences. Hope that helps.
The JDS labs is more on the bright side, which might suit you if you find the V1 a tad dark. The E12 is pretty meaty, and should be a good power match, but FiiO has a kind of particular warming, Bassier sound that doesn't suit everyone. I haven't heard the Electric avenues, but my preference would be the Ray Samuels, as it has (of the amps I've heard) the best musicality and technical abilities. Some have called it colored and dark, and it can be a polarizing amp, but it packs a punch. It also needs very extensive burn in time. Again, your move, those are just my experiences. Hope that helps.
My only problem is that the Ray Samuels cost too much for a second amp. I think I'll go with the Fiio. My friend said we is willing to give me his schiit mjolnir for free, so I'm pretty stoked. Would that be a good match with the V1? Also, what do you think of the V1? I want something that'll give me the clear sibilance, but I do kinda enjoy my bass.