This weekend I am getting to know two new headphones, one new, one vintage, and revisiting a recent purchase.
ZMF Caldera Closed
I recently received a demo unit from
@zach915m of the ZMF Caldera Closed headphones (released yesterday). It's been a couple of months since I had them for an evening, right before CanJam NYC, and I’m really enjoying getting to know them again with a fresh perspective.
I have so far listened to them with the protein pads using the Riviera AIC10 amp, which really opens up the soundstage significantly. These headphones scale!
The few things that quickly jumped at me on first listen:
- A very smooth tuning that sounds effortless.
- A great sense of space. A holographic presentation that feels spacious and natural (a massive coup for a closed planar). I really love that!
- The balance between attack and decay is just right for me - snappy on the front, but with a nice decay on the trailing ends of notes. It just feels organic and analog in a way that planars normally do not. Like the feel of a high-end receiver from the 70s with ton of power and warmth.
- Tonality wise, a good low extension with a well-defined sub-bass, mid bass is crisp, mids are warm - with lower mids (male vocals) forward and higher mids (female vocals) recessed - and treble is gently rolled off [in comparison, the AC have more elevation in the lower bass and more forward upper mids, whereas the CC feel a bit more even; these two headphones are quite distinct]
I enjoy warm tuning and like a great bass, but I also like treble extension (my only deal breaker is any hint of sibilance, but above that I am not treble sensitive), so I will likely try the alternate mesh at some point (waiting to get it).
I also have a couple alternate pads to try, the stock hybrid and deep lamb pad, and a few amps that I want to pair the CC with. I expect it will take a few weeks to find the ideal tuning for me, but I’m really excited to get to know these headphones. So far, they are a lot of fun right out to the gate!
Hifiman HE6
I got a package in the mail today from Hong Kong with a set of Hifiman HE6 (OG 6 screws). I have been curious about these vintage headphones, an itch I had to scratch. I’m only a few hours into my first listening session, but so far I have discovered two things:
- These headphones are very amp picky. Not just in terms of power, but in synergy. I was surprised to find how much their tuning changed with different chains used. With the AIC10, I have found their presentation to be dark, while with the Decware/ZMF OTL preamp into the Decware Taboo amp (old SE84TS+ version), their presentation opens up and is decidedly brighter.
- Sub-bass is rolled off in comparison to current top planar performers, including Hifiman’s own HE6 successor, the Susvara. I put on order in this afternoon for ZMF’s Hifiman+ subs hybrid pads, which should elevate the sub-bass (thanks @buke9 for the advice).
Beyond new discoveries, I’m also sneaking in some time this evening, as I write these notes, with a recent purchase.
Autio-Technica ATH-AWKG
Made from Kurogaki (black persimmon) wood, these beautiful headphones were launched at CanJam NYC. I have a personal story related to the included ZMF pads (detail in my
CanJam NYC 2024 writeup) so I have a bit of an irrational emotional connection
The AWKG have a great synergy with the Auris Nirvana amp. I’m so happy I got this older Nirvana version when it was still sold. Each time I move my hand above its smooth wood and leather finish to adjust the volume, I enjoy a sense of tactility and its design. I’m not a fan of the new black metal finish. But I digress. This amp really works very well with AT headphones. Every time I think of letting it go to make space for a new amp adventure, I fold on this account. The Nirvana has a crisp and tight presentation, a grabby, punchy bass with fast attack and a clear center image. The AWKG with the ZMF Universe Hybrid pads offer a very warm and mid-bass centric presentation; the Nirvana’s incisiveness works great with them.
As an aside, the AWKG’s passive seal is awesome. I can’t hear my wife’s TV nearby, and she can’t here my music. Happy wife, happy audio life…
Last, but not least, my music discovery of the weekend is Vanny Vabiola, an Indonesian female singer with a voice as clear as crystal water:
Have a great weekend everyone! And welcome to the thread!!