Upgrade from ZMF Aeolus

[djentbat]

The ZMF Atrium is what I decided I'll get if I can ever afford it.

I’ve been saving up for mine for a little bit, when it gets delivered I’ll report back

 

[cats4cans]

@melibond have you experimented with pad rolling at all? I doubt it would remedy all your issues, but might provide a little mitigation.

 

[kumar402]

I assume you like ZMF tonality and if you want ZMF house sound with bigger stage then go for
1. Atrium Open - Even sound, no peaks and has deep sound stage. Wont say Wide like 800s but definitely deeper.
2. Verite Open - Faster but tonality is not as even as Atrium. Wider and slightly holographic sound signature out of good DAC and tube amp.

If you want to get away from ZMF then Arya and all will work well. However the tonality will take some time for you to get used to coming from ZMF.

 

[MojoSamurai]

I am selling my ZMF Verite Closed - if that's of interest - they are an excellently performing closed back. IMHO superior to many of the headphones mentioned here.

 

[melibond]

@melibond have you experimented with pad rolling at all? I doubt it would remedy all your issues, but might provide a little mitigation.

No. But, I use the ones I deemed the best for me based on reviews online.

 

[cats4cans]

No. But, I use the ones I deemed the best for me based on reviews online.

I bought a few B-stock pads during last ZMF November because I was feeling left out. The differences weren't all that subtle. The Uni Suede are still my favorite, but the Uni Lamb and the OG Aeolus pads definitely add some thump. From reading I think the bopp filter mesh and cup revision (when they changed the default mesh) can make a difference as well. It might be worthwhile to write an email to ZMF for suggestions on possible pad or mesh tweaks to at least nudge them closer to the tuning you want.

 

[Marax]

I'd go verite closed all day. If you want a bit of softness and smoother bass then look for a softer wood. If hardness and sharper bass then a harder wood.

Edit: I should add that I have a set of aeolus. And auteur. And atrium. A solid upgrade would be the VC from where you are at now. They will also scale up as you upgrade your other kit and keep rewarding you. Personally my favorite headphones are VC and VO. Look at sig for all their competition.

In reviews I've heard that the VC has similar soundstage to the VC. What would you say are the main differences in audio between the two Verites? Mainly more sub-bass on the closed?

 

[Metalingus]

HD 800S, LCD-X, Arya.

They all are significant upgrades and good part they can run on anything + you won’t lose a penny on a trade.