[AnyDave]

This is a thread to discuss the collaboration between ZMF and @L0rdGwyn on a commercial version of the wonderful Aegis amp that he designed and released to the world.

Here are some preliminary pics of the production version of the amplifier:

You can read about the origins of the amp in L0rdGwyn's thread here: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aegis-diy-tube-headphone-amplifier.965530/

The production version adds a few features, including 3 different headphone outputs (1/4, XLR and 4.4mm). The 4.4mm is attenuated for use with sensitive IEMs.

The production version power supply can handle 3A current draw, so it can handle 5U4G tubes, which the DIY version cannot.

The amp will come stock with 6SL7 input tubes, EL34 power tubes and a 5AR4/GZ34 rectifier tube.

 

[zach915m]

Reserved

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Reserved.

 

[goldwerger]

I love the new look, and in terms of adapting it to the wide consumer market the functionality is just spot on!

 

[DenverW]

Very exciting release!

 

[Quenya]

This is a serious contender for my first headphone amplifier. Planning to pair it with a Holo May and one of the ZMF Atriums. Are the dimensions of the amp known?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

This is a serious contender for my first headphone amplifier. Planning to pair it with a Holo May and one of the ZMF Atriums. Are the dimensions of the amp known?

Dimensions are approximately 11.25" L x 14.25" W x 8"H.

 

[soundchaos]

A thing of beauty! Going to seriously need to consider this for adding a tube amp to my setup. Is this going to be a limited run or it’ll be in normal production?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

A thing of beauty! Going to seriously need to consider this for adding a tube amp to my setup. Is this going to be a limited run or it’ll be in normal production?

Normal production!

 

[soundchaos]

Normal production!

Awesome! Will be saving up for one after my credit card recovers from the upcoming stabilized drop awesome work on the amp! Looks incredible

 

[Deleeh]

Starting a thread for the upcoming collaboration amplifier between ZMF Headphones @zach915m and I, the ZMF Aegis.

This amplifier began its life as a DIY project released in May of last year. Since then, Zach and I have been working to widen its availability to non-DIYers, we are very excited to bring this amplifier to the community. There are some differences beyond aesthetics between the DIY and ZMF models which we will go over closer to release date.

Here are some pictures of the production unit from Axpona this weekend. Release date is May 10th, 2024. Price point is $3,499.





Given there is an active community of DIY Aegis owners already, my suggestion is to consolidate listening impressions / tube rolling discussion onto this thread and utilize the DIY thread for questions / build advice.

Here is a link to the DIY Aegis thread: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/aegis-diy-tube-headphone-amplifier.965530/

Hello,
Which transformers and capacitors are we talking about in the Zmf version?
How much does the diy and Zmf version differ?
I mean structural things not the aesthetic ones.
I also assume that the Zmf version is a completely finished unit and the Diy tends to have a little more room for improvement, such as cables, plugs, capacitors and resistors, just as a diy builder might want to spend a few extras on it.
I'm also pleased for you that you've managed to create something for the community where everyone can decide for themselves what they want to buy and both amplifiers contain the Lordgwyn sauce.

 

[ng5921]

Got to listen to the DIY and the ZMF versions at CanJam NY - lovely sounding amp! Clearing out some of my unused gear to free up space/funds for when it drops I love the design and color scheme of the production unit.

 

[jsabini1]

Am I correct in my recollection that Zach said Caiyin would be manufacturing the amp?

 

[L0rdGwyn]

Hello,
Which transformers and capacitors are we talking about in the Zmf version?
How much does the diy and Zmf version differ?
I mean structural things not the aesthetic ones.
I also assume that the Zmf version is a completely finished unit and the Diy tends to have a little more room for improvement, such as cables, plugs, capacitors and resistors, just as a diy builder might want to spend a few extras on it.
I'm also pleased for you that you've managed to create something for the community where everyone can decide for themselves what they want to buy and both amplifiers contain the Lordgwyn sauce.

Am I correct in my recollection that Zach said Caiyin would be manufacturing the amp?

That's right, it will be manufactured by Cayin. The transformers are custom wound by them to our spec.

Closer to release we will talk specifically about differences between DIY and ZMF. Some to note right away is ZMF has three impedance options (DIY has 2), ZMF also has the capability to use 3A rectifiers (e.g., 5U4 family). Additional output options are included as well - XLR, 1/4", and a 4.4 pentaconn connection with a resistor divider for use with very sensitive IEMs.

In my experience, things like different wire, RCAs, etc have very little impact on the sound of an amplifier. Much more important is the underlying circuit, which is maintained in both amps albeit using different parts. Some Head-Fiers were able to hear both at CanJam NYC, I'll let them speak to it but general feeling was they sound similar / same.

 

[jonathan c]

What is the tube mix in the ZMF / Cayin Aegis? Will 'oddball' tubes (22DE4, e.g) be required?