ZMF Aegis Official Thread

[theveterans]

So I believe you use the Chord Dave with Mscaler. I was going to say going from the RCA to the Mullard was like adding the mscaler to the Dave. Brings the clarity, separation and layers to another level. So I can imagine if already starting with this as your source, the gz34 is going to be hyper real and probably no longer musical.

I’m using a Naim HE, which some might claim is mid-fi compared to the Chord setup but I prefer its sound signature of having more PRaT with more bass presence. Previously owned the Chord combo before the Naim. So could be that my preference on tubes is balancing out the Naim HE and increasing the resolution. Vs starting out with ultimate resolution and softening it a hint. Same with how cables increase/decrease clarity and warmth.

But even if we were all listening to the exact same setup, we’d come away with different impressions. I’ve seen this at CamJam. We all have our own preferences and also hear differently. So when making decisions based off others, have to take all that into consideration. I bought RCA rectifier based off rave reviews but was disappointed but other hand gz34 fat base also highly recommended and worked out for me.

I think a lot of Aegis owners use classic R2R (discrete such as Metrum/Sonnet or Holo Audio) or a warm (not incisive) DS DACs which of course can wildly provide different tube rolling impressions from Aegis. Those that prefer the RCA 5R4GY DD like I do (I'm guessing) probably has a modern R2R (Schiit DACs or Rockna) or more incisive DS DACs like Chord or Mola Mola Tambaqui

 

[AnyDave]

So I believe you use the Chord Dave with Mscaler. I was going to say going from the RCA to the Mullard was like adding the mscaler to the Dave. Brings the clarity, separation and layers to another level. So I can imagine if already starting with this as your source, the gz34 is going to be hyper real and probably no longer musical.

I’m using a Naim HE, which some might claim is mid-fi compared to the Chord setup but I prefer its sound signature of having more PRaT with more bass presence. Previously owned the Chord combo before the Naim. So could be that my preference on tubes is balancing out the Naim HE and increasing the resolution. Vs starting out with ultimate resolution and softening it a hint. Same with how cables increase/decrease clarity and warmth.

But even if we were all listening to the exact same setup, we’d come away with different impressions. I’ve seen this at CamJam. We all have our own preferences and also hear differently. So when making decisions based off others, have to take all that into consideration. I bought RCA rectifier based off rave reviews but was disappointed but other hand gz34 fat base also highly recommended and worked out for me.

I currently have a Dave/Mscaler at the office. At home, I have a TT2/Mscaler, as well as a Benchmark DAC3, Holo Spring2/L2, Denafrips Aries, Chord Qutest ,and iFi iDSD Sig (and maybe something else I'm forgetting about at the moment).

 

[iamoneagain]

I currently have a Dave/Mscaler at the office. At home, I have a TT2/Mscaler, as well as a Benchmark DAC3, Holo Spring2/L2, Denafrips Aries, Chord Qutest ,and iFi iDSD Sig (and maybe something else I'm forgetting about at the moment).

So what’s your favorite pairing with the Caldera open? And I guess what’s your current favorite ZMF headphones other than something not yet disclosed.

 

[DACattack]

Now that I've finally finished reading through the thread from the beginning, some quick comments.

I'm still very new to the Aegis universe, though not to tube amps in general. However, all my previous experience has been primarily with the 61NP and 6SN7 tube families and their equivalents, so this has been an entry into a brave new world. I've managed to collect a decent assortment of tubes to roll now, but I've been very deliberate to listen extensively to both the stock tubes, and the TAD bundle, to really internalize their sound signatures, so it's easier to discern differences as I roll.

Three things are very evident in this new playground: (1) Aegis sounds really great "out of the box" with both the stock tubes and the TAD bundle; (2) The sheer variety of tubes you can roll in Aegis is frankly astonishing (it's a far larger pool than any other tube amp I've heard or owned) and this flexibility is both intoxicating and overwhelming (thank heaven for the tube capability spreadsheet and all the commentary in this thread); (3) Sonic preferences between users are indeed personal (what someone hears as endgame doesn't necessarily mean it's endgame for all), so what's "best" varies user by user*--and I'm certain headphones and genre preferences play a big part here--but no matter which compatible tube you put in Aegis it's nearly guaranteed to sound good. Beyond that it's simply varying levels of good and great and finding synergy with your prefs and other equipment in your chain. (DAC pairing plays a big role too it seems.)

Once more, I have to say, well done @L0rdGwyn and ZMF. Aegis is a fabulous amp and I can't wait to hear where this tube rolling (and headphone) journey will take me.

* - for other amps, especially those with more limited rolling options, I've found stronger consensus over what's considered the ultimate roll.

 

[AnyDave]

So what’s your favorite pairing with the Caldera open? And I guess what’s your current favorite ZMF headphones other than something not yet disclosed.

I'm not sure I have a definitive answer on that, as lately I've been too busy to do a lot of tube swapping. Right now, my production Aegis has 5691 preamp tubes, Mullard EL37 power tubes and a GEC U52 rectifier. In my DIY Aegis at home, I think I have 5691 preamp tubes, Tung-Sol 6550 tubes, and I don't remember what rectifier. I recently snagged a pair of Mullard ECC35 tubes, so I am looking forward to trying those out. But lately when I make changes, it hasn't been a lot of back and forth dedicated listening. I have just been throwing the new thing in and using it for a bit. If I don't like it as much, I change back or to something different.

As far as headphones go, whatever I'm currently working on tends to get the most time on my head for practical reasons (which is often multiple models). Even for the released models, it's not unusual for me to have 2 or 3 different variants (generally prototype versions) kicking around. My favorite tends to be a bit of a moving target. Sometimes, it'll be the newest, unreleased thing I'm working on, but sometimes I'll revisit an older product model and I'll get pulled into that one for a while. I like certain things that each model does, so my mood will often drive what I choose to listen to if I am listening for pleasure (which admittedly has been in short supply lately).

That's a bit of a non-answer, but it's the life an acoustic engineer. Things are a bit different when your hobby is also your career.

 

[iamoneagain]

I'm not sure I have a definitive answer on that, as lately I've been too busy to do a lot of tube swapping. Right now, my production Aegis has 5691 preamp tubes, Mullard EL37 power tubes and a GEC U52 rectifier. In my DIY Aegis at home, I think I have 5691 preamp tubes, Tung-Sol 6550 tubes, and I don't remember what rectifier. I recently snagged a pair of Mullard ECC35 tubes, so I am looking forward to trying those out. But lately when I make changes, it hasn't been a lot of back and forth dedicated listening. I have just been throwing the new thing in and using it for a bit. If I don't like it as much, I change back or to something different.

As far as headphones go, whatever I'm currently working on tends to get the most time on my head for practical reasons (which is often multiple models). Even for the released models, it's not unusual for me to have 2 or 3 different variants (generally prototype versions) kicking around. My favorite tends to be a bit of a moving target. Sometimes, it'll be the newest, unreleased thing I'm working on, but sometimes I'll revisit an older product model and I'll get pulled into that one for a while. I like certain things that each model does, so my mood will often drive what I choose to listen to if I am listening for pleasure (which admittedly has been in short supply lately).

That's a bit of a non-answer, but it's the life an acoustic engineer. Things are a bit different when your hobby is also your career.

Thanks that’s a pretty good answer for someone who has unlimited access to ZMF headphones including prototypes. I suppose one of the many benefits of working for ZMF. It also makes sense that you wouldn’t consider there to be one perfect headphone but many different ones to suit different needs. Would make it hard to work on newer models if only in pursuit of the one perfect headphone and already found it.

 

[SunRa Fan]

So strange, just put the The RCA 5R4GY DD back in and no longer hear the strange soundstage. It sounds right. But I understand why you’re using the better headphone cable. The RCA rectifier is lacking clarity compared to the Mullard. And it’s lacking precision. It’s a nice sound but I would be looking for a better cable as well. But with the Mullard gz34 fat base f31, the 2k Copper works since don’t think I’d need anymore clarity. Also the RCA is missing the high end sparkle of the Mullard. Be aware this is only with the f31 fat base version. The f32 resolution is probably about the same as the RCA, the fat base brings things to another level but it cost a lot more but to me worth it. Haven’t heard the metal base version but read the fat base has stronger bass, so that would be my preference.

Edit: sorry I was editing it and got few likes before the edit. It’s early on West Coast so thought had time to delete what’s no longer true.

Just did quick comparison with The Halo Benders - Virginia Reel Around the Fountain and with Mullard the separation and layering are definitely on another level. It’s possible someone still might prefer the RCA since it’s smoother and guitar is less harsh but find it accurate with the Mullard. The Mullard also has much tighter bass control.

The Mullard f31 is on the list for me. It makes me happy that you had another go and at least no longer experience the reverb issue. The GSP is more than a cable as far as I'm concerned. The resolution increase might as well constitute a next generation Caldera. ZMF really should talk this up more on their website or even highlight a bundle. They're just so good together. Not so much with the Atrium.

 

[iamoneagain]

The Mullard f31 is on the list for me. It makes me happy that you had another go and at least no longer experience the reverb issue. The GSP is more than a cable as far as I'm concerned. The resolution increase might as well constitute a next generation Caldera. ZMF really should talk this up more on their website or even highlight a bundle. They're just so good together. Not so much with the Atrium.

When getting new cable I did think about that GSP cable but knew I didn’t need any more resolution with my tubes. The GSP with Mullard fat base might be too much, just like how I imagine the Chord dacs would be.

I’ll keep the RCA rectifier just in case but don’t see me swapping it out with the Mullard anytime soon. And so far happy leaving in the kt90’s. Still so musical with maybe more pinpoint accuracy over the kt88. It’s that accuracy with the Mullard is something I haven’t heard since listening to Focal Utopia straight out of Dave/mscaler combo. Tried Caldera straight out of Dave at CamJam and wasn’t a good pairing.

 

[SunRa Fan]

When getting new cable I did think about that GSP cable but knew I didn’t need any more resolution with my tubes. The GSP with Mullard fat base might be too much, just like how I imagine the Chord dacs would be.

I’ll keep the RCA rectifier just in case but don’t see me swapping it out with the Mullard anytime soon. And so far happy leaving in the kt90’s. Still so musical with maybe more pinpoint accuracy over the kt88. It’s that accuracy with the Mullard is something I haven’t heard since listening to Focal Utopia straight out of Dave/mscaler combo. Tried Caldera straight out of Dave at CamJam and wasn’t a good pairing.

As far as Chord DACs go, farther down the ladder is fine. I’m using the Qutest with the Aegis.

 

[martelanc24]

As far as Chord DACs go, farther down the ladder is fine. I’m using the Qutest with the Aegis.

I was using a Chord Mojo (first version) and it also sounded just fine. I then, last month, made myself a DIY R-2R DAC using a Soekris dam1021 DAC module. The sound opened up, I have a better sense of space and where sounds are coming from, I can pick up even more details than before, just this sense of clarity all around, compared to the Mojo. The only thing is the bass that hits ever so slightly less in some EDM tracks. I would say it pairs nicely with the Aegis.

Anyone else using any Soekris DAC with their Aegis?

 

[iamoneagain]

Oh I’m not saying Chords dacs would be bad pairing at all. Just saying the higher ones has so much detail retrieval that might not pair as well with the gz34 fat base is all.

The mojo is sort of par with the original Hugo. That was more musical than detailed and can see why moving away from it opened things up. Original Hugo has small soundstage. Hugo 2 and Qutest are around the same level of detail. I’m wasn’t a fan of the Hugo 2, so was sort of afraid to try the Qutest. Never really heard the Hugo TT or TT2. Skipped right over and got the Dave/mscaler. Hyper detailed but still musical.

I was contemplating about keeping the Naim HE but with new power cable and recent firmware update, it sounds great with the Aegis. So no reason to spend money for the sake of spending. Think I’m all set for now. See if can just live with my setup and not change anything for as long as possible.

 

[theveterans]

I was using a Chord Mojo (first version) and it also sounded just fine. I then, last month, made myself a DIY R-2R DAC using a Soekris dam1021 DAC module. The sound opened up, I have a better sense of space and where sounds are coming from, I can pick up even more details than before, just this sense of clarity all around, compared to the Mojo. The only thing is the bass that hits ever so slightly less in some EDM tracks. I would say it pairs nicely with the Aegis.

Anyone else using any Soekris DAC with their Aegis?

Beef up the PSU filtering on your Soekris and experience earth shattering bass impact and extension

Don’t forget about power cords and fuses too since they do help with the bass as well

 

[SunRa Fan]

Oh I’m not saying Chords dacs would be bad parings at all. Just saying the higher ones has so much detail retrieval that might not pair as well with the gz34 fat base is all.

The mojo is sort of par with the original Hugo. That was more musical than detailed and can see why moving away from it opened things up. Original Hugo has small soundstage. Hugo 2 and Qutest are around the same level of detail. I’m wasn’t a fan of the Hugo 2, so was sort of afraid to try the Qutest. Never really heard the Hugo TT or TT2. Skipped right over and got the Dave/mscaler. Hyper detailed but still musical.

I was contemplating about keeping the Naim HE but with new power cable and recent firmware update, it sounds great with the Aegis. So no reason to spend money for the sake of spending. Think I’m all set for now. See if can just live with my setup and not change anything for as long as possible.

Even though the Qutest and the Hugo2 have the some core FPGA, they aren't voiced the same. The Qutest was given a warmer sound vs the Hugo2 which is known to have a leaner sound. With regards to the Naim, you should consider keeping it always because Naim is no longer the Naim of old. Ever since they got swallowed by Focal their products have been declining in quality. I've seen longtime dealers start to abandon the brand and a lot of the engineers behind the famous power supplies have started to show up at other companies. I own two Supernaits so this pains me to say.

 

[iamoneagain]

Even though the Qutest and the Hugo2 have the some core FPGA, they aren't voiced the same. The Qutest was given a warmer sound vs the Hugo2 which is known to have a leaner sound. With regards to the Naim, you should consider keeping it always because Naim is no longer the Naim of old. Ever since they got swallowed by Focal their products have been declining in quality. I've seen longtime dealers start to abandon the brand and a lot of the engineers behind the famous power supplies have started to show up at other companies. I own two Supernaits so this pains me to say.

Not to get sidetracked from the Aegis but good to know about the Qutest. It was that lean sound of the Hugo 2 with the Utopia that bothered me. The Naim HE was a much better match and have continued to hold onto it once got the Caldera and added the Aegis. And there’s been talk on Naim forums about Naim’s new direction and issues with sound of their firmware but the latest version, which also goes into their $30k ND 555, seems to have restored some people’s faith in the brand.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

KT90’s still rank up there as one of my favorite output tubes in the Aegis. I realized I had too many of them, so I recently sold some of my extra pairs. I still have one pair of version 2's and one pair of version 3's. To me, they sound practically identical, though from what I've read, version 2 is more sought-after.

As far as rectifiers go, it really comes down to personal preference. The two metal-base GZ34’s I had ended up not being my cup of tea. They had great resolution and speed, but they made the Aegis a little too much like a solid-state amp to me. On the other hand, I have yet to find a tube roll that I don’t like with the RCA 5R4GY w/ DD-getters. I really liked the GEC U52, but in the end, I didn’t like it more than the RCA, so it was an easy decision to sell it.

For reference, I use a Yggy A2 and mostly swap between a Meze Elite and Atrium Closed. I occasionally use my OG Auteur as well. All three headphones sound great with the Aegis.