[gLer]

Thanks for the impressions!
Is the Aeolus picky with amps like the Atticus? I was wondering if it would fare well on a solid state only setup.

Great question, I’d like to know that too. Specifically low impedance solid state.

 

[Phantaminum]

It's not as dark, as it has a bit more treble energy. It also sounds faster and more detailed. Also more open.

Bass is impactful and controlled, hits hard, but I think the Eikon wins for quantity at the sub-bass range. Not surprising, given the open vs closed nature of the two. Despite this, edm is greatly enjoyable as they still have lots of slam and bass texture. They seem to take the different bass characteristics from the Eikon and Atticus, and blend the two into a really linear, controlled, bass response that I am really enjoying. I wish I had an Atticus here to compare them to - although I've heard the Atticus many times (and owned one), I am working off memory.

Mids... I need to listen more on both to give a good comparison. Keep in mind, I haven't had them long, so these are kind of first impressions.

What’s your impression of the Aeolus’ speed, impact, and sound signature compared to the Auteur?

 

[BuddhaBruce]

My biggest contenders in a new headphones are the Aeolus, Ether C Flow 1.1, and Ether 2... very spicy

 

[Pharmaboy]

It's not as dark, as it has a bit more treble energy. It also sounds faster and more detailed. Also more open.

Bass is impactful and controlled, hits hard, but I think the Eikon wins for quantity at the sub-bass range. Not surprising, given the open vs closed nature of the two. Despite this, edm is greatly enjoyable as they still have lots of slam and bass texture. They seem to take the different bass characteristics from the Eikon and Atticus, and blend the two into a really linear, controlled, bass response that I am really enjoying. I wish I had an Atticus here to compare them to - although I've heard the Atticus many times (and owned one), I am working off memory.

Mids... I need to listen more on both to give a good comparison. Keep in mind, I haven't had them long, so these are kind of first impressions.

Probably everyone else here knows the answer (and I'm the idiot)--but how did you come by this pair of Aeolus? They're not even available via pre-order yet, much less delivered in box to one's domicile...

And this, the most important question of all:

Is the Aeolus picky with amps like the Atticus? I was wondering if it would fare well on a solid state only setup.

 

[ProfFalkin]

Many thanks for the great impressions thus far!

If you get a chance or can compare off memory, would be most intrigued about it relative to the Auteur.

I’m trying to figure out if it’s sufficiently differentiated or if there is too much overlap.

The two are very different. The Auteur is much more neutral. Aeolus has lots more emphasis in areas across the FR. I haven't had much time to directly compare the two, as I've been focusing most of my comparisons against the Eikon. Give me time though, my goal is to compare the Verite and Aeolus against the 2 ZMF headphones currently in my personal inventory - the Eikon and Auteur.

Thanks for the impressions!
Is the Aeolus picky with amps like the Atticus? I was wondering if it would fare well on a solid state only setup.

All impressions so far coming from a Gumby A2 > EC Black Widow 2 setup using either uncompressed WAV CD rips or Tidal. I'll be firing up the Crack and Jotunheim and testing them on those as well.

What’s your impression of the Aeolus’ speed, impact, and sound signature compared to the Auteur?

Again, need more time to make those comparisons. I don't want to bounce around too much trying to compare everything. There is a method I like to follow so things don't get confused.

Probably everyone else here knows the answer (and I'm the idiot)--but how did you come by this pair of Aeolus? They're not even available via pre-order yet, much less delivered in box to one's domicile...

And this, the most important question of all:

I've been a customer of Zach's for a while. I've purchased 6 of his headphones, a few cables, ear pads, etc. I make it a point of catching up with him at RMAF each year. He's the best dude in audio, period. He asked if I would be willing to review the new headphones, and I jumped on the offer.

 

[Phantaminum]

The two are very different. The Auteur is much more neutral. Aeolus has lots more emphasis in areas across the FR. I haven't had much time to directly compare the two, as I've been focusing most of my comparisons against the Eikon. Give me time though, my goal is to compare the Verite and Aeolus against the 2 ZMF headphones currently in my personal inventory - the Eikon and Auteur.

We still have until the 16th of November and it looks like you're in the process of doing a pretty big review. Thanks for putting on the elbow grease to get this to us Prof!

 

[Zachik]

I've been a customer of Zach's for a while. I've purchased 6 of his headphones, a few cables, ear pads, etc. I make it a point of catching up with him at RMAF each year. He's the best dude in audio, period. He asked if I would be willing to review the new headphones, and I jumped on the offer.

+1 for Zach being "the best dude in audio, period".
I would add he's always very pleasant to talk to, very patient answering questions, and knowledgeable!
Also, a shout-out to Bevin @BooUrns (his lovely wife).

 

[ProfFalkin]

We still have until the 16th of November and it looks like you're in the process of doing a pretty big review. Thanks for putting on the elbow grease to get this to us Prof!

I was just thinking about that. I have 5 headphones - HD650, Verite, Aeolus, Eikon, and Auteur - and I am trying to see how they all compare, specifically two of them (Verite and Aeolus). Insert math... 5! / (2! × (5 - 2)!) = 10. That's basically 10 combinations of comparisons that need to be made to give an evaluation on how they all compare to each other.

So... yeah... when people ask how a and b compare to either b or a plus x, y, and z... I don't think they realize what that entails. Especially if we complicate matters by wanting to test them on 4 different amps, 3 different DACs, and 15 different headphone cables and interconnects.

Be gentle, folks. I have a day job.

 

[jinxy245]

I was just thinking about that. I have 5 headphones - HD650, Verite, Aeolus, Eikon, and Auteur - and I am trying to see how they all compare, specifically two of them (Verite and Aeolus). Insert math... 5! / (2! × (5 - 2)!) = 10. That's basically 10 combinations of comparisons that need to be made to give an evaluation on how they all compare to each other.

So... yeah.

...and thank you. These early reviews/impressions are key for those of us thinking of pre-ordering.

 

[ProfFalkin]

...and thank you. These early reviews/impressions are key for those of us thinking of pre-ordering.

Glad to!

 

[MonoOno]

Do you play video games ProfFalkin? If so can you give us an idea of the sound stage being that these are open.

 

[ProfFalkin]

Do you play video games ProfFalkin? If so can you give us an idea of the sound stage being that these are open.

Does solitaire count?

 

[ProfFalkin]

As for the SS amp question - I listened to the Jotunheim and BW2 tonight for about 5 hours total. Settled on the BW2 having a slightly more "tube-ish" sound and wider stage. It sounds just fine from either one, really.

Both amps kick like mules when the song calls for it If you're an EDM fan, the Aeolus just wins, hands down, compared to the '650s. I won't even go into comparisons.

Back to the Blues... On Keb'Mo's song "Move" at the beginning of the song, the kick drums sound like drums, not an over emphasized artificial impact effect. I know there is a place for adding drum effects when mastering a song (like anything done by Phil Colins) but less is more in my book. The feeling I get with some planars and dynamic headphones is that they don't sound natural on the kick drum on this song. I don't know if it's tone, or decay, or what. With that said, the Aeolus does this well. I think the HD650 renders the decay of the drum better, but lacks the impact the Ae has. Both make the drum sound like a drum, so... no arguments here, just personal preference. The bass guitar is a nice background instrument on the HD650, but on the Ae it really gives the song body. Keb's singing sounds 1st or 2nd row on the Aeolus. Maybe 8th or 9th row on the HD650. Both are presenting instrument separation nicely. This isn't a great song to judge width.

On Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Bright Lights", the HD650 doesn't bring out the kick drum or bass guitar anywhere near as well as the Aeolus. I like this song. It is fun and has such a nice crunchy guitar sound. It's just made better by bringing the bass lines up and fuller sounding on the Aeolus. The (snare?) drum impact on this song is huge, it is front and center, and it attacks you. I think the sound engineer over-emphasized it in the mix, because by the time I've listened to the song about 4 times times, I'm relieved to get away from it. Maybe that's just me. The drum attack has an echo effect that you can pick up in the background, and I can hear that clearly on the Aeolus. The HD650 presents the same effect, and it's quite difficult to tell which does it better. That's a good sign in my book. Overall, I think the HD650 presents a more even overall tone and balance to this song. I don't know what dynamic range is on this song, but I think it could use more.

Buddy Guy's "Miss Ida B" (one of my favorite songs) the HD650 puts Buddy's singing smoothly, yet prominently, into the center of the song. His guitar also seems brought forward. You can hear the attack of the pick on the string in certain parts, although it's kind of buried in there. On the Aeolus, Buddy's voice and guitar playing seems more integrated into the overall music, and just more coherent. The attack of the pick is still there, and detail isn't being hidden. Instrument separation is still maintained, but the piano isn't competing to be heard over the guitar like on the HD650. It is more like the piano is a partner to the guitar pieces. I really like that. Buddy's guitar sounds clear but balanced into the song better, by comparison. I think the Aeolus presents the song better. On the '650, the bass guitar kind of fades away as you listen to the song - other instruments in the music just seem to steal focus - but it really fills out the song and stays present on the Aeolus.

Ok, on to Eikon comparisons, and Auteur after that. (Tomorrow, or soon thereafter.)

 

[Por_Tu_Guy]

As for the SS amp question - I listened to the Jotunheim and BW2 tonight for about 5 hours total. Settled on the BW2 having a slightly more "tube-ish" sound and wider stage. It sounds just fine from either one, really.

Both amps kick like mules when the song calls for it If you're an EDM fan, the Aeolus just wins, hands down, compared to the '650s. I won't even go into comparisons.

Back to the Blues... On Keb'Mo's song "Move" at the beginning of the song, the kick drums sound like drums, not an over emphasized artificial impact effect. I know there is a place for adding drum effects when mastering a song (like anything done by Phil Colins) but less is more in my book. The feeling I get with some planars and dynamic headphones is that they don't sound natural on the kick drum on this song. I don't know if it's tone, or decay, or what. With that said, the Aeolus does this well. I think the HD650 renders the decay of the drum better, but lacks the impact the Ae has. Both make the drum sound like a drum, so... no arguments here, just personal preference. The bass guitar is a nice background instrument on the HD650, but on the Ae it really gives the song body. Keb's singing sounds 1st or 2nd row on the Aeolus. Maybe 8th or 9th row on the HD650. Both are presenting instrument separation nicely. This isn't a great song to judge width.

On Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Bright Lights", the HD650 doesn't bring out the kick drum or bass guitar anywhere near as well as the Aeolus. I like this song. It is fun and has such a nice crunchy guitar sound. It's just made better by bringing the bass lines up and fuller sounding on the Aeolus. The (snare?) drum impact on this song is huge, it is front and center, and it attacks you. I think the sound engineer over-emphasized it in the mix, because by the time I've listened to the song about 4 times times, I'm relieved to get away from it. Maybe that's just me. The drum attack has an echo effect that you can pick up in the background, and I can hear that clearly on the Aeolus. The HD650 presents the same effect, and it's quite difficult to tell which does it better. That's a good sign in my book. Overall, I think the HD650 presents a more even overall tone and balance to this song. I don't know what dynamic range is on this song, but I think it could use more.

Buddy Guy's "Miss Ida B" (one of my favorite songs) the HD650 puts Buddy's singing smoothly, yet prominently, into the center of the song. His guitar also seems brought forward. You can hear the attack of the pick on the string in certain parts, although it's kind of buried in there. On the Aeolus, Buddy's voice and guitar playing seems more integrated into the overall music, and just more coherent. The attack of the pick is still there, and detail isn't being hidden. Instrument separation is still maintained, but the piano isn't competing to be heard over the guitar like on the HD650. It is more like the piano is a partner to the guitar pieces. I really like that. Buddy's guitar sounds clear but balanced into the song better, by comparison. I think the Aeolus presents the song better. On the '650, the bass guitar kind of fades away as you listen to the song - other instruments in the music just seem to steal focus - but it really fills out the song and stays present on the Aeolus.

Ok, on to Eikon comparisons, and Auteur after that. (Tomorrow, or soon thereafter.)

Great impressions and comparisons !!
Thanks for taking the time and effort to listen and share your findings on the Aeolus. It really helps us want to be buyers to gauge what kind of sound to expect.

 

[Malevolint]

As for the SS amp question - I listened to the Jotunheim and BW2 tonight for about 5 hours total. Settled on the BW2 having a slightly more "tube-ish" sound and wider stage. It sounds just fine from either one, really.

Both amps kick like mules when the song calls for it If you're an EDM fan, the Aeolus just wins, hands down, compared to the '650s. I won't even go into comparisons.

Back to the Blues... On Keb'Mo's song "Move" at the beginning of the song, the kick drums sound like drums, not an over emphasized artificial impact effect. I know there is a place for adding drum effects when mastering a song (like anything done by Phil Colins) but less is more in my book. The feeling I get with some planars and dynamic headphones is that they don't sound natural on the kick drum on this song. I don't know if it's tone, or decay, or what. With that said, the Aeolus does this well. I think the HD650 renders the decay of the drum better, but lacks the impact the Ae has. Both make the drum sound like a drum, so... no arguments here, just personal preference. The bass guitar is a nice background instrument on the HD650, but on the Ae it really gives the song body. Keb's singing sounds 1st or 2nd row on the Aeolus. Maybe 8th or 9th row on the HD650. Both are presenting instrument separation nicely. This isn't a great song to judge width.

On Gary Clark Jr.'s song "Bright Lights", the HD650 doesn't bring out the kick drum or bass guitar anywhere near as well as the Aeolus. I like this song. It is fun and has such a nice crunchy guitar sound. It's just made better by bringing the bass lines up and fuller sounding on the Aeolus. The (snare?) drum impact on this song is huge, it is front and center, and it attacks you. I think the sound engineer over-emphasized it in the mix, because by the time I've listened to the song about 4 times times, I'm relieved to get away from it. Maybe that's just me. The drum attack has an echo effect that you can pick up in the background, and I can hear that clearly on the Aeolus. The HD650 presents the same effect, and it's quite difficult to tell which does it better. That's a good sign in my book. Overall, I think the HD650 presents a more even overall tone and balance to this song. I don't know what dynamic range is on this song, but I think it could use more.

Buddy Guy's "Miss Ida B" (one of my favorite songs) the HD650 puts Buddy's singing smoothly, yet prominently, into the center of the song. His guitar also seems brought forward. You can hear the attack of the pick on the string in certain parts, although it's kind of buried in there. On the Aeolus, Buddy's voice and guitar playing seems more integrated into the overall music, and just more coherent. The attack of the pick is still there, and detail isn't being hidden. Instrument separation is still maintained, but the piano isn't competing to be heard over the guitar like on the HD650. It is more like the piano is a partner to the guitar pieces. I really like that. Buddy's guitar sounds clear but balanced into the song better, by comparison. I think the Aeolus presents the song better. On the '650, the bass guitar kind of fades away as you listen to the song - other instruments in the music just seem to steal focus - but it really fills out the song and stays present on the Aeolus.

Ok, on to Eikon comparisons, and Auteur after that. (Tomorrow, or soon thereafter.)

Thank you! I've been waiting to read something like this about the Aeolus! I'm still caught between it and the Eikon because I kinda want something closed so I don't bother my gf, and so she, my computer and my loud ass fridge don't bother me when I'm at my desk lol.

One more thing. I love your taste in music. Do you have a Spotify link to your library? I've never heard any of those songs and I love them all.