[AudioDuck]

I think you're describing the Aeolus. The fullness/lushness can be tempered easily w/pad rolling, if you'd like.

Very fair point, thanks @Pharmaboy . I should have included the caveat that I have not heard the Aeolus, only the three ZMFs that I own. 😌

And hey, the Aeolus is less money, too!

 

[jonathan c]

I have actually been debating between the Icon HP8 Mk.II and the Quicksilver HPA. People seem to love them both. The HP8 is more flexible with its output gain switch, but I have read of people's concerns about the availability and cost of 6SN7(CV181) tubes. What are your thoughts on that? Thanks!

[ P/M ]

 

[jinxy245]

"I say check out an Atticus. I would say it’s the most “ZMF sound” of the whole lineup" - haasaaroni

As someone trying to decide what my first ZMF will be, this is getting pretty frustrating. Working my way through all the forum threads on each model has been fun, but has not lead me to a firm decision. Every model seems to have its fans and advocates for it being the "first" ZMF to try. I guess that's a good thing, having such enthusiastic fans. Was so close to buying an Auteur Classic, but weighing the possibility of shooting for the Atrium. The Auteur Classic would allow me to buy a nice tube amp at the same time - so there's that in its favor. Now the Atticus fans have spoken and proclaimed it the "most ZMF." What to do? (And please don't say to buy them all!)

I was going to suggest hitting CanJam NYC since it's such a huge purchase and there's nothing like you're own two ears to tell you what you like, but it looks like you're in TX now! (Congrats on the move?) I'd suggest the CanJam in Dallas, but you're a good 4 hours away, and it's not for another year either.

I still say that getting ears on is usually the best way (obviously), but that doesn't seem practical. I'd cast my vote for the Aeolus & the Atrium for having the most ear friendly sound (meaning the safest bets) but it's really tough w/o an idea of your preferences.

- Don't need closed-back.
- Listening to acoustic small-group jazz mostly, a fair amount of rock and some classical.
- Looking for slightly elevated bass with great texture that does not encroach on the mids; clarity and instrument separation; non-fatiguing treble (I find myself ripping the Grados from my head after a while). I find the Ether 2 a bit lean at times, so looking for more fullness/lushness.

With these parameters, I'd say your instincts for the Auteur classic/ Atrium are well placed. I haven't heard the Auteur classic yet, but the original fits the parameters to a "T" IMO. The Classic is supposed to be a touch warmer in the bass region & and an improved headstage. The Atrium is similarly tuned apparently but with more detail, larger stage and a bit more mid-bass overall (still no mids encroachment). I am a bit biased, the Atrium is my favorite so far (this might be surpassed by the Caldera from my brief listen, but that's out of the range you're,looking for anyway).

Good luck! Feel free to PM any more questions.

 

[JerseyD]

I was going to suggest hitting CanJam NYC since it's such a huge purchase and there's nothing like you're own two ears to tell you what you like, but it looks like you're in TX now! (Congrats on the move?) I'd suggest the CanJam in Dallas, but you're a good 4 hours away, and it's not for another year either.

I still say that getting ears on is usually the best way (obviously), but that doesn't seem practical. I'd cast my vote for the Aeolus & the Atrium for having the most ear friendly sound (meaning the safest bets) but it's really tough w/o an idea of your preferences.


With these parameters, I'd say your instincts for the Auteur classic/ Atrium are well placed. I haven't heard the Auteur classic yet, but the original fits the parameters to a "T" IMO. The Classic is supposed to be a touch warmer in the bass region & and an improved headstage. The Atrium is similarly tuned apparently but with more detail, larger stage and a bit more mid-bass overall (still no mids encroachment). I am a bit biased, the Atrium is my favorite so far (this might be surpassed by the Caldera from my brief listen, but that's out of the range you're,looking for anyway).

Good luck! Feel free to PM any more questions.

Yes, moved to Houston area almost 3 years ago. For the cost of a trip to CanJam in NYC, I could just buy both the Auteur Classic AND the Atrium! Problem solved!

 

[Kbeau]

Zebra wood ❤️

 

[shafat777]

Zebra wood ❤️

I absolutely love this shot. I also own a zebrawood Auteur that i just had upgraded to the Classic. Keep up the good work bud, your pics are amazing. From one camera guy to another, I tip my hat to you.

 

[jinxy245]

Zebra wood ❤️

Damn you are good...awesome shot.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Zebra wood ❤️

A true headphone glamour shot. Well done!

 

[zach915m]

Zebra wood ❤️

Wowowowo! That's an amazing shot! I feel like I'm right there with it. I can smell it!

 

[zach915m]

Auteur Classic LTD release coming this friday - marblewood: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones/products/auteur-marblewood-ltd

 

[haasaaroni]

Auteur Classic LTD release coming this friday - marblewood: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones/products/auteur-marblewood-ltd

Absolutely gorgeous!!

 

[heliosphann]

Auteur Classic LTD release coming this friday - marblewood: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones/products/auteur-marblewood-ltd

WOW.

 

[whirlwind]

Zebra wood ❤️

Breathtaking!

 

[Kbeau]

Wowowowo! That's an amazing shot! I feel like I'm right there with it. I can smell it!

Thanks! For an amazing headphone of course.

 

[JerseyD]

Thanks to everybody who offered advice about choosing my first ZMF. After much deliberating, I went with this slightly funky Auteur Classic. Perhaps there will be an Atrium and/or Aeolus in my future as well - you never know!