[Pharmaboy]

So it seems the advice to switch out the Bifrost 2 was bang on! I moved my Jot2 over to my main 2channel system, which includes a Denafrips Venus 2 DAC. Problem solved! - Thanks @Tshiknn for the prompt. I'm sure I can still do much better than the Jot, so I'm thinking of finding a new headamp that comes with a remote and incorporating it into the main system (Luxman L-595 integrated, Denafrips Venus 2, Lumin U2 Mini). I just need to figure out how to connect the headamp to the integrated. Thanks to everyone for their help!

This amp is remote-controlled and powerful. It should work with any ZMF...with pretty much any headphone I can think of. Every ZMF I have or had killed on the V281.

https://power-holdings-inc.com/Violectric-HPA-V281-Reissue-Headphone-Amp-p585718067

 

[ethelthefrog7]

This amp is remote-controlled and powerful. I should work with any ZMF...with pretty much any headphone I can think of. Every ZMF I have or had killed on the V281.

https://power-holdings-inc.com/Violectric-HPA-V281-Reissue-Headphone-Amp-p585718067

Thanks so much for the recommendation. It's perfect in every way except the price is higher than I'd prefer. Something under $2K would be ideal. I may end up with this if I can't find a more economical option.

 

[Pharmaboy]

So it seems the advice to switch out the Bifrost 2 was bang on! I moved my Jot2 over to my main 2channel system, which includes a Denafrips Venus 2 DAC. Problem solved! - Thanks @Tshiknn for the prompt. I'm sure I can still do much better than the Jot, so I'm thinking of finding a new headamp that comes with a remote and incorporating it into the main system (Luxman L-595 integrated, Denafrips Venus 2, Lumin U2 Mini). I just need to figure out how to connect the headamp to the integrated. Thanks to everyone for their help!

As of yesterday, a V281 was F.S. here (a true rarity). You'd have to check w/the seller whether the volume pot is stepped (the better option) or the stock non-stepped one. Either way, it's a killer amp.

BTW, the new reissue will have a few tricks the OG V281s don't (such as a 4.4 pentacon balanced output).

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds/violectric-v281-headphone-amplifier.56171/

 

[OnlySoMany]

"A Tale of Three ZMFs" - It began with the Auteur Classic making sweet sounds, but like so many of us here, I couldn't help but look up the ladder, wondering if my ears could be even happier.

Succumbed to the beautiful Verite 'Select Stock Sale' for a taste of Zach's premium wares. After a prolonged but needed burn-in period and some system-matching, the Verite won me over with its meaty presentation of instruments - but not so much for vocals. That's fine - Verite for classical and jazz; and Auteur for rock, singer-songwriter stuff and blues. Nice.

But hold on, that Atrium is supposed to be amazing for vocals. Wait...wait...Nope! Can't wait. Couldn't even hold out for ZMF November (and feared for my wallet) so I recently bought a second-hand Atrium. Sweet baby Elvis! Love-love-love it for rock and anything with vocals.

Now I'm struggling to find a reason to keep my Auteurs (aside from sentimental). For any of you with both Auteur and Atrium, what do you find yourself preferring the Auteur for? So far, every tune I have tested with them both comes out with the Atrium on top. Is there an Auteur Classic For Sale classified ad in my future?

Depends on your ears. I prefer the Auteur over the Atrium for most situations personally, but it depends on the amp and genre. Atrium shines on high end tube amps.

I have a few sets on the way that I am very excited for.

 

[OnlySoMany]

Thanks so much for the recommendation. It's perfect in every way except the price is higher than I'd prefer. Something under $2K would be ideal. I may end up with this if I can't find a more economical option.

Just buy a used amp from a reputable seller and call it a day. You can probably get a $3k+ amp new for less than $2k used easy.

Here is an example, not sure if I'm allowed to link or not.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649898932-ampsandsound-kenzie-encore-deluxe-w-tube-package/

And another, plenty to choose from.

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details...-headphonescom-forge-tube-amp-w-tube-package/

 

[zach915m]

Well...it's ZMF November's eve (yes I know it October!) and auteur Classic Stabilized and resin will be released tomorrow at 6PM CST // 23:00 UTC HERE: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/zmf-november

Keep up to date with the mega-thread HERE: https://www.head-fi.org/threads/zmf-november-2023-megathread.970182/#post-17782248

Here's some preview pics as well!

 

[unfitstew]

I grabbed a classic. I will have to see how the Classic compares to the OG!

The OG for a while was my least favorite ZMF Open back for my tastes but in the past two months I gave the Auteur another try and a lot more listening and like it a lot more. I still say much prefer the Atrium and the Caldera but I might actually prefer it over the Aeolus now. But I need to compare them again to say.

Will try to do an impressions or mini review of the two. Feel free to recommend me music that you think works well on the Auteur Og/Classic.

 

[G8torbyte]

ZMF November is an exciting time. There's a few nice stabilized Auteur Classics still available that catch my eye: Yorrick, Tacet and Cadence.
I picked these up in last year's sale and been really happy with them.

 

[oldmankensey]

ZMF November is an exciting time. There's a few nice stabilized Auteur Classics still available that catch my eye: Yorrick, Tacet and Cadence.
I picked these up in last year's sale and been really happy with them.

Random question: how do you like the 222?

 

[Kbeau]

@zach915m these have no business being this beautiful

 

[unfitstew]

@zach915m these have no business being this beautiful

Oooo enjoy them!

 

[JerseyD]

@zach915m these have no business being this beautiful

What is that Auteur wood? Beautiful!

 

[Deleeh]

As an Auteur OG beginner of my first Zmf, I spent a year with it until the Atrium came along.
Since then, I've heard less about the Auteur, but only recently did I get it back.
I had to get used to it a bit but in the end it did the trick.
Sure, the Atrium is a different calibre, but the Auteur Og is a little better in certain things here and there.

I don't know if it's worth upgrading or buying a Classic and keeping both versions.
My biggest worry is that the playtime is not there, if Verite and Caldera also find their way, it can become even more problematic.
But in the end I have to say that the Auteur OG is grounding again.
It resets a lot of things, and you realise what you have.
And you learn to listen in other directions again.
That's the beauty of it.
So letting go is out of the question.
I love both of them in their own way and I haven't decided yet what the next one will be.
The Ash would really appeal to me as a classic.
It looks like no one has bought it yet to show it and tell me what it's like.

 

[Kbeau]

What is that Auteur wood? Beautiful!

Redwood burl!

 

[Nuge]

I have the Atrium and I am probably going to sell it soon. I like it but like Deleeh, I think the Auteur OG does something better. ESPECIALLY female vocals. The HD600 is an incredible headphone, the best bang-for-your-buck in the headphone world and the Auteur takes all of the strengths of that headphone and improves on its weaknesses. I am probably going to repurchase the Auteur.