I'd like to think knowing that it's dangerous going in will help me, but I'm not sure it will.. I accept my fate
ZMF BOKEH - Closed Back (Semi-Portable)
- Thread starter heliosphann
- Start date
I’m hoping the Caldera closed is so good that I won’t want to buy anything at the show and I can save up and sell off my other gear while waiting for it to come out
To my ears, a closed Atrium is better than an open one. I can imagine what the Caldera will be like (I haven’t received the open one yet, I’m already tired of waiting). But I'm afraid that the head of the branch of my bank will not like all this very much. 
I find the excitement about closed-backs interesting. Sure, I also can't wait to hear the closed Caldera, and it is true that ZMF makes the best sounding closed-back headphones to my ears from any brand. Yet, I prefer the open versions even in the ZMF lineup.
To my ears, a closed Atrium is better than an open one. I can imagine what the Caldera will be like (I haven’t received the open one yet, I’m already tired of waiting). But I'm afraid that the head of the branch of my bank will not like all this very much.
I demoed EVERY model they had, but I could not get over the sheer impact of the Atrium Closed. I've never heard anything like it. I sold off my Utopia and Stellia after I heard them.
KaiFi
500+ Head-Fier
I find the excitement about closed-backs interesting. Sure, I also can't wait to hear the closed Caldera, and it is true that ZMF makes the best sounding closed-back headphones to my ears from any brand. Yet, I prefer the open versions even in the ZMF lineup.
For me, I'm just glad to have found a brand that really puts a lot of effort into making closed-backs sound great, which I know is not easy. Unfortunately my impression of closed-backs from Hifiman and Sennheiser is that they're not quite what they should be--they almost feel like afterthoughts. And other closed-backs I've tried are either way too bright or lack proper isolation.
As someone who lives in a noisy environment and really can't stand external noise intruding in on the music, closed-backs are essential for me and ZMF seems to be the best closed-back manufacturer out there. The Bokeh is truly the headphone I've been looking for to replace my beloved NightOwl (while being a step-up sonically).
And I haven't tried all the tuning combinations yet, but solid mesh + hybrid pads gets a lot of praise and I can see why. This might be the end-game for this headphone.
@DaJustin , did you go to CanJam Dallas? It was a good time. Lots of us Houstonians up there!
And then you got your eyes off Zach and looked at the gear…I was like a kid in a Candy Store, when I first walked into the ZMF room at CanJam Dallas. I was actually a bit overwhelmed, had goosebumps, and could barely think straight for the first couple of minutes, as there was so much beauty to behold.
I can't wait for this year's CanJam Dallas!
idairyou
500+ Head-Fier
I don't know man.......I would be all googly eyed with hearts floating around my head.
Don't know if I could turn away................from the headphones that is.
I agree, I find most closed backs from other brands 'handicapped' efforts with serious compromises that can often qualify as faults. I could probably count on one hand, how many of them I find listenable (which is still far from enjoyment). ZMF closed backs are special and pretty much the only brand where I can enjoy sound in a closed cup design. Yet the airy naturalness of open headphones is just unbeatable for me. (And you don't even have to worry about bass with the AO or Caldera open.For me, I'm just glad to have found a brand that really puts a lot of effort into making closed-backs sound great, which I know is not easy. Unfortunately my impression of closed-backs from Hifiman and Sennheiser is that they're not quite what they should be--they almost feel like afterthoughts. And other closed-backs I've tried are either way too bright or lack proper isolation.
As someone who lives in a noisy environment and really can't stand external noise intruding in on the music, closed-backs are essential for me and ZMF seems to be the best closed-back manufacturer out there. The Bokeh is truly the headphone I've been looking for to replace my beloved NightOwl (while being a step-up sonically).
And I haven't tried all the tuning combinations yet, but solid mesh + hybrid pads gets a lot of praise and I can see why. This might be the end-game for this headphone.
)That said, I understand there is a need for closed backs due to environment issues which is absolutely fine. Zach worked true wizardry with the damping system.
Also, I find the Bokeh (from audition) a fantastic headphone for the price regardless its closed cups.
LOL! You are right, finally getting to meet Zach and Bevin was the real highlight for me. Katherine and Kevin were also a pleasant surprise. They are great people!
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RONJA MESCO
1000+ Head-Fier
yeah, I want more love for high end closed backs...it seems alot of manufacturers spend an inordinate time making open backs all day longI find the excitement about closed-backs interesting. Sure, I also can't wait to hear the closed Caldera, and it is true that ZMF makes the best sounding closed-back headphones to my ears from any brand. Yet, I prefer the open versions even in the ZMF lineup.
You are not alone.
I love how Zach tunes his closed backs, and I pretty much always prefer them to the open backs. For me ZMF's closed backs have a bit more spice/fun in the tuning, vs. the usually more linear/safer tuning of the open backs.
It's great to have options, and I love how there is usually a C and O version for each headphone.
That being said, I do plan to add a few open backs to my collection eventually, but for now I am rocking the closed backs and loving every second.
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Zach said an open back Bokeh would be coming at some point this year - now that could tempt me to try a ZMF Open Back. I love the AC and the Bokeh.You are not alone.
I love how Zach tunes his closed backs, and I pretty much always prefer them to the open backs. For me ZMF's closed backs have a bit more spice/fun in the tuning, vs. the usually more linear/safer tuning of the open backs.
It's great to have options, and I love how there is usually a C and O version for each headphone.
That being said, I do plan to add a few open backs to my collection eventually, but for now I am rocking the closed backs and loving every second.
My thoughts exactly.
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