ZMF BOKEH - Closed Back (Semi-Portable)

[JackarlTwo]

I've been super impressed with the Bokeh Closed. Build, fit, comfort and of course sound is top tier. Still early impressions. I usually prefer open backs but this easily ranks as one of the best closed backs I've heard or any headphone around the $1k mark. I'm pretty sure I prefer it over the LCD-X. Take the faster speed of the VC and the yummy bass of the AC and you're getting something close to this. While the bigger brothers are more technically proficient I just adore the Bokeh's tuning, it's right up my alley. Nothing really feels out of place. Bass has a very nice kick and punch, and transitions beautifully into the mids. The upper mids seem slightly more relaxed than Atrium Open, but guitars still have plenty of bite. Vocals are present, full bodied and clear. The treble is smooth as butter with enough sparkle and shimmer to not sound too dull (using the stock hybrid pads). Zero fatigue. @zach915m You absolutely nailed it man and I can easily see this be a crowd pleaser.

The natural limba wood is gorgeous. Photos don't do it justice.



Reminds me of old Les Paul's, make sense given the wood type!

 

[DACattack]

@JackarlTwo Beautiful photos. Very nice review. I can't wait for mine to arrive. I gave my only set of closed-backs to my son for college and wanted a pair to replace them. I generally prefer open backs, but I was intrigued by how many people said that ZMFs closed-backs didn't necessarily sound like others do and the soundstage felt more open than is typical. I finally pulled the trigger in February. Which cable are you using? I bought a stock 6.35mm and XLR cables, but plan to look at upgrading the cables if I like the Bokehs.

I'm also considering getting the clamshell case. What have others thought of it?

Since this is my first ZMF I'm especially excited. I considered purchasing the Atrium Open ever since its release but the cost was prohibitive, especially for something I couldn't easily audition first. I'm really delighted that @zach915m was able to sell the Bokehs around the 1K price point--it made it a lot easier to dip my toes in the ZMF waters.

I'll do some reading in the the thread this weekend to get caught up on everything, but two other quick questions. Any reasonably-priced cables suggestions for the Bokeh Closed that folks are enjoying? And I would love to get a ZMF stand--it's called Salire, right?--but I don't see it offered on the ZMF website. I'm assuming that ZMF only sells it sporadically?

I apologize for all the neophyte questions, and hope folks don't mind me asking them. Work has been nuts this week and I just haven't had time to peruse this thread properly.

 

[JackarlTwo]

@JackarlTwo Beautiful photos. Very nice review. I can't wait for mine to arrive. I gave my only set of closed-backs to my son for college and wanted a pair to replace them. I generally prefer open backs, but I was intrigued by how many people said that ZMFs closed-backs didn't necessarily sound like others do and the soundstage felt more open than is typical. I finally pulled the trigger in February. Which cable are you using? I bought a stock 6.35mm and XLR cables, but plan to look at upgrading the cables if I like the Bokehs.

I'm also considering getting the clamshell case. What have others thought of it?

Since this is my first ZMF I'm especially excited. I considered purchasing the Atrium Open ever since its release but the cost was prohibitive, especially for something I couldn't easily audition first. I'm really delighted that @zach915m was able to sell the Bokehs around the 1K price point--it made it a lot easier to dip my toes in the ZMF waters.

I'll do some reading in the the thread this weekend to get caught up on everything, but two other quick questions. Any reasonably-priced cables suggestions for the Bokeh Closed that folks are enjoying? And I would love to get a ZMF stand--it's called Salire, right?--but I don't see it offered on the ZMF website. I'm assuming that ZMF only sells it sporadically?

I apologize for all the neophyte questions, and hope folks don't mind me asking them. Work has been nuts this week and I just haven't had time to peruse this thread properly.

I'm using the stock cable. I might get one of the Pro cables but so far the stock seems just fine. To my surprise the clamshell case is now included so you don't need to purchase one. Speaking of soundstage it is remarkably wide and deep for a closed back, so the ADS is doing some magic. Not quite to the level of the Atriums but it's more open sounding than my HD650 and LCD-X.

 

[DACattack]

I'm using the stock cable. I might get one of the Pro cables but so far the stock seems just fine. To my surprise the clamshell case is now included so you don't need to purchase one. Speaking of soundstage it is remarkably wide and deep for a closed back, so the ADS is doing some magic. Not quite to the level of the Atriums but it's more open sounding than my HD650 and LCD-X.

That's fantastic to hear that you're both happy with the stock cable and that the clamshell case is included. Neat! I honestly didn't realize that either. (Happy now that I didn't buy the one that's saved in my ZMF Cart. Ha!). Very cool news on the soundstage too. I have the HD650 too and that's encouraging to hear. A narrowed soundstage has been the main reason why I don't often listen with closed-backs. If I like my Bokeh Closed, I do plan to get a pair of Atrium Opens next, after my wallet recovers and I can save for them a while, because I think they'll pair wonderfully with my tube amps. Baby steps first though. I'm simply jazzed I get my try my first pair of ZMFs soon.

Glad you've enjoyed yours!

 

[TheOnetoWin]

Hi Everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone here also owns or has extensively used the Atrium Open? If so, would you say these headphones are similar enough to where it doesn't really make sense to own both simultaneously (ignoring the closed/back/open use case)?

 

[Dnguyen926]

It’ll work, but I had one and wasn’t too happy with the sound quality and returned it. It’s odd because I have the same cable but with 4.4 mm balanced termination at the headphone end and that works really well with my Quad Era 1 planars, so maybe the one I got for the Bokehs was a one off defective one.

Were you able to get a replacement for them or did you just order another brand? They’re nice cables for the price so hopefully it works. I ordered a mono cable just incase tho.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Hi Everyone,

I'm wondering if anyone here also owns or has extensively used the Atrium Open? If so, would you say these headphones are similar enough to where it doesn't really make sense to own both simultaneously (ignoring the closed/back/open use case)?

Take this with a grain of salt as I need more time with the Bokeh but initially I wanna say YES. It's totally worth owning both. While they both have a strong mid-bass and a full, lush mid-range with a warm sound signature they sound totally different to me. Being an open back and a closed back they are naturally going to sound different. Atrium having the biocellulose driver inherently has more texture, crispness and weight to the notes. Bokeh seems a tad warmer to my ears especially when it come to the bass and lower mids, but the sound is more "light". Super hard to describe. Atrium seems just slightly more neutral/ reference sounding with more air and more mid-centric. Atrium is the headphone you wanna listen to with your finest wine (or favorite drink of choice) and audiophile recordings, while the Bokeh is more "fun" sounding done right and it doesn't matter what you throw at it. You're gonna have a good time.

I did briefly try to A/B them but talk about shocking your ears! I clearly need more time with the Bokeh, brain burn-in and all that.

 

[TheOnetoWin]

Take this with a grain of salt as I need more time with the Bokeh but initially I wanna say YES. It's totally worth owning both. While they both have a strong mid-bass and a full, lush mid-range with a warm sound signature they sound totally different to me. Being an open back and a closed back they are naturally going to sound different. Atrium having the biocellulose driver inherently has more texture, crispness and weight to the notes. Bokeh seems a tad warmer to my ears especially when it come to the bass and lower mids, but the sound is more "light". Super hard to describe. Atrium seems just slightly more neutral/ reference sounding with more air and more mid-centric. Atrium is the headphone you wanna listen to with your finest wine (or favorite drink of choice) and audiophile recordings, while the Bokeh is more "fun" sounding done right and it doesn't matter what you throw at it. You're gonna have a good time.

I did briefly try to A/B them but talk about shocking your ears! I clearly need more time with the Bokeh, brain burn-in and all that.

Thanks! Yeah, I'd definitely love to hear more as you spend more time with both. Basically, I'm asking as I just ordered the Caldera Open and the Bokeh Closed, and was looking at potentially ordering either the Atrium Open or the Atrium Closed to kind of round out my collection. I love my E3, but I already have a feeling that once they both arrive, I won't be using it much and would rather have something that fits closer to my usual preferences for sound. It seems the consensus is that the Atrium Open is better than the Atrium Closed, though it seems like the Atrium Closed would fit better with the Bokeh Closed and Caldera Open.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Thanks! Yeah, I'd definitely love to hear more as you spend more time with both. Basically, I'm asking as I just ordered the Caldera Open and the Bokeh Closed, and was looking at potentially ordering either the Atrium Open or the Atrium Closed to kind of round out my collection. I love my E3, but I already have a feeling that once they both arrive, I won't be using it much and would rather have something that fits closer to my usual preferences for sound. It seems the consensus is that the Atrium Open is better than the Atrium Closed, though it seems like the Atrium Closed would fit better with the Bokeh Closed and Caldera Open.

Yeah definitely listen to the Caldera & Bokeh first and foremost IMO. Only you can tell what you hear and will ultimately prefer. Internet impressions are only so helpful. Generally speaking though I think most ZMF's share this "natural, organic" sound and without much overlap between models, even if the "house tuning" might be similar.

Currently listening to Alice in Chains - Rooster MTV Unplugged and my face is melting off...

 

[cdiaz1069]

Thanks! Yeah, I'd definitely love to hear more as you spend more time with both. Basically, I'm asking as I just ordered the Caldera Open and the Bokeh Closed, and was looking at potentially ordering either the Atrium Open or the Atrium Closed to kind of round out my collection. I love my E3, but I already have a feeling that once they both arrive, I won't be using it much and would rather have something that fits closer to my usual preferences for sound. It seems the consensus is that the Atrium Open is better than the Atrium Closed, though it seems like the Atrium Closed would fit better with the Bokeh Closed and Caldera Open.

Hi. I recently came from the E3 to the Bokeh closed. It's my first ZMF. E3 sounds great, but it's not engaging for me. I also get a hotspot from them almost immediately. I don't understand what DCA has against padding. The BC engages me and keeps me connected to whatever I'm listening to. I've never listened to a headphone this fun. So I think you are correct by saying you don't think you will be using it much after the ZMFS arrive. I sold mine.

 

[rasse1977]

Hi. I recently came from the E3 to the Bokeh closed. It's my first ZMF. E3 sounds great, but it's not engaging for me. I also get a hotspot from them almost immediately. I don't understand what DCA has against padding. The BC engages me and keeps me connected to whatever I'm listening to. I've never listened to a headphone this fun. So I think you are correct by saying you don't think you will be using it much after the ZMFS arrive. I sold mine.

Can you give any more details about why you like the BC more than the E3? Is it just the feeling that the BC is more engaging? Or is it something more specifik?

I demo’ed the E3 a few weeks ago and my impressions were (like you mention) the lack of engagement factor. Sounded nice (better than the Noire X) but not fun enough…

 

[cdiaz1069]

Can you give any more details about why you like the BC more than the E3? Is it just the feeling that the BC is more engaging? Or is it something more specifik?

I demo’ed the E3 a few weeks ago and my impressions were (like you mention) the lack of engagement factor. Sounded nice (better than the Noire X) but not fun enough…

That's basically it. The E3 is better technically, but not fun to me. It's just kind of neutral and sterile. The Bokeh and ZMF tuning literally has me bouncing in my chair. It gives me excitement similar to seeing live music. It's fast and fun. Bass is clean and crisp. Treble and mids are fantastic. It's just a fun all arounder. The Bokeh open is being delivered today and I can't wait.

 

[KaiFi]

I feel like the DCA "house sound" is something you either vibe with or don't, and I'm in the latter camp, unfortunately. I've tried more than one of their headphones and found them all to be lacking in dynamics and too bright for me. "Musical" is not a word I would ever use to describe DCA headphones, but it certainly applies to the Bokeh. The Bokeh is also easy to drive and scales well (you'll get more out of it with a better amp, but it doesn't need that).

Some find the Bokeh to be too dark; I don't find it to be, but I'm treble sensitive, so "dark" is sometimes a plus for me. If you do find it lacking in the highs, removing the mesh seems to help. For me, the only downside to the Bokeh is that it's heavy, but even then the weight is distributed better than other heavy headphones I've tried, and it's not as heavy as other ZMFs.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Some find the Bokeh to be too dark; I don't find it to be, but I'm treble sensitive, so "dark" is sometimes a plus for me. If you do find it lacking in the highs, removing the mesh seems to help. For me, the only downside to the Bokeh is that it's heavy, but even then the weight is distributed better than other heavy headphones I've tried, and it's not as heavy as other ZMFs.

Agreed. I'm a bit treble sensitive too and don't find the Bokeh dark. It is a warm headphone for sure, so someone coming from a bright pair of headphones or prefer a more neutral sound might perceive them as dark. We all hear so differently.

After using them for a while I really like how good the isolation is at cutting out noise such as computer fan noises (my GPU fan can get quite noisy), AC noise and other minor inconveniences. About as good as it gets without going ANC. I can easily see this as fantastic work headphones.

 

[AnamCeoil]

Agreed. I'm a bit treble sensitive too and don't find the Bokeh dark. It is a warm headphone for sure, so someone coming from a bright pair of headphones or prefer a more neutral sound might perceive them as dark. We all hear so differently.

After using them for a while I really like how good the isolation is at cutting out noise such as computer fan noises (my GPU fan can get quite noisy), AC noise and other minor inconveniences. About as good as it gets without going ANC. I can easily see this as fantastic work headphones.

I must confess that I do find it dark, and muffled at times even with the mesh removed- I find that running it off an OTL (TA-26 for me) or Mojo 2 changes that quite a bit, but with a lot of my other gear I get that muffled sensation quite a bit FWIW