Normally I wait to get about 20 hours in before making a first impression, but after 2 hours I felt the need to post.
Currently I own the CO, CC, AO, AC, BC, and now the BO. All have given me that WoW holy crap feeling to varying degrees.
The BO beats them all in that regard. In terms of price to performance for ZMF I don't think you can beat these cans in their lineup.
This is not an AO jr. This is something all its own and pretty special.
1) It has the fun/warm sound, bass slam and impact of the AC.
2) In terms of technicalities it is about 85% of the AO with a smaller stage, but I hear superior layering within the stage it has.
3) The speed is outstanding. It lands in between the AO and the CO. It's not so slow where I would choose the CO for things like Polyphia, or DragonForce, but not so fast where I would choose the AO for Classical or Jazz.
The BO has displaced the AO on my favorite ZMFs list.
#1 - CO
#2 - A tie for the CC and AC
#3 - BO
#4 - AO
#5 - BC
Man, I'd never thought another open-back would displace my beloved HD800s, but the more these Bokeh Opens break in, the more I adore them. Listening to Street Dreams by Lyle Mays right now on my Aegis, and, holy cow, the precise separation of the instruments, the excellent soundstage, and the sheer musicality of the sound is truly intoxicating. No headphone will likely will ever exceed the vast soundstage of those Sennheiser's, but in every other respect I enjoy the Bokeh Open more already. I well suspect that within another week or two it'll displace my Bokeh Closed as my favorite headphone. Man, these Bokehs are both superb. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Man, I'd never thought another open-back would displace my beloved HD800s, but the more these Bokeh Opens break in, the more I adore them. Listening to Street Dreams by Lyle Mays right now on my Aegis, and, holy cow, the precise separation of the instruments, the excellent soundstage, and the sheer musicality of the sound is truly intoxicating. No headphone will likely will ever exceed the vast soundstage of those Sennheiser's, but in every other respect I enjoy the Bokeh Open more already. I well suspect that within another week or two it'll displace my Bokeh Closed as my favorite headphone. Man, these Bokehs are both superb. I can't recommend them highly enough.
Heck yeah man! The BOp are something special, and especially paired up with the Aegis. I could easily live with just that pairing, and ride off into the sunset . . .
Heck yeah man! The BOp are something special, and especially paired up with the Aegis. I could easily live with just that pairing, and ride off into the sunset . . .
I hear you, right? It's remarkable. I was really debating whether to get a Caldera Closed or an Aegis first. Very glad I made the decision to go with the amp first because it has elevated my headphone game substantially and made these Bokehs sing, though with the tube purchases I made afterward (I simply couldn't resist) it has pushed back the acquisition of the CC for a while. I'm definitely in a very happy place while I restock the audio fund. Maybe ZMF November? (Where oh where is that rich relative to leave me that unexpected inheritance? )
Have been reading all the posts with great interest, and whetting my appetite despite myself. It has taken me quite a while to fall in love with the BC to be honest, but it has been captivating me recently on the iha-6, and OTL, so reexamining the BOp again. Looking at his, HFA Dahlia, or even the DCA XO as a possible next choice...would love to know if anyone has any insights into relative strengths/ weaknesses. Cheers
@AnamCeoil Others will have to speak on the Dahlia and XO since I haven't heard them, but I will say that even though the BC sounded quite good to me right away, it absolutely began to blossom after a month or so. The Bokehs to my ears are a very nice complementary set, like other ZMF open-and-closed-back pairs, particularly the Calderas and the Atriums from what others have said who own both of those flagships. Bottom line: I suspect you won't regret having both of them at all--I certainly don't.
@AnamCeoil Others will have to speak on the Dahlia and XO since I haven't heard them, but I will say that even though the BC sounded quite good to me right away, it absolutely began to blossom after a month or so. The Bokehs to my ears are a very nice complementary set, like other ZMF open-and-closed-back pairs, particularly the Calderas and the Atriums from what others have said who own both of those flagships. Bottom line: I suspect you won't regret having both of them at all--I certainly don't.
Thanks kindly for sharing. It is so funny how it took time for the BC to gel for me, far more than other cans- but I feel the connection now for sure, and I think the BOp is calling me now as well...glad you're getting great enjoyment from yours.
Well, I bought an Eufonika amp (H22M) more or less specifically for my Bokeh Open. And while sonically it's a truly heavenly combo (the bass is pretty much the best I've ever heard), unfortunately I always hear a slight hum with the Bokeh Open. No matter what tubes I use. It is only audible between songs or if the music is playing very quietly, but other headphones don‘t have it or it is not as loud with them.
Perhaps some others can chime in with their experiences (with perhaps other Eufonika amps), because I don't want to dissuade anyone from Eufonika, especially because at least mine has a real symbiosis with the Bokeh Open in terms of sound.
I have a Eufonika H32M hybrid and I don't hear a hum, just chiming in. The Eufonika amps are really really good in my opinion. I'm getting Wieslaw to make me a balanced amp now.
I have a Eufonika H32M hybrid and I don't hear a hum, just chiming in. The Eufonika amps are really really good in my opinion. I'm getting Wieslaw to make me a balanced amp now.
It arrived today .... ZMF Bokeh Open (LTD Stabilised Clearwater). After letting it loosen / warm up via cheapo CD replay for a few hours, the time came to pair Clearwater with Icon Audio HP8 Signature .... Hooo-weeee !! What a dynamite, engaging, fun -- and completely musically valid -- pairing !! Phenomenal tonal balance, field of sound, impact!
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(Where oh where is that rich relative to leave me that unexpected inheritance? 
)
