ZMF Bokeh - Open Back Headphones

[Wes S]

So, I listened in total awe with the Caldera Closed and Aegis pairing all day yesterday, and just switched to the Bokeh Open for today, and thought I would share some random thoughts as I continue to be enamored by the BO.

Coming from CC,

The first thing is the bass, and it's definitely more present and fuller on the BO yet doesn't reach as low in the sub bass, the vocals are the next thing that immediately jumps out (pun intended ), and they are more forward and immediate on the BO. The sound of the BO is super dynamic, yet easier on the ears at the same time, and it's a magical experience being able to rock out without any fatigue.

More thoughts that come to mind as I continue to listen with the BO. . .I can't believe how freaking good these are! . . .Holy crap! . . . The texture is incredible, and I can literally feel the music. . .The speed, grip, and impact, are awesome. . . The sound really is so cohesive and natural, with super tight imaging, layering and speed for days. . . Cohesive, Cohesive, Cohesive, with a very natural ebb and flow, with sounds flying all around my head, and each instrument delineated perfectly in their own space. . . Damn, I think I might be enjoying these BO more than . . .

It's amazing how much enjoyment I am getting, from this pair of headphones!

All that said and at the end of the day, I think the CC and BO complement each other extremely well, and I enjoy them both equally. It's such a good time to be in the hobby, and I feel very fortunate/privileged to have such amazing gear.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

Hi friends, I'd like to replace the standard cable with a 2.5 meter one. Do you have any models to suggest for a budget of +- 400€ (in Europe please, customs fees are terrible in Belgium...).
Thanks a lot

Hi Bebert,

I heartly recommend Forza Audio Works from Poland.

But as I didn't listen to the BO yet, don't know which cable (copper or hybrid) would fit better.

Claire is a great option as a "low profile" cable.
Noir has a more luxury feel and more flexible, but also thicker.

 

[djes]

Hi friends, I'd like to replace the standard cable with a 2.5 meter one. Do you have any models to suggest for a budget of +- 400€ (in Europe please, customs fees are terrible in Belgium...).
Thanks a lot

Also can recommend FAW cables
And now as I see on hifishark 2 cables are available in Europe 2.5m+: https://www.audioweb.ro/forza-audioworks-noir-hybrid-hpc-xlr-3m/, https://www.audiostereo.pl/ogloszen...eries-hpc-mk2-firmy-forza-audioworks-r133254/
Or you can order new one directly from FAW web page

 

[binarypie]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

 

[betula]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

Well, being anxious about it probably won't help the situation too much. Also, what if the headphones arrive in perfect, immaculate shape? Then you just soured your 12 weeks with anxiety. I would just advise to relax. ZMF QC is generally up to a very high standard. Stressing usually doesn't help any situation anyway.

 

[Blotto80]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

I have never heard of a case of poor QA from ZMF. So I wouldn't even let that cross your mind. I've spent the last few weeks rather anxious about getting them due to tariffs/trade wars/whatever but with that being kicked down the road, I'm instantly relieved and now am of the "they get here when they get here" school.

 

[djes]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

Have ZMF Atticus from first runs - so about 7-8 years old. No issues, works and looks as new. And I'm not the first owner. My other headphones (Pioneer and A&K) that were bought new by me - have worse look. So I can say that ZMF quality are one of the best on the market

 

[erics75]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

I wouldn't be too worried, ZMF has some insanely high standards for their headphones, so it's very unusual for something to arrive bad. And if something was wrong with your order they'd make it right. I've been buying from them for many years now and I have zero complaints. They're all about customer service, they know it's a lot of money we're spending, and we want as perfect a product as can be. And IMO they go beyond that to make us happy.

 

[idairyou]

I am very anxious for my headphones. What if I wait 12 weeks only for them to arrive with less than ideal QC causing me to send them back and extending the wait even further.

I've ordered 5 headphones from ZMF, and all came in perfect condition. You have nothing to worry about, and if for some reason there is something wrong ZMF will make it right.

 

[Jart121]

Pretty informative review that also gives comparison to different tuning options and other headphones (Arya Organic, Auteur classic and Meze 109)
In short, he really liked it with the bass being the highlight, he also feels the tunings to be quite similar to meze 109 (with bokeh having more tuning options).

Cant wait to receive mine, patiently waiting.

 

[binarypie]

I've ordered 5 headphones from ZMF, and all came in perfect condition. You have nothing to worry about, and if for some reason there is something wrong ZMF will make it right.

Thank you for the reassurance.

 

[SLC1966]

Comparisons: Bokeh Open with Sennheiser 660S2

I compare these two because of the outstanding drivers in each. The materials used to make the Senn do not compare with the craftsmanship of the BO. The Senn is utilitarian. It can be roughed up a bit with fewer tears. Less of a kid glove is needed. That is most likely why the Senn is half the cost of the BO. The drivers in my opinion are of similar quality.

Here is the review I did on the 660S2: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sennheiser-hd-660s2.26337/reviews#review-30222

The very first thing I notice is that the Senn has thinner notes with more detail. The Senn has less midbass and more sub bass. The vocals of the Senn are thinner.

The BO has more mid bass with thicker notes and vocals.

Neither HP is V shaped thank goodness. The treble of the two is the same to me. Both have impactful treble but not annoying.

The Senn comes across as brighter and more clinical with more detail retreival. The BO is richer in sound and comes across as more organic.

The sub bass focus of the Senn vs. the mid bass focus of the BO really stands out.

If you are into the IEM world the Senn is to the Empire Ears Odin as the BO is to the Noble Kublai Khan.

On my DAP (iBasso DX300 Max Ti) the Sennheiser sounded best with high gain due to the harder to drive driver of the 660S2. The BO was happy with either medium or high gain.

Both are great HPs in my opinion. BO wins out in the fun category and craftsmanship and the Senn in the clinical/detail category.

 

[binarypie]

Comparisons: Bokeh Open with Sennheiser 660S2

I compare these two because of the outstanding drivers in each. The materials used to make the Senn do not compare with the craftsmanship of the BO. The Senn is utilitarian. It can be roughed up a bit with fewer tears. Less of a kid glove is needed. That is most likely why the Senn is half the cost of the BO. The drivers in my opinion are of similar quality.

Here is the review I did on the 660S2: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/sennheiser-hd-660s2.26337/reviews#review-30222

The very first thing I notice is that the Senn has thinner notes with more detail. The Senn has less midbass and more sub bass. The vocals of the Senn are thinner.

The BO has more mid bass with thicker notes and vocals.

Neither HP is V shaped thank goodness. The treble of the two is the same to me. Both have impactful treble but not annoying.

The Senn comes across as brighter and more clinical with more detail retreival. The BO is richer in sound and comes across as more organic.

The sub bass focus of the Senn vs. the mid bass focus of the BO really stands out.

If you are into the IEM world the Senn is to the Empire Ears Odin as the BO is to the Noble Kublai Khan.

On my DAP (iBasso DX300 Max Ti) the Sennheiser sounded best with high gain due to the harder to drive driver of the 660S2. The BO was happy with either medium or high gain.

Both are great HPs in my opinion. BO wins out in the fun category and craftsmanship and the Senn in the clinical/detail category.

If these end up being equal/worse than my DT 1990 Pros (gen1) I'm going to give up on headphones forever and go back to speakers in my office.

 

[John Blackshear]

Wait...these have started to arrive!?!?! I ordered mine right at 8am on launch day and have heard nothing yet.

 

[Blotto80]

Wait...these have started to arrive!?!?! I ordered mine right at 8am on launch day and have heard nothing yet.

Those are the lucky few with the demo units. Nothing has started to ship yet. Sanding/Finishing is about as far as any should be.