ZMF Caldera Closed

[jojothewhale]

I got a pair of the Caldera Closed Thick Lambskin Top Perf Only pads (CCT for short going forward) and really like what they're doing with the CC. I was previously splitting time between the stock hybrid pads and the thick lamb top and side perf pads. The CCT pads are listed on the website as the warmest pad for the CC, and my ears definitely concur. I notice a subtle lift of the subbass, but much more significant lift of the midbass with the CCT pads. I always thought the bass on the CC was well done, tight and impactful, but lacking the weight of the AC or Atticus. The CCT pads bring it much closer to those bassy models. It's still fast, tight, and impactful. But there seems to be an added decay/linger, that allows for the impression of more weight and heft. I still think the AC and Atticus are still weightier sounding, but the gap is smaller. Mids other than the bass seem pretty similar. I had no complaints with the older pads, and the CCT are every bit as good. Once you get to the upper mids/treble though I do notice a slight increase in transient attack, making them sound slightly harsher. When listening to the first track with the CCT pads I kept going back and forth with this and the bass. I kept noting how nice the bass was with the new pads, but also how energetic the top end was. I run the red mesh, FYI. I wouldn't say the highs are harsh outright, just not as smooth as the older pads. All in all i'm a huge fan of the CCT pads. I doubt i'll pad roll much any more. Oh one more thing to add last minute. The CCT pads give you a slightly more intimate stage. It's not closed off sounding, just not as large as the other pads. I personally like that, if the stage is too big it starts to lose musicality to me.

I am Caldera thick pad all the way with red mesh… my favorite combo!

 

[erics75]

I found my perfect pad/tube roll for the CC. I wanted maximum warmth and smoothness. Running a Border Patrol NOS R2R dac, ZMF Aegis amp, and CC. Pads are the Caldera Closed Thick Top Perf Only Lamb pads. Mesh is the stock red mesh. Tubes RCA 5R4GY double d-getters rectifier, RCA 6L6GC black plates O-getters outputs, and RCA 5691 red base inputs. This combo makes the CC incredibly smooth and warm. The key I found are the output tubes. I've rolled quite a few different output tubes with all the other tubes static, and they all gave the CC a bit of an edge up top, a bit too much transient attack, a hint of harshness. The 6L6GC black plates are silky smooth. They might lack a bit of bass weight the other outputs offered, but for me it's well worth the tradeoff in smoothness. I can listen at increased volume now with no fatigue. With some of the other out put tubes i would have to lower the volume a bit or take small breaks. Now I'm going strong for 8 plus hours without issue.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

I found my perfect pad/tube roll for the CC. I wanted maximum warmth and smoothness. Running a Border Patrol NOS R2R dac, ZMF Aegis amp, and CC. Pads are the Caldera Closed Thick Top Perf Only Lamb pads. Mesh is the stock red mesh. Tubes RCA 5R4GY double d-getters rectifier, RCA 6L6GC black plates O-getters outputs, and RCA 5691 red base inputs. This combo makes the CC incredibly smooth and warm. The key I found are the output tubes. I've rolled quite a few different output tubes with all the other tubes static, and they all gave the CC a bit of an edge up top, a bit too much transient attack, a hint of harshness. The 6L6GC black plates are silky smooth. They might lack a bit of bass weight the other outputs offered, but for me it's well worth the tradeoff in smoothness. I can listen at increased volume now with no fatigue. With some of the other out put tubes i would have to lower the volume a bit or take small breaks. Now I'm going strong for 8 plus hours without issue.

RCA 5R4Gy DD is truly awesome for Aegis! I haven't heard more than 5 rectifiers with Aegis, but RCA is my most favourite by far.

 

[goldwerger]

RCA 5R4Gy DD is truly awesome for Aegis! I haven't heard more than 5 rectifiers with Aegis, but RCA is my most favourite by far.

I have one lying around (1953 not sure what getter will have to look). Going to try it out..!

 

[bluex]

I canceled the order, the german dealer sent my money back
Way too much of " next week, next week.... the week after next " and so on. They should specify right from the beginning
" delivery time, between 2-4 months"
Not "2-4 weeks"
I wonder if it's possible to order it directly from ZMF USA.
If not, I'll just leave it and go for some other closed back headphones

 

[idairyou]

I canceled the order, the german dealer sent my money back
Way too much of " next week, next week.... the week after next " and so on. They should specify right from the beginning
" delivery time, between 2-4 months"
Not "2-4 weeks"
I wonder if it's possible to order it directly from ZMF USA.
If not, I'll just leave it and go for some other closed back headphones

This is what you get when you goto the ZMF online store and click 'Ask ZMF'

YES! We ship via Fed-Ex and DHL. Yes customs are assessed individual to each buyers country. VAT (Value Added Tax) is roughly calculated at checkout. but subject to fluctuate.
It is up to the international buyer to make sure your shipping address is correct. ZMF is not responsible for misdelivered, lost or stolen packages.

If we sent the package to the correct address using your chosen shipping method, then we trust you have done your research in what works best for your region.

For customs and import fees they are 100% the buyer’s responsibility and ZMF in no way will take any responsibility financially for customs and import duties and fees. In all international shipments the purchaser assumes the role of importer. Package carriers often pay the VAT fees to clear items through customs into purchasers country. An administrative fee for this service is then added to the VAT which carried over to purchaser. We ask that you research your country's customs parameters prior to purchase so that these do not come as a surprise.

 

[bluex]

Thank you
I'll send an email to ZMF, just to ask how much time will take for the delivery

 

[funkyfish]

I canceled the order, the german dealer sent my money back
Way too much of " next week, next week.... the week after next " and so on. They should specify right from the beginning
" delivery time, between 2-4 months"
Not "2-4 weeks"
I wonder if it's possible to order it directly from ZMF USA.
If not, I'll just leave it and go for some other closed back headphones

He told me that a CC became available (pretty sure that's the one you ordered), shipping by ZMF end of next week. I asked if he could send me pictures. So, if he doesn't forget, I'll know when it actually arrived
But I totally agree with you. I don't understand why people promise too much … just be realistic and don't disappoint the customers. Way less frustrating for everyone. I am sure he also does not constantly want to answer questions about when some headphones would arrive.
I checked once how the price difference is when ordering from ZMF directly (to Germany) and it's only slightly more expensive. However, I like having some here in Germany who can take care of things in case of warranty issues or whatever.

I sent the CCs the dealer gave me on loan back yesterday. Contemplating if I should get a pair. I really really liked them, but don't have anything to power them appropriately at the moment … It's a very nice addition to the AOs though. Also crazy how lightweight they feel compared to the AOs.

 

[K3cT]

Thank you
I'll send an email to ZMF, just to ask how much time will take for the delivery

It's normal to wait anywhere between 4 - 10 weeks for a ZMF. Perhaps you can consider other brands if you are impatient.

 

[bluex]

I'll listen ( and buy, very likely ) tomorrow, the CC, Ash Wood
With a balanced 4.4mm cable and iBasso D16 Taipan only, I hope I can have an idea about the Caldera Closed
I'll post back, tomorrow.
Thank you

 

[ckhirnigs113]

I have one lying around (1953 not sure what getter will have to look). Going to try it out..!

If it’s from the 1950’s it’s going to the be a single D getter. You need one from the mid-40’s to get the DD getters. I have a few of my spares still up for sale, so just let me know if you need one.

 

[betula]

If it’s from the 1950’s it’s going to the be a single D getter. You need one from the mid-40’s to get the DD getters. I have a few of my spares still up for sale, so just let me know if you need one.

Is it a big difference between the two?

 

[goldwerger]

If it’s from the 1950’s it’s going to the be a single D getter. You need one from the mid-40’s to get the DD getters. I have a few of my spares still up for sale, so just let me know if you need one.

Well, just recalled my DIY aegis which can’t take a 3 amp rectifier. I do use those in some other amps, lost track..

 

[ckhirnigs113]

Is it a big difference between the two?

I’d say it’s the difference between a good rectifier and a great rectifier. It’s enough that I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the single D getter version to anyone specifically unless you want a cheaper option that looks great cosmetically in the amp.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

Well, just recalled my DIY aegis which can’t take a 3 amp rectifier. I do use those in some other amps, lost track..

The 5R4GY is 2-amp, so you can use it in your DIY Aegis. You can’t use the 5U4G, which is 3-amp.