ZMF Caldera Closed

[ttys0]

...I wonder if anyone here, can compare it with Dan Clark E3...

I don't (yet!) have a Caldera Closed, but I do have an Atrium Closed, and a Caldera Open. I had the E3 for six or eight months, and while I didn't dislike it, I found that I rarely chose so use it. For my other headphones, they usually map to a mood in a way. If I'm wanting to kind of shut other things out, and just enjoy some classic rock, I almost always reach for the Atrium Closed. If I'm feeling like hearing some great detail, I'll reach for the Caldera Open. If I'm wanting something that doesn't feel like I'm even wearing headphones, I'll reach for the Meze 109. If I'm wanting some good detail with some thump, while still being aware of things going on around me, I'll reach for the Focal Clear OG. When I had the E3, there wasn't anything that pointed me in their direction other than realizing from time to time that I hadn't listened to them in forever, which is largely why I don't have them anymore. I think they're quality, and have a good sound (if you give them enough juice), but they just weren't for me.

 

[Zeppo19]

First (Sunday) morning with a Ceecee… There is real detail, warmth and it is wider than I ‘spected.
I was told this was an Mg but i am not sure…

 

[Rollnrock]

First (Sunday) morning with a Ceecee… There is real detail, warmth and it is wider than I ‘spected.
I was told this was an Mg but i am not sure…

Beautiful pair, and good audio stuff (and also good music...)

 

[bluex]

First (Sunday) morning with a Ceecee… There is real detail, warmth and it is wider than I ‘spected.
I was told this was an Mg but i am not sure…

Could you please give more details about the audio gears ?

 

[Zeppo19]

Could you please give more details about the audio gears ?

Sure thing. It’s a Hiby R8ii for DAP, Cayin C9 for amp and some Forzaaudioworks noir cables

 

[AudioDuck]

First (Sunday) morning with a Ceecee… There is real detail, warmth and it is wider than I ‘spected.
I was told this was an Mg but i am not sure…

Gorgeous Shedua unit- congratulations!

 

[bluex]

Sure thing. It’s a Hiby R8ii for DAP, Cayin C9 for amp and some Forzaaudioworks noir cables

Right now I'm using the E3 with RME ADI 2 DAC FS + Violectric V222, on my PC.
I'm going to use Caldera Closed as well, with the same gears, but sometimes I'd like to use it with some portable amp / DAC
I have around the XDSD Gryphoon and iFi Micro iDSD Signature, but I'd like to purchase something better
What would you recommend?
I'll use connected to my mobile phone ( Android OS ) so, no DAP.
Should I get the Cayin C9? Or maybe the iBasso D16 Taipan ( amp with DAC )??
Thank you in advance

 

[rsbrsvp]

Question for those who know CO and CC well. I understand they sound essentially pretty similar with the CC a bit softer, less sharp, a bit darker, smaller soundstage, a bit less detail.- but still quite similar.

Does a CO with suede pads sound similar to CC- as I understand the suede softens up the CO and smooothes them out while reducing treble and detail sharpness a bit?

 

[Zeppo19]

Right now I'm using the E3 with RME ADI 2 DAC FS + Violectric V222, on my PC.
I'm going to use Caldera Closed as well, with the same gears, but sometimes I'd like to use it with some portable amp / DAC
I have around the XDSD Gryphoon and iFi Micro iDSD Signature, but I'd like to purchase something better
What would you recommend?
I'll use connected to my mobile phone ( Android OS ) so, no DAP.
Should I get the Cayin C9? Or maybe the iBasso D16 Taipan ( amp with DAC )??
Thank you in advance

I can’t say . I like what I have and I think it’s good. A c9 has no dac so I don’t think that’s a good option. I find anything with a phone not the best option. I like a dap with WiFi off if I can.

 

[betula]

Question for those who know CO and CC well. I understand they sound essentially pretty similar with the CC a bit softer, less sharp, a bit darker, smaller soundstage, a bit less detail.- but still quite similar.

Does a CO with suede pads sound similar to CC- as I understand the suede softens up the CO and smooothes them out while reducing treble and detail sharpness a bit?

I would say the differences between CO and CC remain present regardless of what earpads you are using. Yes, the suede pads smooth over the dynamics/transients of the CO a bit, but the effect is a lot less than the actual difference between the two headphones. CO is still snappier and brighter; CC is still warmer and smoother whatever pads you have on.

 

[rsbrsvp]

A week ago- I got the CO. Incredible potential- but way to shouty for me- just overly energetic. So I'm taming them with other pads and ther mantle mesh- a work in progress. I think I may get them whare I want them- but not sure they will be a keeper. I am getting closer.

Now I just got my CC. Most of what I have read says they sound very similar- wit the CC being a bit softer, a bit less detailed, and smaller soundstage- but very similar. I have no idea what break in will do- but at the first hour- they sound totally different- the exact opposite. Overly soft and mushy, conjested- very closed in, overly lush. Must be something wrong with my ears. I did take the stock pads off and put on the thick pads- and it is say 10% less congested- but WOW- nothing like I was expecting. I thought they would sound 90% like the CO and just be a bit more tamed. Not at all IMHO. They are way darker, way softer, way more lush, way less exacting at this point.... Ill give them 48 hours burn in- but what else can be done to take away the conjestion without ruining the thickness (which I like)?

 

[betula]

A week ago- I got the CO. Incredible potential- but way to shouty for me- just overly energetic. So I'm taming them with other pads and ther mantle mesh- a work in progress. I think I may get them whare I want them- but not sure they will be a keeper. I am getting closer.

Now I just got my CC. Most of what I have read says they sound very similar- wit hthe CC being a bit softer, a bit less detailed, and smaller soundstage- but very similar. I have no idea what break in will do- but at the first hour- they sound totally different- the exact opposite. Overly soft and mushy, conjested- very closed in, overly lush. Must be something wrong with my ears. I did take the stock pads off and put on the thick pads- and it is say 10% less congested- but WOW- nothing like I was expecting. I thought they would sound 90% like the CO and just be a bit more tamed. Not at all IMHO. They are way darker, way softer, way more lush, way less exacting at this point.... Ill give them 48 hours burn in- but what else can be done to take away the conjestion without ruining the thickness (which I like)?

You could try the thinner, black mesh on the CC with the full leather pads, but even then the CO/CC differences will be present.
Also, I would give both headphones a generous burn in time. 80-100 hours? Your ears need time to adjust as well. What is your gear that you perceive the CO shouty?

 

[goldwerger]

Try the protein pads with the C. They are brighter and more energetic, and may suit your preference!

 

[rsbrsvp]

OK. I let things burn in a few hours and took a nap. No question- sounds much better. Way less congested. A proper darkness now- which is what I want; and I do now very much hear the CO signature. Basically- a CO closed resulting in a darker tone but same basic results. I like the tuning very much. I cant believe that was ear burn in because I listened the first 5 minutes I got them, than after an hour for 2 minutes- with minimal improvement, and now around 3 hours after burn in for 5 minutes. Now it sounds totally accaptable with no changes having been made except I put on the thick pads before the one hour burn in session. It is lush and smoother than the CO but appropriately;- not congested at all IMHO. I'll burn it in overnight to get it 90% of the way there (is my guess), but I'm not the type to leave on my equipment with headphones playing 24/7 for a week or two for the full burn in. Superb detail in a lush tonality. Tonality of CC is kind of LCD-4 style without as much emphasis on the bass, and more even frequency response. Thats my three hour breakin impression. Even though the detail presentation makes it clear it is a Cladera, the lush organic tone is now in the LCD-4 direction. I like it...

 

[zach915m]

OK.

What amp/dac system do you have?

Definitely let both burn in for 100 hrs.