ZMF Caldera Closed

[drbusner]

My experience was similar. I’d always been skeptical that burn-in makes any difference, but it absolutely did for me with CC. After several dozen hours they sounded less veiled and more dynamic. It may have a greater effect with planar drivers than with dynamic drivers. I also recommend the protein pads for the most lively and balanced sound profile. I think they sound stunning now.

 

[rsbrsvp]

What amp/dac system do you have?

Definitely let both burn in for 100 hrs.

Mass Kobo 394 MK2 headphone amplifier. Hibiki SDS Signature DAC (china).

My experience was similar. I’d always been skeptical that burn-in makes any difference, but it absolutely did for me with CC. After several dozen hours they sounded less veiled and more dynamic. It may have a greater effect with planar drivers than with dynamic drivers. I also recommend the protein pads for the most lively and balanced sound profile. I think they sound stunning now.

THanks. I have always believed in burn in as well- but for headphones and cables I believe I'm 90% of the way there with an overnight burn in and the rest may take a few days. WIth electronics I do believe it takes a full week to two. Could be wrong- this is my experience.

 

[bluex]

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.

Thank you
Maybe, someone here could help me with some advices
I'm thinking about iBasso D16 Taipan

 

[zach915m]

Mass Kobo 394 MK2 headphone amplifier. Hibiki SDS Signature DAC (china).


THanks. I have always believed in burn in as well- but for headphones and cables I believe I'm 90% of the way there with an overnight burn in and the rest may take a few days. WIth electronics I do believe it takes a full week to two. Could be wrong- this is my experience.

I would echo what @goldwerger said about the protein pads, then also making sure to try different meshes with each. It seems like protein pads and lighter mesh on CC and then Mantle mesh and thick pads on CO may be where you end up.

But it's likely not worth changing the mesh until after 100 hrs burn in.

 

[rsbrsvp]

I would echo what @goldwerger said about the protein pads, then also making sure to try different meshes with each. It seems like protein pads and lighter mesh on CC and then Mantle mesh and thick pads on CO may be where you end up.

But it's likely not worth changing the mesh until after 100 hrs burn in.

Thank you. I got ordered the thick pads and mantle mesh for the CO. Awaiting arrival. I live overseas- so takes some time.

I did order the black mesh- for the CC_ I think is lighter..

 

[rsbrsvp]

Im trying to order the protein CC pads but dont see the option on ZMF website. Do they have another name?

 

[idairyou]

Im trying to order the protein CC pads but dont see the option on ZMF website. Do they have another name?

The top perf only pads are not sold separately yet.

You can get all the top perf only pads when you order the CC. You order the primary pad you choose and then choose the mesh/pad kit combo that gives you all the pads for $150. It's a great deal at the price.

I'm also eagerly waiting for ZMF to sell them stand alone, but I assume they have to keep they pads they have for the actual CC orders for now.

 

[rsbrsvp]

The top perf only pads are not sold separately yet.

You can get all the top perf only pads when you order the CC. You order the primary pad you choose and then choose the mesh/pad kit combo that gives you all the pads for $150. It's a great deal at the price.

I'm also eagerly waiting for ZMF to sell them stand alone, but I assume they have to keep they pads they have for the actual CC orders for now.

got it. I will then be waiting. No rush....

 

[drbusner]

I thought the Bokeh Protein pads are being renamed CC Protein. Maybe I got that wrong and there is a difference. In any case, I’m using Bokeh Protein pads on the CC and they sound excellent.

 

[LXMc]

I thought the Bokeh Protein pads are being renamed CC Protein. Maybe I got that wrong and there is a difference. In any case, I’m using Bokeh Protein pads on the CC and they sound excellent.

I believe the naming scheme will just be Caldera pads with their material, perforations and thickness in the name. So Bokeh Proteins would be 'Caldera protein thin, top perforation' (or thereabouts)

 

[rsbrsvp]

Its kind of confusing- all the pad options. I do not want a bright sound. I like the warmth of the CC with the thick pads. It is a bit conjested- but I have made some modifications in my dac filters which seem take care of it. Also- I hear that even though the protein pads have the most energy, they are the most two dimentional.. Any truth to this?

Stunning detail retreival on both CO and CC. almost too much - regardless of pads.

 

[dguitarnut]

So far at 60 hours with my CC it’s a far cry from my 6 month old CO………

 

[idairyou]

From the sad face I assume you are not enjoying it.

Could be that closed backs aren't your thing.

 

[dguitarnut]

‘’From the sad face I assume you are not enjoying it.
Could be that closed backs aren't your thing”

I didn’t get along with my AC’s either……..after I getting the CO I’m starting to suspect you are right . But I will give it the full burn in as I just love the aesthetics. What amazes me about the CO is the 3D expansive stage which hasn’t materialized yet in the CC. Patience patience patience.

 

[Exekuhtor]

I didn’t get along with my AC’s either……..after I getting the CO I’m starting to suspect you are right . But I will give it the full burn in as I just love the aesthetics. What amazes me about the CO is the 3D expansive stage which hasn’t materialized yet in the CC. Patience patience patience.

What do you do not like? Are you able to swap meshes / pads?