ZMF Caldera Closed

[rsbrsvp]

I have a DCA Stealth as well as my second closedback. So much more neutral than the CC. Both are excellent. Truly. I cannot believe closed backs have reached a point where they are technically so so close to open and yet offer certain advantages- besides noise leakage- like emotional intamacy, which no open phone can provide.

 

[betula]

The CC will need at least the minimal mesh, and I personally rock the default mesh (red).

I am not treble sensitive, but that does not mean give me all the treble and I'm good. You don't go to your powered speakers and turn the treble dial to 10.

The CC will need mesh of some kind for most folks.

Exactly. No mesh on CC made me feel a bit like this picture: uneven, out of sonic balance. I personally like the black mesh for a little more energy, but I concur; CC needs some sort of a mesh.

 

[Benesyed]

I need to post my AC and VC on classifieds at some point. the CC have pretty much replaced them.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Have you tried removing the mesh on CC? Some people seems to prefer without mesh so i'm a bit curious

Not yet, seems the mesh glued so need a little effort to take them out.

However, I tried CC with caldera ultra perforated pad, surprise surprise actually it's not become bright or sharp. Treble and Midrange remain smooth, but bass performance got leaner and softer, missing some body and kick. For now I sticked to caldera thin earpad for my favourite (when paired with tube amp like Aegis or Oblivion).

 

[betula]

Not yet, seems the mesh glued so need a little effort to take them out.

The mesh has a relatively strong adhesive, but it comes off after some gentle prying. Thanks to the adhesive it is easy to put the mesh back or take it down several times before it will start to wear out.

 

[bluex]

My order ( ZMF CC ) should arrive next week
Right now I'm using the Dan Clark 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 iFi Micro iDSD Signature, but I'd like to purchase something better
What would you recommend, guys ?
I'll use them, connected to my mobile phone ( Android OS ) so, no DAP.
Do you think, iBasso D16 Taipan would be a good choice ?
Thank you in advance

 

[TheMiddleSky]

My order ( ZMF CC ) should arrive next week
Right now I'm using the Dan Clark 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 iFi Micro iDSD Signature, but I'd like to purchase something better
What would you recommend, guys ?
I'll use them, connected to my mobile phone ( Android OS ) so, no DAP.
Do you think, iBasso D16 Taipan would be a good choice ?
Thank you in advance

I quite like pairing of Caldera Closed with Hugo 2. Ibasso D16 also good choice if you prefer something warmer, sweeter, but a bit less transparent, less fluid, and little less detail than Hugo 2. Personally, Caldera Closed is a bit at dark side, so Hugo 2 synergise better.

---

Anyway, even though for majority of ZMF headphones I like to pair with tube, I think Caldera Closed is "the best" ZMF to pair with solid state amp.

 

[bluex]

Thank you, I'll wait for the Caldera Closed, I'm pretty sure I go with Hugo 2
Wonder if Hugo 2 can drive the E3, as well, and I'm pretty curious how Hugo 2 compete with RME ADI 2 DAC FS
Thank you, again

 

[jamato8]

I quite like pairing of Caldera Closed with Hugo 2. Ibasso D16 also good choice if you prefer something warmer, sweeter, but a bit less transparent, less fluid, and little less detail than Hugo 2. Personally, Caldera Closed is a bit at dark side, so Hugo 2 synergise better.

---

Anyway, even though for majority of ZMF headphones I like to pair with tube, I think Caldera Closed is "the best" ZMF to pair with solid state amp.

Interesting,. I wonder if something is wrong with your D16. I have both and the D16 has better separation, detail, imaging is totally musical. We of course, all have different hearing. Also, I find the D16 to be very fast with excellent transient speed. As an example, piano on the D16 is the most realistic I have heard.

 

[bluex]

Interesting,. I wonder if something is wrong with your D16. I have both and the D16 has better separation, detail, imaging is totally musical. We of course, all have different hearing. Also, I find the D16 to be very fast with excellent transient speed. As an example, piano on the D16 is the most realistic I have heard.

Do you own both, D16 and Hugo 2?
Which headphones?
Thank you

 

[jamato8]

Do you own both, D16 and Hugo 2?
Which headphones?
Thank you

Yes.

Utopia, SR3, Sony R10 and others but mainly those.

 

[sp33ls]

How’re the dynamics and impact of the CC relative to other ZMFs? I’ve seen some comments that it hits harder than the Atrium and Verite, and others saying that those still hit harder and have more dynamic range.

Trying to understand if it’s more of a “turn it up and rock out” or “ lay back and relax” experience.

 

[bluex]

Yes.

Utopia, SR3, Sony R10 and others but mainly those.

So, you do like more the D16 than Hugo 2 ?

 

[betula]

Thank you, I'll wait for the Caldera Closed, I'm pretty sure I go with Hugo 2
Wonder if Hugo 2 can drive the E3, as well, and I'm pretty curious how Hugo 2 compete with RME ADI 2 DAC FS
Thank you, again

I am pretty sure, Hugo 2 can drive the E3, but I am not sure if tonally that is the best pairing. E3 is pretty neutral and H2 is very clean, leaning a bit towards the brighter side. The pairing might lead to a neutral/bright-ish experience with engagement levels that could be better elsewhere. I can see why CC could work with H2 though. CC is rather smooth and warm, gently leaning to darkness. H2's brigther precision is a good counterbalance.
H2 and ADI2 are actually not worlds apart. Both are quite clean and detailed. H2 might be a little more detailed with a bit better 3 dimensionality, especially when it comes to depth. ADI2 in comparison has a hint of warmth, and staging is more 2 dimensional lacking a bit of depth. (No need to mention the impressive functionality of the ADI2.)

How’re the dynamics and impact of the CC relative to other ZMFs? I’ve seen some comments that it hits harder than the Atrium and Verite, and others saying that those still hit harder and have more dynamic range.

Trying to understand if it’s more of a “turn it up and rock out” or “ lay back and relax” experience.

I think, the controversial impressions probably come down to different amplifiers. CC/CO/Atrium/Verité can all change character to some degree depending on amplification. I would say in general CC has the ability to hit a bit harder than Atrium/Verité. Still, to me CO can hit the hardest and has the best dynamic range. IMO if CO is 10/10 regarding these aspects, CC is 8/10, Verité and Atrium roughly 7/10.
The thing with the CC is though that it can be a “turn it up and rock out” experience but it can also be a “lay back and relax” listen. Changing the earpads, playing around with the meshes and using different amplifiers can seriously affect how one perceives these headphones and their characteristics.

 

[Wes S]

How’re the dynamics and impact of the CC relative to other ZMFs? I’ve seen some comments that it hits harder than the Atrium and Verite, and others saying that those still hit harder and have more dynamic range.

Trying to understand if it’s more of a “turn it up and rock out” or “ lay back and relax” experience.

I have the CC's absolutely slamming right now paired up with the ZMF Aegis. The CC dig deeper, having a weightier/fuller and a grander sound than the VC's. The VC might hit a little harder in the middbass, but don't dig as deep into the subbass, so they don't sound as full and weighty. The CC still hit hard enough in the middbass though, and that added subbass is very satisfying. If you are coming from the Verite, you will not be disappointed or feel like anything is missing with the CC. Also, just like @betula mentioned, you can get that laid back and relax experience from the CC as well, and with the right tube combo in the Aegis, I can definitely accomplish that.

The CC are tuned so well, and are so capable, it's incredible, and no small feat for a closedback planar. The CC are a very special headphone, and one I personally can't get enough of. I can rock out, or just chill, and it does it all in spades.