Even though technically off topic, this is very much worth reiterating. I'm sure everyone on this thread is sending your mother healing vibes, I know I am.
ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!
- Thread starter ScornDefeat
- Start date
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Thank you so much for the kind post. This community continues to amaze me. It is all about a love for music, a shared belief that we can make this a better world thru music and sharing our impressions to help each other continue to learn and evolve. Headphones, amps, DACs and all the corresponding gear are conduits to a greater cause. The greatest language this world has given us. MUSIC!First and foremost, wishing your mother much good health Geoff.
As to the impressions, I think you perfectly nailed the CFA-3 differentiation on the above. That’s exactly my take!
(I’ll post some amp impressions soonish as I’m running a few ZMFs off a few amps currently, the Caldera and CFA-3 being a key combo)
I love how there is a thread for everything here. I really wouldn’t have imagined than one. But now that I know,.
I am continually learning by the posts shared and the sense of empathy and love is felt by all.
Thank you!
geoffalter11
Headphoneus Supremus
Just a/b'd the Caldera with my CFA3 and Icon Audio HP8. Wow, such a difference in presentation. Both wonderful, but so different. I think this speaks to the flexibility of the Caldera. I could do either and live happily ever after. Fortunately, they are both on my desk, so the only choice I have to make is which cable goes into which amp.
CFA3 - Fast, smooth, subtle with incredible top end extension and resolution. The CFA3 really pulls all of the depth out of the ADS.
HP8 - Holographic. Even with the Caldera's lightning fast transients the HP8 exudes a level of air around the instruments that only tube amps can provide. Bass is off the charts, and that HP8 midrange which flows like a warm summer breeze.
The CFA3 injects warp speed into the Caldera. The HP8 injects romance. That is the definition of a fantastic headphone. 2 amps, 2 different experiences; both of which are as good as it gets.
But, I keep finding my way back to the CFA3. The power and cleanliness, coupled with the top end resolution gives the upper midrange and lower treble of the Caldera a quality I am not sure I can live without.
I have been wondering as of late if my Comet+ was a good enough DAC for the amps and headphones I own and review. The answer is a resounding YES! It continues to scale, and is providing every bit of information within my music.
This is from last night... Enjoy!
CFA3 - Fast, smooth, subtle with incredible top end extension and resolution. The CFA3 really pulls all of the depth out of the ADS.
HP8 - Holographic. Even with the Caldera's lightning fast transients the HP8 exudes a level of air around the instruments that only tube amps can provide. Bass is off the charts, and that HP8 midrange which flows like a warm summer breeze.
The CFA3 injects warp speed into the Caldera. The HP8 injects romance. That is the definition of a fantastic headphone. 2 amps, 2 different experiences; both of which are as good as it gets.
But, I keep finding my way back to the CFA3. The power and cleanliness, coupled with the top end resolution gives the upper midrange and lower treble of the Caldera a quality I am not sure I can live without.
I have been wondering as of late if my Comet+ was a good enough DAC for the amps and headphones I own and review. The answer is a resounding YES! It continues to scale, and is providing every bit of information within my music.
This is from last night... Enjoy!
- thanks for the share
The struggle for words is real! I couldn't imagine how the ZMF sound could come from a planar, but Zach has done it. It is quite unique.
I've found two great tube combinations that I really like so far for the Bigger Ben with Caldera. The first being NOS Telefunken ECC801S with NOS Shuguang-made Marshal Gold KT-66 and the second being RFT/East Germany ECC81/12AT7 with Sylvania 5933 w/ solid plates.
As I type this, I have my verite open over my ears being powered by a Cayin ha6a and pontus 2 dac, so I cant help but ask myself, how does the music sound so wonderful? What else sounds so perfect al the while trying to figure out what exactly is happening between my ears.
And yet tomorrow, I shall be getting my caldera delivered and somehow that's supposed to trump the vo in some aspect. I have no words to describe the excitement, nor can I contain my eagerness to open the box and see something that I have seen before, 4 times before, a musical piece of art.
And yet tomorrow, I shall be getting my caldera delivered and somehow that's supposed to trump the vo in some aspect. I have no words to describe the excitement, nor can I contain my eagerness to open the box and see something that I have seen before, 4 times before, a musical piece of art.
Coming from someone who absolutely LOVES the VO and has since the first time I heard it, I can tell you that the Caldera is fantastic, but don't expect it to blow VO out of the water. It's not that type of great, but it is great in a whole new way. Neither of them can replace the other. I typically only use planars to switch things up. My dynamic favorites are my primary listening tools. The Caldera is deserving of a spot in the primary camp and I find new qualities that I love at each listening session. I'm only 3 days in at this point.
