ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!

[Monsterzero]

The Cayin HA6 gives the Caldera a big heavy, meaty sound. My Violectric v550 pro has slightly less impact than the Cayin, but makes up for it with better technicalities, detail retrieval, stage and air.

I'm going to try and get my hands on the upcoming ZMF x JDS Labs and will report back on how it does vs those amps w/ the Caldera as well as the ZMF dynamics.

* these images are of prototypes

 

[betula]

The Cayin HA6 gives the Caldera a big heavy, meaty sound. My Violectric v550 pro has slightly less impact than the Cayin, but makes up for it with better technicalities, detail retrieval, stage and air.

I'm going to try and get my hands on the upcoming ZMF x JDS Labs and will report back on how it does vs those amps w/ the Caldera as well as the ZMF dynamics.

* these images are of prototypes

Wow. That looks super exciting! Lucky guy!

 

[Monsterzero]

Wow. That looks super exciting! Lucky guy!

wood+ VU meters= holy ****

 

[goldwerger]

wood+ VU meters= holy ****

+1

 

[betula]

wood+ VU meters= holy ****

Yes, but not just that. Two great companies working together to present something brilliant is always exciting. Balanced 4pin is on the front which is good, wood is always spectacular and we all love a VU meter. Beyond this it is all about sound and synergy. Synergy is guaranteed with ZMF headphones since this is a collab, sound for value I also trust Zach and ZMF so for the price we are up to witness the birth of a winner here in my humblest opinion.

 

[iamoneagain]

Quite a few actually. From the solid state amps I personally owned Bryston BHA-1 and GSX-Mini had the most control, slam and impact but even the iFi iCan Signature or Burson Soloist 3XP kicked in a more aggressive manner than the otherwise brilliant yet quite polite all-in-one Naim HE.

As said, it haven’t heard the Caldera out of other setups yet but was impressed with the Naim HE for the Expanse and Utopia. And I’m looking for for something that has good impact but isn’t too aggressive. The Naim HE seems to have a very good low end texture and weight to it at least compared so some of other setups have be heard. But yeah, until I’ve heard the Caldera on other setups, I can’t say for sure where it sounds best for my taste and budget. But I’m pretty happy right now.

 

[betula]

As said, it haven’t heard the Caldera out of other setups yet but was impressed with the Naim HE for the Expanse and Utopia. And I’m looking for for something that has good impact but isn’t too aggressive. The Naim HE seems to have a very good low end texture and weight to it at least compared so some of other setups have be heard. But yeah, until I’ve heard the Caldera on other setups, I can’t say for sure where it sounds best for my taste and budget. But I’m pretty happy right now.

The Naim HE sounds very nice, balanced and pleasant! And it is a good price for a 3 in one (!) unit. But if you are after more weight and impact, there are separate DAC/amp/streamer options which easily deliver better on that front, although probably the bill will be a little higher in the end.

 

[AEIOU9]

Chan Chan has arrived

Even better looking than the ZMF photos! Enjoy!

 

[iamoneagain]

The Naim HE sounds very nice, balanced and pleasant! And it is a good price for a 3 in one (!) unit. But if you are after more weight and impact, there are separate DAC/amp/streamer options which easily deliver better on that front, although probably the bill will be a little higher in the end.

Kind of figured I could add a Bliss and use the Naim HE as a preamp if wanted to go that route. Or the Ferrum Oor. But had a lot of expenses pop up, so all that’s on hold. Plus my current setup is living room end table, so Naim works great in that setting.

 

[aloki]

The Cayin HA6 gives the Caldera a big heavy, meaty sound. My Violectric v550 pro has slightly less impact than the Cayin, but makes up for it with better technicalities, detail retrieval, stage and air.

I'm going to try and get my hands on the upcoming ZMF x JDS Labs and will report back on how it does vs those amps w/ the Caldera as well as the ZMF dynamics.

* these images are of prototypes

Even as a prototype, it’s looking awesome. Though hard to compete with the extremely satisfactory giant know of the element line. JDS has some great aesthetic designs.

I’m really excited for @Monsterzero’s take on this amp.

 

[betula]

Even as a prototype, it’s looking awesome. Though hard to compete with the extremely satisfactory giant know of the element line. JDS has some great aesthetic designs.

I’m really excited for @Monsterzero’s take on this amp.

Sure the final look will be a bit more refined, but it is promising.
I personally would recommend to hide the visible upper structure of the volume knob and get a nice, 'polished to high standards' front wood panel. But that is just my quick insight based on this prototype picture.

 

[jlbrach]

The Cayin HA6 gives the Caldera a big heavy, meaty sound. My Violectric v550 pro has slightly less impact than the Cayin, but makes up for it with better technicalities, detail retrieval, stage and air.

I'm going to try and get my hands on the upcoming ZMF x JDS Labs and will report back on how it does vs those amps w/ the Caldera as well as the ZMF dynamics.

* these images are of prototypes

looks like a bread box

 

[G8torbyte]

looks like a bread box

Might be good for some easy listening soft rock

 

[Pharmaboy]

looks like a bread box

Who here doesn't eat bread?

 

[dfiled]

I only listen to gluten free amps myself