ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!

[OnlySoMany]

I enjoy classical music on every headphone I own or once owned. Probably have more classical music files here, and listen to classical more via streaming radio, than all other music genres combined.

But...but...whenever I put the Caldera on my head, I am so drawn to funk, R&B, electronic music--anything with a strong bassline and rhythm pulse. It's not like I compared those genres to classical on the Caldera and logically concluded a preference for one or the other. It's more like I'm compelled to listen to anything with a beat on the Caldera (because it reliably rocks my world).

But that's the beauty of having multiple headphones. The silkwood Verite Open is the inverse of the Caldera: while it sounds wonderful on every musical genre, I'm compulsively drawn to hear classical music with it. I find the VO has no peer for classical music.

(Then there's the issue of multiple personalities. Let's not speak of that...)

Verite is king for more delicate music or music where you want max detail (acoustic, classical, jazz, classic rock). Caldera is king for boogie music (r&b, edm, rap, 80's, etc).

They both are good at those genres, it just seems that is what they excel at to my ears. There is a certain richness to the music with Caldera that I have not found in other sets. Verite is so fast and delicate, but also has more soundstage (open or closed).

Just my thoughts, anyone hear otherwise?

 

[ItHz]

Verite is king for more delicate music or music where you want max detail (acoustic, classical, jazz, classic rock). Caldera is king for boogie music (r&b, edm, rap, 80's, etc).

[...]

Just my thoughts, anyone hear otherwise?

My preferences are almost exactly opposite Just goes to show how important it is to hear gear for yourself.

 

[ItHz]

Accidental double post

 

[RoThe]

I enjoy classical music on every headphone I own or once owned. Probably have more classical music files here, and listen to classical more via streaming radio, than all other music genres combined.

But...but...whenever I put the Caldera on my head, I am so drawn to funk, R&B, electronic music--anything with a strong bassline and rhythm pulse. It's not like I compared those genres to classical on the Caldera and logically concluded a preference for one or the other. It's more like I'm compelled to listen to anything with a beat on the Caldera (because it reliably rocks my world).

But that's the beauty of having multiple headphones. The silkwood Verite Open is the inverse of the Caldera: while it sounds wonderful on every musical genre, I'm compulsively drawn to hear classical music with it. I find the VO has no peer for classical music.

(Then there's the issue of multiple personalities. Let's not speak of that...)

Which pads do you use on the VO?

Also replying to the other posts..
For me the Caldera seems more detailed, especially with the airyness. I prefer them for classical music (stock pads, no mesh)
The VO (Verite pads) I like for live (mostly rock) music. The VO seem less detailed for me and a bit warmer.
But people hear different I guess, heck I have the feeling even m hearing isn't the same everyday.
Sometimes I prefer stock leather, sometimes the thin pads on the Caldera.
VO mostly with Verite sometimes with Universe pads.
Atrium mostly with Auteur perforated leather for the oomph, sometimess with Caldera ultra perforated pads (mostly for older rock stuff).

I can really recommend getting the different pads, different flavours every day

 

[Pharmaboy]

Which pads do you use on the VO?

Whatever the stock pads were 2-3 years ago when I bought it new. I love the sound so much that I'll have zero interest in changing them.

It was different for the Caldera: mine came with the mantle mesh installed (my request) & 4 Caldera-specific pads (stock; thin/cowhide; suedes; lambskin thicks). I tried all the pads, and not just for 5-10 minutes. But when I put the thick pads on, that was it for me--done deal.

I don't enjoy pad-rolling to begin with. So when I hit on pads that please me so much, as the VO/stock & Caldera/thicks do, I'm good.

 

[Alenotta]

Whatever the stock pads were 2-3 years ago when I bought it new. I love the sound so much that I'll have zero interest in changing them.

It was different for the Caldera: mine came with the mantle mesh installed (my request) & 4 Caldera-specific pads (stock; thin/cowhide; suedes; lambskin thicks). I tried all the pads, and not just for 5-10 minutes. But when I put the thick pads on, that was it for me--done deal.

I don't enjoy pad-rolling to begin with. So when I hit on pads that please me so much, as the VO/stock & Caldera/thicks do, I'm good.

This is what I landed on too. Caldera thick pads, but no Mantle for me. That was the pad that resonated. The stock pads were great too.

For my AC I like the stock Caldera Thin as well as the Auteur Solid (which I have on it currently).

For my VC I enjoyed the Universe Solid.

 

[betula]

This is what I landed on too. Caldera thick pads, but no Mantle for me. That was the pad that resonated. The stock pads were great too.

My thoughts exactly.

 

[TommehHiFi]

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

 

[fuhnoo]

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

Wow! Those look stunning.

 

[Wes S]

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

Nice! I bet those absolutely gorgeous headphones sound incredible with the HA300mk2.

 

[TommehHiFi]

Nice! I bet those absolutely gorgeous headphones sound incredible with the HA300mk2.

Yeah I used to prefer the Caldera on solid state when I first got it but as I got used to it, I feel tubes are the way to go.

 

[Alenotta]

Nice! I bet those absolutely gorgeous headphones sound incredible with the HA300mk2.

That is what I use with my Caldera. It is absolutely fantastic. I'm deep into tube combos now. Tubes / pads / cables / fuses - what else can I swap haha.

 

[Pharmaboy]

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

omigod, that is beautiful!

 

[goldwerger]

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

stunning

 

[TheMiddleSky]

When I'm in Caldera mood, usually it's all about "Band" music: Drum set, bass guitar, guitar, keyboard and Vocalist. Kind of Pop, Rock, Classic Rock, and Unplug Music. I truly able to grab the soul of the songs with Caldera.

Took a couple of weeks off from the Caldera to give my dynamics some love. Well I'm back and damn these things image and resolve so well. Random pic in natural light.

I think this one is resin stabilize? Anyway, definitely a blueatiful pair you own there!