[betula]

Once I have the CC on hand I plan to compare quite a bit to my DCA Stealth, along with the VC & AC and look forward to sharing impressions. Though I already prefer the VC & AC over the Stealth, I think another closed planar in the same price range will be the more fair and useful comparison. The Stealth is certainly extremely different from the CO and while I really enjoy it, it doesn't grab me emotionally in the way that all of the ZMFs do, though I'm not a big fan of Harman tuning.

I have a subtle inkling that you might depart from your Stealth soon.

 

[Phalanx Storm]

Just curious has anyone tried the caldera closed pads on the caldera open?
If so would love to know any impressions of them!

 

[LXMc]

Just curious has anyone tried the caldera closed pads on the caldera open?
If so would love to know any impressions of them!

I asked this a few days back in the CC thread and @erics75 was kind enough to offer some impressions here

 

[erics75]

I used to slightly prefer the suede pads to the thick on the Caldera, but after listening today I can confidently say the thick pads are easily the best pad for my taste. The clarity and bass increase are sooooo nice. So damn good.

I'm with you, the thick pads are addicting. I've tried all the supplied pads and keep coming back to them.

 

[ttys0]

After letting my Caldera's break in for a while with the stock pads, I gave the thick pads a try, and I think they'll be staying! They really do add just a little bit of extra oomph that pushes the Caldera from great to exceptional for me.

 

[Lucikun]

After letting my Caldera's break in for a while with the stock pads, I gave the thick pads a try, and I think they'll be staying! They really do add just a little bit of extra oomph that pushes the Caldera from great to exceptional for me.

100% Thick pads enjoyers unite!

 

[betula]

I am curious, which earpads are the most popular: poll.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I've had about a week of time with the CO demo unit and what a week. The clarity, separation, and tone are amazing. I generally prefer dynamic drivers but the CO is challenging that hard. I still prefer a darker overall tuning for every day use, but the CO's air and clarity are a breath of fresh air when I'm in the mood for a change. I see the Caldera and Atrium models as an amazing complimentary set of ZMFs for those who want variety. The Atriums are darker, thicker, more euphonic and romantic sounding. The Calderas faster, clearer, and all around more of a analytical listen, while still being highly musical and engaging.

The CO in particular is making me revisit my playlists, digging deep into tracks I've known most of my life, to find hidden bits of detail here and there. I'm really enjoying it so far, and know at the end of this demo either the CC or CO will remain with me. I'll just sell one of the kiddos to fund it!

I tend to listen mostly to "fun" music (code word for crappy studio quality), with a handful of audiophile worthy test tracks. But truth be told those tracks are boring the heck out of me. Anyone got some killer tracks they can share that will show off the full capabilities of the CO? Sharing is caring!

Yup--the Caldera open was a revelation to me when I first heard it. In my experience, planars don't have as much resolution as the CO without being hyped, edgy, and bright. They also don't soundstage anything like the CO.

As good as the stock pads are, I reached a higher plane with the lambskin thicks. Those pads are on the CO for good....

 

[sameh931]

I am curious, which earpads are the most popular: poll.

wow, the thick pads seem to be favored by many people. Guess i'll take these as secondary pads then, thanks for the poll
Anyone here with experiences of the Ultra Perforated Pads?

Also, would my Fiio K9 AKM be enough to drive the Caldera's at first? I have very limited space on my desk and the K9 AKM was one of the best for it's price and it's form factor. Good thing is, i can always stack a better AMP on top of it later with the same dimensions, like a TA-20 for example

 

[betula]

wow, the thick pads seem to be favored by many people. Guess i'll take these as secondary pads then, thanks for the poll

I had a feeling, that the thick pads might edge out the stocks, but I wasn't expecting this much of a difference either. I will let the poll run for a few more days and then share a screenshot of the results here in the thread.

 

[K3cT]

wow, the thick pads seem to be favored by many people. Guess i'll take these as secondary pads then, thanks for the poll
Anyone here with experiences of the Ultra Perforated Pads?

Also, would my Fiio K9 AKM be enough to drive the Caldera's at first? I have very limited space on my desk and the K9 AKM was one of the best for it's price and it's form factor. Good thing is, i can always stack a better AMP on top of it later with the same dimensions, like a TA-20 for example

There is very obvious bass roll off with that pad so it doesn’t feel like a finished product (sorry Zach!).

 

[LXMc]

There is very obvious bass roll off with that pad so it doesn’t feel like a finished product (sorry Zach!).

I think it's better to think of the ultra perf pad as a Caldera style pad alternative for the open-back dynamic ZMFs as they're all tuned to be used with fully-perforated pads to begin with.

 

[up late]

There is very obvious bass roll off with that pad so it doesn’t feel like a finished product (sorry Zach!).

is the thin pad in this measurement from zmf's website the ultra perforated pad?

CALDERA: DIFFUSE FIELD MEASUREMENTS​

Caldera STOCK (RED SOLID) vs THIN (DOTTED)

 

[iamoneagain]

There is very obvious bass roll off with that pad so it doesn’t feel like a finished product (sorry Zach!).

I believe Zach said if you’re going to use this pad on the Caldera open, you’re going have to apply EQ to the bass region. He might of even given exact recommendations on where to apply the EQ. Believe he also said this gives the Caldera the most Harman like curve for those seeking that sound without needing to make a lot of EQ adjustments.

 

[vsg28]

is the thin pad in this measurement from zmf's website the ultra perforated pad?

CALDERA: DIFFUSE FIELD MEASUREMENTS​

Caldera STOCK (RED SOLID) vs THIN (DOTTED)

I assume those would be the Cowhide Thin pads, you can see my thoughts about those pads and the ultraperforated pads here: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/zmf-caldera-open-back-planar-magnetic-headphones/5.html (I don't have the Caldera Thick pads though).