ZMF Caldera - New Planar Magnetic from ZMF!

[zach915m]

Last day of the yearly ZMF B-Stock sale today!

https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/b-stock

 

[Kevintj604]

Picture says it all. Not much else to say about these. I'm loving every single thing about them.

I'm running with Caldera Suede pads without Mantle Mesh. I've got four other pads but I think I like the Suede the best.

 

[erics75]

Picture says it all. Not much else to say about these. I'm loving every single thing about them.

I'm running with Caldera Suede pads without Mantle Mesh. I've got four other pads but I think I like the Suede the best.

Those are one of the nicest set's I've seen, period. Something about the more natural wood that really resonates with me. Very jealous, congrats!

 

[s2kphile]

Picture says it all. Not much else to say about these. I'm loving every single thing about them.

I'm running with Caldera Suede pads without Mantle Mesh. I've got four other pads but I think I like the Suede the best.

That reflection and shine. It looks like glass. I wonder if ceramic coating would be good for stabilized units?

 

[Frankie D]

Picture says it all. Not much else to say about these. I'm loving every single thing about them.

I'm running with Caldera Suede pads without Mantle Mesh. I've got four other pads but I think I like the Suede the best.

Nice set. What wood is that?

 

[Kevintj604]

Nice set. What wood is that?

Redheart.

 

[Kevintj604]

Those are one of the nicest set's I've seen, period. Something about the more natural wood that really resonates with me. Very jealous, congrats!

It’s all about nice woods. I’ve never seen a resin or stabilized/flake that compares to a beautiful wood unit. A lot of people pass up on stunning all wood finishes to choose from half wood/resin sets. The simple fact that last night some of the nicest all wood examples I’ve ever seen were still available on the site for B-Stock, rarity and demo was shocking.

 

[s2kphile]

It’s all about nice woods. I’ve never seen a resin or stabilized/flake that compares to a beautiful wood unit. A lot of people pass up on stunning all wood finishes to choose from half wood/resin sets. The simple fact that last night some of the nicest all wood examples I’ve ever seen were still available on the site for B-Stock, rarity and demo was shocking.

I agree, though the resin sets look artistically aesthetic. Nothing can beat a natural stabilized wood set. I am fortunate that I was able to pick up a B&W, Ambonya, and Macassar Ebony set this November.

 

[up late]

i did a photo shoot of sorts for a post in another thread a while back. thought i'd re-post the pic that i used here along with another one (of many) that i'd taken to illustrate how dramatically different the caldera redheart looks in the changing light:

 

[robo24]

Redheart.

Are they a lacquer finish? They look very glossy compared to my Redheart CC which have a different finish (forget which). Details really seem to pop out with that gloss. Those look so fantastic it's making me want something else in glossy Redheart!

 

[Tanalasta]

Are they a lacquer finish? They look very glossy compared to my Redheart CC which have a different finish (forget which). Details really seem to pop out with that gloss. Those look so fantastic it's making me want something else in glossy Redheart!

Also my question … is that a stock finish?

Still waiting for my November order. No word whether they have gone through production or QC yet … guess I can wait up to 12 weeks so will patiently wait.

Settled on the Danacable Rhapsody as the ideal pairing with the ZMF Caldera. The Norne cables are also fantastic in their own way, with the SC5 in particularly being a detail/analytical masterpiece. The Rhapsody just sings, being warm and musical … but also remarkably well balanced and rich. Just eye-wateringly expensive. In that regard the Norne are far better value for money.

For sheer enjoyabilty, the Caldera is my first pick at the moment.

Looking forward to the Atrium Open and another Caldera Open from the November drop. I was hopeful of receiving them before Christmas but don’t see that happening.

 

[Kevintj604]

Also my question … is that a stock finish?

No. This particular mag chassis was not a stock option on the HOTG summer event. You can’t really see in the photo but it’s a high gloss dark ruby color. It’s almost black. The stock option that was on this unit before was more of a matte ruby and much lighter in color.

As for the wood finish it just came back from the ZMF shop from a full rebuild so I paid for the complete refinish, polish and buff.

 

[AudioDuck]

The Norne cables are also fantastic in their own way, with the SC5 in particularly being a detail/analytical masterpiece.

Just jumping in to note for anyone considering a Norne Audio cable alternative that Trevor recommended the JS-16 with the Caldera Closed and it is a really good match.

My Einvaldi Ref (closest current model: Vykari Hybrid) is also a great match, but that cable SLAYS with the AC, so they stay together.

 

[robo24]

No. This particular mag chassis was not a stock option on the HOTG summer event. You can’t really see in the photo but it’s a high gloss dark ruby color. It’s almost black. The stock option that was on this unit before was more of a matte ruby and much lighter in color.

As for the wood finish it just came back from the ZMF shop from a full rebuild so I paid for the complete refinish, polish and buff.

Thanks but does that mean they did a different finish using high gloss lacquer or is that how they always were? I think the card or white instruction sheet says what finish they are.

 

[Kevintj604]

Thanks but does that mean they did a different finish using high gloss lacquer or is that how they always were? I think the card or white instruction sheet says what finish they are.

I'm not sure to be honest. When I bought these second hand they were wrecked and the price I paid was reflected in that. I asked ZMF if they could fix the problems before I even bought them and refinishing was always part of the plan.

What I can say is they looked nothing like what they do now.