[Lyssky]

Classical music sure needs air and for this Caldera may not be as airy as other mentioned models but hey, wooden Caldera playing wooden instruments is I feel as natural/organic as it gets.

 

[Chris Kaoss]

So it's the overall experience in sum of all parts, rather than the separated parts itself.

Which is, in my view, what matters.

 

[heliosphann]

Made a thread for the upcoming ZMF BOKEH if anyone is interested.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/zmf-bokeh-closed-back-semi-portable.969961/post-17757680

 

[zach915m]

Very detailed review from Dan over at Headmania: https://headmania.org/2023/09/27/calderas-symphony-where-craftsmanship-meets-sonic-excellence/

He's been one of my favorite reviewers since before ZMF was making proprietary headphones, honored to have him cover us!

 

[iamoneagain]

Very detailed review from Dan over at Headmania: https://headmania.org/2023/09/27/calderas-symphony-where-craftsmanship-meets-sonic-excellence/

He's been one of my favorite reviewers since before ZMF was making proprietary headphones, honored to have him cover us!

After reading that review it made me want to pad swap again. And this time I landed back on the suede pads and remembered what I first loved about the Caldera when I got them 10 months ago with suede installed. Just such a sweet midrange and pleasant warm sound. And this time around, I’m not hearing any issues with the bass impact and dynamics. The sound is just so addictive. The suede also sounds much better with my Focal Arche amp. Before it was a hint thin and harsh but now warm and rich sounding. Thought about selling pads I don’t use but now think I’ll keep in case my mood changes.

 

[yapp]

Very detailed review from Dan over at Headmania: https://headmania.org/2023/09/27/calderas-symphony-where-craftsmanship-meets-sonic-excellence/

He's been one of my favorite reviewers since before ZMF was making proprietary headphones, honored to have him cover us!

Thick cowhide pads?

 

[heliosphann]

Thick cowhide pads?

I believe that's is an error and it should have been Thick Lambskin pads. Zach talks about why there isn't a "thicker" cowhide pad here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/zmf-caldera-new-planar-magnetic-from-zmf.964836/post-17380417

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Just want to drop a picture (paired really well with Envy indeed!)

 

[Benesyed]

Just want to drop a picture (paired really well with Envy indeed!)

Wow that's amazing.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Wow that's amazing.

Thanks!

Finally I did a rolling pad:

Caldera Suede, sound like the standard leather pad, but with a little less air, more rounded notes, more forgiving character, but also less clear, less separation and soundstage become a bit smaller as well. For less than good recording quality, this can help tame the "ugliness" a bit, but I still prefer the standard pad.

Caldera Thin, the "BE2" of Caldera pad, from upper bass to lower treble seems more linear than standard pad. In expense of small soundstage, and I lose the "3D sphere" effect of Caldera Standard Pad. Vocal a bit more forward with Thin Pad as well. For me Standard Pad is more versatile for various genres, and has absolute win in term of soundstage/imaging.

Based on my preference, the Standard Pad still the winner.

 

[betula]

Thanks!

Finally I did a rolling pad:

Caldera Suede, sound like the standard leather pad, but with a little less air, more rounded notes, more forgiving character, but also less clear, less separation and soundstage become a bit smaller as well. For less than good recording quality, this can help tame the "ugliness" a bit, but I still prefer the standard pad.

Caldera Thin, the "BE2" of Caldera pad, from upper bass to lower treble seems more linear than standard pad. In expense of small soundstage, and I lose the "3D sphere" effect of Caldera Standard Pad. Vocal a bit more forward with Thin Pad as well. For me Standard Pad is more versatile for various genres, and has absolute win in term of soundstage/imaging.

Based on my preference, the Standard Pad still the winner.

I agree with everything you said. Have you tried the thick pads? To me only those are equally good (just different) or even better than the stock pads.

 

[Pharmaboy]

I agree with everything you said. Have you tried the thick pads? To me only those are equally good (just different) or even better than the stock pads.

Agree 100%

 

[Benesyed]

nvm

 

[iamoneagain]

Thanks!

Finally I did a rolling pad:

Caldera Suede, sound like the standard leather pad, but with a little less air, more rounded notes, more forgiving character, but also less clear, less separation and soundstage become a bit smaller as well. For less than good recording quality, this can help tame the "ugliness" a bit, but I still prefer the standard pad.

Caldera Thin, the "BE2" of Caldera pad, from upper bass to lower treble seems more linear than standard pad. In expense of small soundstage, and I lose the "3D sphere" effect of Caldera Standard Pad. Vocal a bit more forward with Thin Pad as well. For me Standard Pad is more versatile for various genres, and has absolute win in term of soundstage/imaging.

Based on my preference, the Standard Pad still the winner.

What’s interesting is all that may be true about the suede when you first switch from stock to suede but it starts to open up as you get used to the sound. I find it more seductive and addictive. I also find myself listening longer. Original didn’t think as dynamic but not sure what’s changed.

For whatever reason, over time, I can’t stick with the thick pads. Eventually something sounds off but takes a while to notice. Mids are just a touch too polite. In comparison to stock and especially suede.

 

[DavidSerig]

I believe that's is an error and it should have been Thick Lambskin pads. Zach talks about why there isn't a "thicker" cowhide pad here:

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/zmf-caldera-new-planar-magnetic-from-zmf.964836/post-17380417

I don't see why there can't be a color coded system, just a few colored threads would be easy enough.