[ng5921]

Zach and I spent some time building Bokeh Open at the shop yesterday. The first one is made of Spectra Ply and Zach will be bringing this to CanJam NYC. I *really* like the way this particular spectra-ply looks with the red and silverish bands.

The pair I built for myself use the same stock Limba wood as Bokeh Closed. I wanted the Gibson type finish they use on their Korina Flying V and Explorer models. I kinda dug the maroon mesh behind the grill, so I went with that. I wanted a Cocobolo grill, which is a hair too thick, so it's a bit proud of the surface. That's not how the production models will be, and I may end up sanding mine down just a bit. We're also going to use different screws, but the shipment didn't arrive in time, so we used what we had available.

And this is it in the more subdued lighting of my home office.

It's going to be a fun weekend.

That spectra-ply looks awesome! Can't wait to see it in person.

 

[AnyDave]

That spectra-ply looks awesome! Can't wait to see it in person.

Yeah, I had seen it unfinished and it looked nice, but I was really into it once I saw it with finish on.

 

[Alenotta]

Zach and I spent some time building Bokeh Open at the shop yesterday. The first one is made of Spectra Ply and Zach will be bringing this to CanJam NYC. I *really* like the way this particular spectra-ply looks with the red and silverish bands.

The pair I built for myself use the same stock Limba wood as Bokeh Closed. I wanted the Gibson type finish they use on their Korina Flying V and Explorer models. I kinda dug the maroon mesh behind the grill, so I went with that. I wanted a Cocobolo grill, which is a hair too thick, so it's a bit proud of the surface. That's not how the production models will be, and I may end up sanding mine down just a bit. We're also going to use different screws, but the shipment didn't arrive in time, so we used what we had available.

And this is it in the more subdued lighting of my home office.

It's going to be a fun weekend.

The grate is really interesting. It kind of references bokeh circles / eyeballs / aperture blades. I'm so curious about the differences between closed and open. The Bokeh closed is such a great warmer sound option for closed backs. Love that last pic of the natural wood!

I'm very excited about Caldera Closed. Beyond excited really. Caldera has been my favorite headphone. I think if I could choose any tuning for a Caldera Closed it would be a bump in the mid-bass and a gentle dip in the upper treble. Like a slightly warmer version of the Caldera, but with that sub bass impact only a closed back can provide. Zach always has great tunings though so I'm sure I'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[haasaaroni]

Caldera has been my favorite headphone. I think if I could choose any tuning for a Caldera Closed it would be a bump in the mid-bass and a gentle dip in the upper treble. Like a slightly warmer version of the Caldera, but with that sub bass impact only a closed back can provide.

Completely agree! Only problem is it’ll force me to save up enough for both a Caldera Open and a Caldera Closed. One day, one day…

 

[HiFiWar]

Hey all - I've been hibernating a bit and finishing the Chef's kiss on Caldera Closed with our team and @AnyDave. Just very excited about that one - but first we have some spring LTD editions coming out March 1st. The leap year is making it even harder to get there!

Here's the cliff notes, there's a better description on the website of each wood, which you can skip to here: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones

All the LTD editions will be available at 8:30 AM CST March 1st. But don't worry, we have good stock on these woods except maybe the Mango wood Auteur, we plan to have these available for at least through May.

Youtube video of me putzing around the shop:

LTD EDITIONS: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/stock-headphones

1. Atrium/Caldera in Canare wood and Zebra wood. Two exceptional batches of each species. Did my favorite "burst" on the Canare that gives them depth and vibrance of color. These both feel like "butter."

2. Atrium Closed Queensland Maple and Cocobolo. This Queensland maple is special to my heart, as I'd been looking at these slabs for the last four years and finally saved up the courage and monies to buy all five slabs of them. And Cocobolo, just because, Cocobolo.

3. Auteur Classic Mango - I've had this small batch of Mango for a few years and have been trying to figure out how to use it as it's a small amount. What better way than to let the timeless masterpiece of audio excellence, weighing in at the pinnacle of neutrality and precision engineering! Direct from the studio of innovation, we proudly present the Auteur Classic ZMF headphone! Get ready to experience sound in its purest form, where every note resonates with clarity and every beat strikes with precision. This isn't just a headphone; it's an auditory journey into the heart of ZMF neutrality. So, without further ado, let's welcome the Auteur Classic MANGO, where neutrality meets perfection!"
OK sorry I got carried away with chat GPT for that italics section...!

4. Eikon(ic) MonkeyPod - Not really an Eikon Classic, and not really an Eikon OG, this is an Eikon that has the OG damping system, with the auteur Classic driver. It's more Eikon than anything, and sound the part, with a touch smoother response than the OG, but the same classic ZMF sub-bassy sound.

5. Stock Atrium and Caldera - One quick foot note here. we are discontinuing the aged copper Atrium and the Coffee Stained Caldera and replacing with two new looks that will be singular for each model. Atrium will be an Amber Varnished look with Black grille and rods and deep blue grille cloth. The Caldera is a Clay stain with black grille's and a maroon grille cloth.

IN STOCK
The famed Decware OTL is back in stock in both 115V and 230V configutrations. Check out the thread here: https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/decware-zmf-reference-otl.26421/reviews
https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/amps-dacs

NEW ACCESSORIES
Hifiman Earpads: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/pads/products/zmf-hifiman-subs
I really love my Hifiman's, as the Susvara purchase I made was one of the crowning jewels of my Caldera R/D as well as getting my hands on the fabulous Sundara and XS. These pads fit the majority of the Hifiman models. Video coming shortly with measurements.

The PRO Cable: https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/cables/products/ofc-braided?variant=44057977618595
Yes yes yes - I know everyone finds the OFC cable stiff and a little unwieldy. But it's still a very nice cable, just a bit THICK. I wanted to provide slightly better quality wire, but at an achievable price vs our higher end braided cables with more purity and yada yada. I think you'll agree that the look, feel and value of being able to get even a 10 foot braided cable for under $200 is pretty pretty pretty good.


Lastly the Cayin HA-2A is available in stock. It's the new affordable Ultra-Linear tube amp from Cayin, so now we have stock of the HA-3A which is Triode based, and the Ultra Linear

Here's some saucy pics:

Now I just need you to release a stabilized Caldera in blue or green

 

[crenca]

I see "2024" has been appended to some ZMF models but not others on the ZMF website.

As appears to be the case from this thread, are the "2024" models (of the Atrium for example) merely wood/stain/color changes and choices, or does "2024" indicate other changes that would effect sound character/quality?

Thanks!

 

[zach915m]

I see "2024" has been appended to some ZMF models but not others on the ZMF website.

As appears to be the case from this thread, are the "2024" models (of the Atrium for example) merely wood/stain/color changes and choices, or does "2024" indicate other changes that would effect sound character/quality?

Thanks!

No changes to the models, in fact I can remove those to avoid confusion. The headphones are the same just denoting the release date of the LTD.

 

[ng5921]

@zach915m Will there be a discount for the Aegis similar to how previous ZMF owners get a discount on the Decware OTL?

 

[zach915m]

@zach915m Will there be a discount for the Aegis similar to how previous ZMF owners get a discount on the Decware OTL?

It'll be discounted upon release, and then discounted when bundled for sure. I'm always trying to provide the most value and we will figure out what discounts we can handle but I know those two will be available.

 

[Benesyed]

@zach915m is this the zebra wood with the coffee gold grill? The grill looks much darker in this photo.

Thanks!

 

[zach915m]

@zach915m is this the zebra wood with the coffee gold grill? The grill looks much darker in this photo.

Thanks!

Yeah it's Zebra - some of the grilles with more shine to them look darker based on how the light hits them, especially the concave ones like the Caldera.

 

[Alenotta]

I'm a big fan of that Zebra wood with the oil finish. Very nice combo.

 

[Cecala]

Unless already posted, can you tell us something in regards to the tuning of the Caldera closed?

 

[funkyfish]

@zach915m I think there is a mistake on the website:

Zebra Sets include a […] ruby BBB strap.

Canare Sets include a […] brown BBB strap.

Isn‘t that the other way around?

 

[Kevintj604]

I know everyone is excited about the Caldera Closed and the multitude of new LTD releases but am I the only person super excited about the Pro Cable and HiFiMan Pads?

Both are big deals for me. I love both of my HiFiMan’s and would love to get both sets of pads replaced.

@zach915m Any videos coming up with measurements on both sets of the egg shaped HiFiMan pads?

I’ve been waiting and hoping you’d make HiFiMan pads for a long time. I’ll buy both sets for sure but would love to see if there’s a big difference between either of them.