[yrstruly]

This on the VC = VERY fun

 

[G8torbyte]

This on the VC = VERY fun

Wow, what a workout, I'd be exhausted if I attempted something like that.

 

[yrstruly]

Wow, what a workout, I'd be exhausted if I attempted something like that.

if you thought that one was bad...

 

[navii]

Are there any ear pads that are ALL leather?

 

[thefitz]

Are there any ear pads that are ALL leather?

Huh? What isn't all leather about the lambskin pads? The back ring?

 

[vsrrr]

Any VC owners had the opportunity to compare the Forza Noir Hybrid to the Silver+Copper hybrid cables from Norne (like the Skollvar and Vygarde)?

With the VC, my primary goal is to increase extension and clarity in the treble as much as possible without losing body in the mids.

Other recs also very appreciated!!

 

[AudioDuck]

Any VC owners had the opportunity to compare the Forza Noir Hybrid to the Silver+Copper hybrid cables from Norne (like the Skollvar and Vygarde)?

With the VC, my primary goal is to increase extension and clarity in the treble as much as possible without losing body in the mids.

Other recs also very appreciated!!

While it’s not a direct answer to your question, I own four Norne cables (JS-16, Vygarde, Einvaldi Reference, and Drausk).

While I didn’t have the JS-16 at the time (it’s my most recent purchase to go with my Caldera Closed), I did back-to-back comparisons of the other three.

To my ears, the hybrid cables were too much of a good thing- too fast/detailed for my taste, so I use the Drausk with the VC and love that.

HOWEVER, I have a treble sensitivity, and prefer richer/weightier midrange- so a hybrid cable may be what you would prefer.

The JS-16 is also a phenomenal cable. To me it does not sound like a copper cable- it’s fast and transparent, more hybrid-like or silver-like in nature (I also have a Norne silver SX-8 that I use with my DAP).

 

[navii]

Huh? What isn't all leather about the lambskin pads? The back ring?

Yes, the back ring. They are going bad on me and I'm a little bit tired of it.

 

[vsrrr]

While it’s not a direct answer to your question, I own four Norne cables (JS-16, Vygarde, Einvaldi Reference, and Drausk).

While I didn’t have the JS-16 at the time (it’s my most recent purchase to go with my Caldera Closed), I did back-to-back comparisons of the other three.

To my ears, the hybrid cables were too much of a good thing- too fast/detailed for my taste, so I use the Drausk with the VC and love that.

HOWEVER, I have a treble sensitivity, and prefer richer/weightier midrange- so a hybrid cable may be what you would prefer.

The JS-16 is also a phenomenal cable. To me it does not sound like a copper cable- it’s fast and transparent, more hybrid-like or silver-like in nature (I also have a Norne silver SX-8 that I use with my DAP).

Interesting! Appreciate it! I've always considered myself treble sensitive, but I don't think there's a single headphone in the ZMF lineup that could trigger my own personal sensitivity! However, if you say that the hybrid cables shorten decay of notes or steal body from the vocals vs. the stock OFC cable on VC, then that would def be a problem for me!

Having a tough time finding the JS-16 cable on the Norne site. Is there another name?

 

[yrstruly]

Agree with AudioDuck - all copper cable is the way forward with the VC, otherwise timbre can get a bit funky in my experience.

 

[AudioDuck]

Having a tough time finding the JS-16 cable on the Norne site. Is there another name?

No, it’s just a more recently- developed model Trevor has. I’m hoping he will name it… my suggestion would be “Klarvær” (“clear weather” in Norwegian- I’m from Norway originally).

The JS-16 has a pristine clarity without losing body. Not sure if it’s the right cable for the VC though, as I haven’t tried that combo yet. But Trevor would steer you right.

 

[thefitz]

Yes, the back ring. They are going bad on me and I'm a little bit tired of it.

Nah, I think they're all pleather, for better or worse.

Speaking of pads, I think there was a stealth revision/expansion of the Caldera pads - there's now a chart on each page indicating what pad is good for what headphone. There's a Hybrid top perf that's new (the previous Hybrid is now the Thin Hybrid top perf) that is actually recommended (not just compatible) with the Verite Closed. I pulled the trigger on that Hybrid pad, as the Universe Hybrid pads are my favorite by far. I'll let everyone know how they fare after they arrive.

 

[lauthoerer]

Speaking of pads, I think there was a stealth revision/expansion of the Caldera pads - there's now a chart on each page indicating what pad is good for what headphone. There's a Hybrid top perf that's new (the previous Hybrid is now the Thin Hybrid top perf) that is actually recommended (not just compatible) with the Verite Closed.

Yup, been looking at that page long and hard while figuring out my next pad rolls as well as the incoming AC. The Hybrid TP is actually the stock pad for the CC and I’ve been rocking it on the VC since last week, while rotating through the CC tuning kit.

Really liking that one with the VC. Came from the stock Auteur and Auteur Hybrid and will double check with the BE2 Lamb, my previous favorite. Just need to find the right timing and compatible music. CC has been claiming pretty much all of my listening time…

 

[navii]

Nah, I think they're all pleather, for better or worse.

Speaking of pads, I think there was a stealth revision/expansion of the Caldera pads - there's now a chart on each page indicating what pad is good for what headphone. There's a Hybrid top perf that's new (the previous Hybrid is now the Thin Hybrid top perf) that is actually recommended (not just compatible) with the Verite Closed. I pulled the trigger on that Hybrid pad, as the Universe Hybrid pads are my favorite by far. I'll let everyone know how they fare after they arrive.

I think it's a real shame about the pleather outer ring. I guess they do it so it's more manageable to fit around the headphone, but it starts flaking after some years and looks terrible, but the leather still looks great.

I understand an argument that we use all pleather pads because we care about animal cruelty. But here you are killing an animal and attaching its skin to something that expires so fast that you need to replace the whole part, so you gotta get more animal skin sooner.

 

[sparty09]

Yup, been looking at that page long and hard while figuring out my next pad rolls as well as the incoming AC. The Hybrid TP is actually the stock pad for the CC and I’ve been rocking it on the VC since last week, while rotating through the CC tuning kit.

Really liking that one with the VC. Came from the stock Auteur and Auteur Hybrid and will double check with the BE2 Lamb, my previous favorite. Just need to find the right timing and compatible music. CC has been claiming pretty much all of my listening time…

I'll have to try the Hybrid TP on my VC. Been using that on my AC and really enjoy it for them too.

Bounced back to Auteur Suede with my VC for now, originally didn't like them but maybe something in the air or my mood lately but been loving them now. Have the Auteur Hybrid on the way so excited to try those too.