At long last I have completed my ZMF Verite C Ltd review (go easy guys I'm not a wordsmith ). Last March, after making a terrible buying decision, I went hunting for a new system as I was completely unsatisfied with my just 1 year old system. I swore to myself that this time I was going to amp up my research (pun intended) for my next system and not repeat my previous grievous error. Through my research, I discovered
@Monsterzero and his very strong recommendation ( if it was in my budget ) to get the ZMF Verité C. His description of headphones sonic signature, plus seeing countless happy community members share their wonderful experiences with the VC convinced me that this was my end game headphone.
The ZMF Verites are the first headphones to bring beryllium-coated drivers to the 300-Ohm format. The result is a sound that is punchy, precise and musically addictive.
The Verité Closed is an absolute oddity amongst closed backs, it has a fairly wide soundstage, gorgeous musical tonality ,and dynamic slam for which is the reputation that lured me to ZMF in the first place. I was not disappointed.
After spending over 300 plus hours with the VC the thing that strikes me every time is the soundscape, which is absolutely immense for a closed back headphone IMO. It just doesn't sound closed at all! Not in terms of staging, at least. The soundscape seems to extend well beyond the limits of the cup and the separation is beyond excellent, giving every instrument Its own space.
My current set up is Tidal via an Inakustik USB to my Rockna Wavelight , the interconnects are custom 1101 Audio Mogami/ Neutrik RCA's to my 1101 Blue Halo OTL (Tube flavour au jour is a pair Fivre 6J5's plus a Tesla 6922) . My current power solution is 1101 Audio's C2029 Pure Power . The headphones are connected using ZMF's stock 1/4 " cable with my preferred pads the Auteur non-perforated. The Auteur pads just seem more detailed and fun then the Universe pads. I guess some would call it W-shaped. I also find this pad to be the most comfortable. Extended listening sessions (going many hours) are quite common for me with zero issues.
UPDATE: My wallet is screaming at me, but I've ordered a Custom headphone cable (1101 Audio) using UPOCC Neotech Silver 24 AWG, Furutech Connectors and a Eidolic splitter.
In terms of tonality, the Verite Closed does a great job of presenting things in a very crisp and resolving way that manages to always stay musical and non-fatiguing. It is easy on the ears, but dynamic and exciting at the same time. This makes it a very, very easy headphone to want to listen to.
Bass is nicely extended, tight and very punchy. It's not excessive, as some closed headphones tend to be, and definitely doesn't bleed into other frequencies, but it's still more than enough to satisfy my basshead needs. I found Verité Closed especially adept with all of my preferred music genres rock, hard rock , metal, blues , heck even some classical and country . All were musical , dynamic, explosive bass, the performance has a crisp imagery became quite immersive.
The midrange is exceptional, to say the least, offering and incredible sense of "fullness" that was almost overwhelming at times... in a very, very good way. The Verité Closed delivered the music with weight and gravitas that was simply intoxicating. Listening to Chris Cornells' newly released cover on the Verité Closed demanded repeated listens, and when I found myself replaying "Patience" for what seems like an uncountable number of times. I'm just enjoying this system so much my wife is jealous.
Treble, is incredibly quick, with the beryllium-coated drivers showcasing their incredible aptitude for scintillatingly brisk transients. Verité Closed has a terrific sense of snap, which brings sonic images into clear focus immediately. The sizzle up top is fun, alive . It constantly gives you the impression that you are in the recording studio listening to recording session as it's happening.
The dynamics, No matter what I threw at the Verité Closed, the music just felt alive. Whether it was a massive orchestral crescendo, a slamming bassline or anything else I could find, Verité Closed absolutely unleashed it like a tidal wave every time.
The 3D effects however, are the real star of the show. Previously to me getting my system it was inconceivable for me to think that you can hear singer hit a note , hear that same note travel from the stage across the room towards me, to run pass my right ear and then hear it echo off of the walls at the back of the room and that's just the tip of the iceberg. Mind Blowing 3D effects is the only way to describe it.
Final Thoughts
The Verité Closed is the best headphone I've ever heard. Period. I've heard the Focal Stellia, Utopia, Meze Emprean. These are all excellent headphones, I just prefer ZMF's sound signature. Its a headphone that is uncompromisingly resolving, yet musical. Blisteringly dynamic, yet easy to listen to for hours on end. I often times found myself listening for way too long, ignoring all for just one more song. I think all ZMF owners have that condition hahaha
The main reason I'm doing this review is to help new members like me find there sonic fit.
For your convenience I will provide the links that I used that maybe can help you with your research.
ZMF Headphones
https://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmf-originals
1101 Audio Products
https://www.head-fi.org/posts/15927178/
Rockna Wavelight ( North America ) Robert
https://worldwidewholesales.com/
