[kumar402]

Thanks, does are the ones I am using. I guess this headphones are not my cup of tea

It's not always about the headphone but the system synergy. For eg if I plug VC to THX amp, it's boring but out of other amp that I own, the headphone sings.

 

[tjdub]

Are there a few headphones you feel do those things better? The VC is generally considered to be very strong in terms of detail, clarity, separation, etc. But if you're coming from stuff like Stax or some planars I could see how you'd find them veiled. This would be helpful for those considering the VC.

Maybe I'm just to used to planar sound ( I own 6 ) but even my th900 that are considered V shaped don't have that veil. I don't want to knock these headphones because I do think they are very beautiful and comfortable so it's probably a case of different strokes for different folks

 

[Nostoi]

Maybe I'm just to used to planar sound ( I own 6 ) but even my th900 that are considered V shaped don't have that veil. I don't want to knock these headphones because I do think they are very beautiful and comfortable so it's probably a case of different strokes for different folks

I also have TH900, and they are in a sense less picky and more immediate than VC. The VC are way more picky, I find, in terms of amp/dac/source, etc. As the chap above indicates, an overly linear SS amp renders them flat, whereas an overly tubey tube amp is likely to produce an overly dark picture. I find they work best with either a very musical SS amp or a fairly neutral tube amp, but with each having excellent dynamics and speed (I think the VC thrives on a fast attack).

I'm also not sure how long you've had yours for, but they require a process of adjustment before they settle in (in terms of subjective adjustment rather than burn-in). I've had mine for a year now, and they remain the best all-round closed back headphone I've heard (and I think I've heard them all except for the Kennerton Rognir).

Of course, could also be the case that the tuning isn't for you!

 

[zach915m]

Maybe I'm just to used to planar sound ( I own 6 ) but even my th900 that are considered V shaped don't have that veil. I don't want to knock these headphones because I do think they are very beautiful and comfortable so it's probably a case of different strokes for different folks

I don't know what other earpads you have aside from the auteur lambskin - but trying the BE2 hybrid solid would probably be worth it for your tastes.

 

[erics75]

Maybe I'm just to used to planar sound ( I own 6 ) but even my th900 that are considered V shaped don't have that veil. I don't want to knock these headphones because I do think they are very beautiful and comfortable so it's probably a case of different strokes for different folks

I will echo what Nostoi mentioned, do let them run a good 100-200 hours before judging. I HATED my VC when I first got it. I found it harsh and stiff sounding. As the mechanical elements of the drivers broke in, the sound changed quite noticeably. I do notice most negative reactions to ZMF in general come from those used to planars. Planars have very unique delivery to them, and going to a dynamic driver after can be quite dramatic. Nothing wrong with being negative, you're being very respectful and objective overall. These posts are very helpful for those considering purchasing.

 

[Nostoi]

I don't know what other earpads you have aside from the auteur lambskin - but trying the BE2 hybrid solid would probably be worth it for your tastes.

What's the difference BE2 leather (which is my go-to pad) and the BE2 hybrid solid in terms of tonality?

 

[Wes S]

I've used it with hugo 2, bifrost 2, and d90 for dacs and jot2, 789, Elise, wa22, d90 and hpa4 for amps

Got ya. Seems like you got the gear to bring out detail, so pads swapping is my suggestion.

 

[tjdub]

I'm going to try the eikon suedes next before I pass them on

 

[Nostoi]

I'm going to try the eikon suedes next before I pass them on

I would try BE2 if possible. I prefer a "brighter" tuning, and they even things out.

 

[tjdub]

I did, the mids sounded awful to me

 

[zach915m]

What's the difference BE2 leather (which is my go-to pad) and the BE2 hybrid solid in terms of tonality?

The hybrid/suede will flatten the response further giving the impression of faster transients while also have a room damping effect that flatten peaks slightly.

I'm going to try the eikon suedes next before I pass them on

The Eikon has an even smaller ear side cavity than the auteur - you likely would not like them as much as the BE2 based on your preference for a sound that more linear in the upper mids and with a brighter sound. The BE2 will do that by expanding the ear-side cavity and bringing the driver closer to the ear, which will open up the sound, make it, more linear, and keep dynamics in line.

I would try BE2 if possible. I prefer a "brighter" tuning, and they even things out.

Agreed!

 

[Tubewin]

My VC is made from Ambrosia Maple, however the amp and DAC I am using have a bigger impact on the sound, than the type of wood.

Of course, I'm inclined to agree . But Ambrosia Maple has a Janka rating of 950 (according to the Wood Database), very similar to Monkeypod. There seems to be a correlation between higher density and pads that diffuse more of the energy (like suede). While people pair lower density wood and pads that retain more of that energy.

 

[zach915m]

I did, the mids sounded awful to me

I stand corrected! Maybe you will like Eikon Suede better.

 

[Nostoi]

I did, the mids sounded awful to me

That's odd. To clarify, are you someone who prefers your mids forward or linear?

 

[dougq]

I think the thing is everyone's ears are different. The recommendations are some starting points based on a general consensus. I literally never hear anyone suggest the Suede Auteur pads but for my head, ears, and setup they sound exactly to my preference but I am not sure that they exactly align based on the chart provided by ZMF. It is a great benefit that we can have these options to modify the tuning to our preferences though.