[Pelilin]

My first ZMF was the Auteur Classic. Loved it, but knew the VO and the AtriumO were considered "flagships" so I had to hear them. Bought the VO next, and frankly, did not like it at first. Then, after prolonged burn-in and a DAC change, I realized it was system synergy and the extra burn-in that was needed. Fell in love with the VO.

Still wanted to hear the AO, because most descriptions of its sound made me think I would like it, and I knew it was @jinxy245's favorite (and I trust his ears). Bought a used Atrium from head-fier @Superunknown2 , and still have not listened to them a lot (because they are technically a Christmas gift from my wife, and hey it's only 12/5). But, from what I have heard so far, they seem like a great complement to the VO. AO is more reverberant (if that's a word) and spacious. VO is more solid and meaty sounding.

Depending on mood and genre, I can see myself reaching for either one on a given day. May sell the Auteur Classic, but it's too soon to say.

I have the same experience as you. After burn in it sound more musical to my ear also more meaty smooth detailed snappy fast with deep soundstage. This is my first expensive HP cant talk much about it but my experience is quiet pleasant with VO after listening for a while. But the sound is really niche somehow the tuning is unusual or it is quiet colored. I dont know is this just the tuning or berylium driver character.

 

[andrewchoppa]

Actually, your Sparkos Aries is an amp that is recommended with this headphone. Personally, I just ordered a Cayin iHA-6 SS amp as that's another that's recommended. Not quite ready to make the leap to tubes yet as I have other headphones I enjoy listening to that won't do amazing with tubes at this point in time. If you are looking into tubes though, I hear the Feliks Audio Echo is pretty good, and if you've got more cash to burn, the Feliks Audio Euforia seems to be close to end game tier.

Thanks for that - I wasn't aware of great synergy btn VO and Sparkos. I had a 2nd hand Cayin IHA-6 and absolutely loved it!!!! Only sold it to make way for a handmade tube amp from Eufonika (Poland). Yes i know about Feliks. I also have a really great hand built tube amp from McChanson in Oz.

 

[Karnicopia]

Didn't realize that they had Verite pads for the B stock so I picked up a pair as a backup just in case these do go away as they are my favorites. I also picked up a set of the ultra perf Verite pads so I'm excited to try those out I never saw those before but I am a big fan of the Verite pads so hopefully these work well for me.

Also really like convince me audio's reviews in general but his VO review is great. I like that he spends a good amount of time getting to know the HP before he reviews it and this comes through when you hear him talk about the different pad options.

 

[Leto Dal]

I read quite a few times its "a baby AC" at this point. Really curious how it compares to it.

 

[sp33ls]

I read quite a few times its "a baby AC" at this point. Really curious how it compares to it.

Agreed, even tho I don’t have an immediate need for one, I’m looking forward to all of the reviews. It seems awesome.

I think Leto believes this is the Bokeh thread..? > : )

 

[Leto Dal]

Agreed, even tho I don’t have an immediate need for one, I’m looking forward to all of the reviews. It seems awesome.

I think Leto believes this is the Bokeh thread..? > : )

Yeah same, sounds very promising, tempted to get it without any reviews for my wife especially with that discount, but guess enough purchases this ZMF November hahaa

Leto is somewhat stupid and had a very long day, crawls back into Bokeh thread

 

[gammi]

Anyone know how to remove the grill on a verite open? I searched and didn't see anything.
I'd like to remove my grill, polish it, and then put it back. Thanks.

 

[jinxy245]

I'm pretty sure that's not something that can nor should be done, it's kind of an integral part of the cup unless I'm mistaken.

@zach915m would be the person to ask.

 

[zach915m]

Anyone know how to remove the grill on a verite open? I searched and didn't see anything.
I'd like to remove my grill, polish it, and then put it back. Thanks.

Oh - yeah it's permanent and there's no good way to take it in and out. It's really really in there. If something needs to be repaired, send us an email : support@zmfheadphones.com

 

[LXMc]

Anyone know how to remove the grill on a verite open? I searched and didn't see anything.
I'd like to remove my grill, polish it, and then put it back. Thanks.

To add to Zach's - I also would avoid trying to poke anything between the grill in an attempt to clean it... learned that one the hard way

 

[gammi]

Oh - yeah it's permanent and there's no good way to take it in and out. It's really really in there. If something needs to be repaired, send us an email : support@zmfheadphones.com

Damn, I just really wanted to polish it to let the copper shine vs the "aged" copper look it has now.

 

[zach915m]

Damn, I just really wanted to polish it to let the copper shine vs the "aged" copper look it has now.

I mean, do at your own risk but - you could get a dremel and polishing wheel and use some metal polish and go to town, I would advise to mask off the grille though. The big problem is the backing cloth will likely get smackled by the sauce and changing out that fabric is not really an easy DIY thing either.

 

[mjstealey]

I mean, do at your own risk but - you could get a dremel and polishing wheel and use some metal polish and go to town, I would advise to mask off the grille though. The big problem is the backing cloth will likely get smackled by the sauce and changing out that fabric is not really an easy DIY thing either.

smackled by the sauce <-- New favorite phrase of the day! now to find a way to work it into a conversation ...

 

[zach915m]

smackled by the sauce <-- New favorite phrase of the day! now to find a way to work it into a conversation ...

This is how chat gpt told me how it could be used given that it's not an actual word:
While "smackled" doesn't appear to be a recognized word in the English language, if we were to consider it as a hypothetical term, its meaning would largely depend on the context in which it is used. Without a specific definition, we could speculate based on the sound of the word. For example, one might imagine that "smackled" could potentially mean something messy, disorganized, or haphazard, but this is purely speculative. If "smackled" has a specific meaning in a certain context or community, it would be important to rely on that context for interpretation.

• 
  Casual Conversation:
  • "I was running late, and my outfit was all smackled together – mismatched socks and a backwards cap."
• Formal Writing:
  • "The project presentation appeared to be smackled with inconsistencies, requiring a thorough review before submission."
• Playful Expression:
  • "After the unexpected rain, we found ourselves smackled in mud, laughing and enjoying the unplanned adventure."

 

[gammi]

I mean, do at your own risk but - you could get a dremel and polishing wheel and use some metal polish and go to town, I would advise to mask off the grille though. The big problem is the backing cloth will likely get smackled by the sauce and changing out that fabric is not really an easy DIY thing either.

Yeah, that driver cloth getting smackled was my main concern, no good way to avoid that except maybe using an exceptionally small amount of sauce on the sauce spinner wheel

Actually maybe some very fine sandpaper would work hmmm