[HeavyCn]

I did not see a post, so I went ahead and created one.

The ZMF x JDS Labs Homage Amp is a collaborative effort between two of the most respected names in the audio industry. It combines ZMF's expertise in headphone design with JDS Labs' expertise in amplifier design to create a solid state amp that is truly exceptional.

The amp has a sleek and modern design, that marries the aesthetics of both companies with an anodized aluminum chassis, and a wood front and back panel. The amp includes a beautiful VU meter right in the center. This amp has a universal power supply which means this amp can be used in any country without issue. It has a variety of inputs and outputs, including balanced XLR and 4.4mm headphone outputs, and XLR and RCA inputs. The amp also has a gain switch (low, medium, and high), and an impedance selector (47ohm and 1ohm), which allows you to match the amp's output to your headphones making this amp very versatile.

The ZMF x JDS Labs Homage is powered by a Class A/B amplifier (2W per channel). The amp is very dynamic with excellent bass control, great detail and weight, with a presentation that is very resolving and effortless. No matter what headphones of mine I used on this amp it made them sound fantastic. IEMs also worked great on this amp and throughout listening the only time I ever heard any kind of noise was putting it on high gain and turning the volume knob with nothing playing to about 90%.

The secret sauce that sets the ZMF x JDS Labs Homage apart from other amps is its soundstage. The amp creates a wide and 3D/holographic soundstage that puts other amps to shame. When going back and forth with other amps, like the Cayin IHA-6, Schiit Mjolnir, and Ferrum Erco, you could really tell the difference. It definitely made other amps feel like they had a flat/2D sound compared to the 3D/holographic nature of the ZMF x JDS amp. That's why it has become my go to amp!

Overall, the ZMF x JDS Labs Homage is an outstanding solid state amp. It offers excellent sound quality, build quality, features, and it is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality amp to drive their headphones or IEMs. Whether you are looking for that one amp that will work with everything or something to compliment your tube amps, definitely give the Homage a listen!

 

[George Hincapie]

What is the wood? It looks like MDF.

 

[Orfik]

Where can you buy it? I can't find anything on Google except your post about it.

 

[eTHE2]

What is the wood? It looks like MDF.

These pics look like prototypes. Various prototypes have been seen at recent CanJams. I believe you saw (and listened) to one this past summer?

 

[Insidious Meme]

It's on the ZMF website.

https://shop.zmfheadphones.com/collections/amps-dacs/products/homage

Edit: and there's a video:

 

[George Hincapie]

These pics look like prototypes. Various prototypes have been seen at recent CanJams. I believe you saw (and listened) to one this past summer?

Yes, it had a lighter coloured wood, almost honey like. Maple?

 

[Huntersknoll]

I have a feeling by the end of this weekend I'll have mine on order. Must resist until next year... but $200 in savings. It is the smart thing to do.

 

[eTHE2]

Yes, it had a lighter coloured wood, almost honey like. Maple?

That does seem to be one of production finishes. Unsure how long ago the pics above were taken.

 

[George Hincapie]

That does seem to be one of production finishes. Unsure how long ago the pics above were taken.

Interestingly, in the ZMF Homage video I've just watched, Zach said there will be resin stabilized front and rear plates

 

[eTHE2]

Interestingly, in the ZMF Homage video I've just watched, Zach said there will be resin stabilized front and rear plates

Yes...saw that also. That seems to be natural course of product introduction. Its all good. Assume it will be a year + before we see those. In the meantime, enjoy whats available now, formulate opinions and decide when they are available if it warrants the investment.

 

[NovaFlyer]

I've had the opportunity to listen to the prototypes and final production model and I quite liked it with the Atrium Closed, Atrium and Verite Open. I did order one today as part of ZMF November, along with a resin stabilized Atrium Closed.

 

[ckhirnigs113]

@HeavyCn Did you compare the Homage against the Mjolnir 3? You didn’t mention which Mjolnir, so I wanted to see if perhaps it was one of the older versions. I own the iHA-6 and Mjolnir 3, so it definitively peaked my interest when you compared the new Homage to those amps (if it was indeed the MJ3 you were referring to).

 

[G8torbyte]

Ordered the Homage yesterday. After it arrives I'll follow-up with some impressions on how it pairs with my DACs and compare it to a Vio V222.
Not sure if I was able to get one of the pre-built ones since it was showing less than 8 left when I put it through. I like the vintage console style and I'm thinking it'll sound nice with the Caldera and other planars I own.

 

[dbull12]

The amp creates a wide and 3D/holographic soundstage that puts other amps to shame. When going back and forth with other amps, like the Cayin IHA-6, Schiit Mjolnir, and Ferrum Erco, you could really tell the difference. It definitely made other amps feel like they had a flat/2D sound compared to the 3D/holographic nature of the ZMF x JDS amp. That's why it has become my go to amp!

It's posts and products like these that cause my upgraditis to relapse I'm super happy with my new iHA-6 and I decided on it over the homage to save money, not to mention not having to buy a bunch of balanced cables, but if ZMF ever releases something similar to the footprint of the Homage that also has a nice built-in DAC my wallet could be in trouble! Look forward to seeing more impressions of the Homage nonetheless

 

[shafat777]

Any difference on SQ between the XLR and RCA inputs? I only have rca outputs available on my YGGY due to my Bliss occupying the xlrs, so thats gonna be a deciding factor for me.