ZMF Aeolus Impression and Measurements

Discussion in 'Headphone Measurements' started by Hands, Oct 28, 2018.

  1. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    ZMF Aeolus, aka open Atticus, aka Areolus, aka Nips. Zach sent me a finalized pair for review. He will either be sending Marv a pair soon or have me ship this unit his way.

    If you wish Sony could make an MDR-Z1R with some actual thought and refinement put into it, get an Aeolus. If you like to EQ up the bass on your HD650, get an Aeolus. If you want a more refined sounding Fostex TH-X00 or wish you could capture the sound of the Creative Aurvana Live in Big-Boy Version, get the Aeolus.

    Your new savior is Zach, "the finest manufacture of Japanese headphones." (credit to @purr1n)

    Besides, aren't nipples a gift, after all?

    Sound

    The Aeolus is a lush (read: warm, bassy), very dynamic, and engaging sounding headphone and not at all ashamed of its nature. It's not exactly basshead-level, but it sits in between the HD650 and typical basshead. (Talking stock HD650, here.)

    Going back and forth between it and the HD650 makes the HD650 sound decisively midrange-focused, grey, veiled, and boring.

    Of course, there's no doubt the Aeolus is the more colored headphone, given its additional bass and slightly more "flavorful" treble presentation. The midrange and treble isn't as smooth, coherent, and balanced as the HD650, but it's pretty similar. It just has more flair to it.

    With all the extra bass presence on the Aeolus, I find the quality to be perhaps roughly on par with that of the HD650's. In some regards, it sounds a little faster, tighter, and better controlled, but it still has that somewhat loose and bloomy quality to it. As a whole, I guess it's a little better in some ways, but no worse in other ways. I do find it easier to track the low-end on the Aeolus and find it more authoritative overall. Still, that could just be because there is more of it and not so much that it is of better quality. If nothing else, you do get real bass extension here.

    The upper-mids through treble are more similar to that of the HD650, but there is something in the the upper-mids or lower-treble that sounds very slightly nasally or hashy. This is subtle, and I never had any issues with it myself, but it is there nonetheless. It's just a little more noticeable than the HD650's 5KHz love bump. In most music, you might just hear a bit of extra presence or definition. Other times, you might get a hint of things not sounding quite as coherent or normal as on the HD650. It never really bothered me. Listen to the crowd clapping at the start of the live "Hotel California" on both headphones, and you'll hear what I mean.

    The Aeolus sounds wider than the HD650, but it is also more forward and aggressive overall in its presentation. I think it handles layering a bit better despite being more forward.

    Resolution is about on par between the Aeolus and HD650, which is to say excellent. The Aeolus sounds clearer and less grey at first, but when you really dissect your music, you find they perform about on par with the smallest details and nuances. And as fun as the Aeolus can sound, it never really compresses stuff up or down. It handles the macro and micro stuff as expected.

    When comparing the two, the HD650 is like a well-calibrated LCD TV with lacking contrast ratio due to grey blacks. The Aeolus is like an OLED TV with some of the naughty, incorrect picture options turned on that the average consumer seems to enjoy so much for reasons I can't understand (or do I understand, given I like the Aeolus?).

    Anyway, Aeolus = better contrast ratio, punchier, but technically not as accurate. It just pops more. It sounds faster, clearer, less veiled, less grey, and overall more dynamic, even if it's not as truthful in reality.

    So, at the end of the day, you end up with a very tasteful, fun headphone, sort of an HD650/Z1R hybrid that retains the technical chops of the Sennheiser.

    I really liked the Aeolus at RMAF, and I really like it here at home. It's not going to replace my HD650, but it's just a joy to listen to if you don't mind some warmth and color. It's a headphone I actually want to keep around to complement the HD650. It strikes that blend of fun/musical and balanced almost perfectly and has the technical skills to boot.

    Note: I recommend letting the pads warm up while listening for about 10-15 minutes before critical listening. The leather and memory foam nature of the pads seems to necessitate that. It might help smooth out the sound a bit. It does help with channel inconsistencies caused by cold pads. The ZMF stuff is picky about fit, placement, and seal. Adjust headband shape as needed.

    Disclaimer: Zach did offer to let me keep either an Auteur or Aeolus as thanks for help I've offered over the years, and I'll probably take him up on an Aeolus.


    Measurements

    Frequency response results, left channel, against the HD6XX, show about a consistent 1-2dB increase over the HD6X0's response until about 80-90Hz. From there on, the Aeolus sustains more extension with a more gradual roll-off. It sounds thicker throughout the midrange and has noticeably more bass (quantity and extension). However, the bass emphasis isn't as concentrated as it is on the HD650, so it all blends together better.

    The response above 1KHz is roughly similar, though you can see the Aeolus is a little less smooth and, most notably, has a couple small hot spots around 6-7KHz.

    ZMF Aeolus vs HD6XX Frequency Response.png


    Distortion results are pretty good above 100Hz. A bit of a spike around 3.5KHz, but below 1%. D2 seems similar to that of the HD650 but starts creeping up around 80Hz rather than ~100Hz on HD650. They both cross the 1% mark around the same spot. Interestingly, I am seeing more D3 on the Aeolus than HD650. I will double check these results in the next few days for consistency. Harder to get a consistent readout with these types of pads. Background noise can also be a factor.

    ZMF Aeolus vs Distortion Left.png


    CSDs look fairly good, though not quite as clean as the HD650's. It looks like the semi-open cup nature may be causing more resonance between 1-5Khz, though it's fairly minimal here. The small 4.5KHz dip on the measurements seems to be a hidden peak or standing wave of sorts. Nothing too alarming, but could be better. (Note that CSDs only look at one measurement take. FR results take a few averages.)

    ZMF Aeolus Left CSD.PNG

    Results with a -45dB floor. Really just an extension of what we see above. I do think there might be the slightest ringing in listening, but, again, any issues I noted were so subtle as to not have bothered me while listening. Only slight noticeable. I would not be too concerned by this.

    ZMF Aeolus Left CSD -45dB.PNG
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2018
  2. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    Zach did also send a Verite and Auteur for comparison. However, I'm going to hold off on saying much about either for now because of the following:

    1. Verite may need a couple more tweaks for tone. But the driver itself sounds very tight and controlled.

    2. Auteurs at RMAF, and the pair I got sent recently, sound a lot different than what I heard many months ago. Much more neutral on the low end and brighter up top. I'm not sure if it's the wood, different pads, running tweaks, etc. I need to explore this with Zach.
     
  3. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    One of the things I love about the Atticus is the ludicrous amounts of slam. How does nipples do here?
     
  4. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    It's been a while since I've heard the Atticus, but my memory tells me the Aeolus hits at least as hard, if not more so. It's a very lively sounding headphone overall, but, given the sizable bass boost, is not for everyone.

    If you actually cover up the grill with your hands, you can feel the suction and pressure on your hand as music plays. It seems to be moving a ton of air.
     
  5. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Ah, excellent.

    I've found the Atticus to be basically my ideal its-noisy-round-the-house closed with the Ori Suede pads, so I guess I'll pick up a nips as soon as zach makes a Ltd wood edition.

    Swapping pads is just too much effort and I'm sure to tear something eventually.

    Hm, I guess I'll shoot him an email asking if he is going to make Ltd aeolus runs.
     
  6. Don Miller

    Don Miller Banned from FS; never sell me anything

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Sep 10, 2016
    Likes Received:
    146
    Trophy Points:
    33
    Location:
    Portland, Oregon
    http://www.zmfheadphones.com/zmf-originals/aeolus-ltd
    About 30 units Zach says on headfotm-fi
    He relates it was difficult to source Zircote, so this will be a small run, special indeed.
    Im interested in this as well as the verite ltd, tough part is which order to process first..
    Gorgeous cans!
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2018
  7. zach915m

    zach915m MOT: ZMF Headphones

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2015
    Likes Received:
    2,517
    Trophy Points:
    93
    @cskippy sent me some measurements, which I'm sure at some point he will share here of the Verite pads on the aeolus. They seem to work great to really "neutralize" the FR a bit. It's still not "neutral" per say - but pretty close, or as close as I'd want to get.

    I was able to repeat the measurements here, and it makes sense since the Verite pads were developed to keep the same ear side air volume but bring the ear closer to the driver from the universe pads. So we will offer the Verite pads as an option or add-on with the aeolus.

    I still prefer the warmth/down slope of the universe pads but the Verite pads sound great as well.

    Kudos to @cskippy for pointing my attention to that!
     
  8. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Oh huh, there was no aeolus Ltd when I checked a few days ago. I even just sent a dumb email.

    Oh well, anyway that nips Ltd looks gorgeous. Damn you zach, why do you hate my wallet.

    Also, its great to know there's a pad option to make nips quote-neutral-unquote like the suede on Atticus.

    I like suede Atticus more than I like eikon. But on nips I'll go full-fat warmpoo.

    Edit: I see what you mean about the possible ringing in the CSD but that taking the wood resonance and running with it is very Atticus, me gusta.
     
  9. Sherm

    Sherm Acquaintance

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2016
    Likes Received:
    78
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Indiana
    @Hands, any word on how Aeolus does with rock/metal? Everything you've said relative to HD650 makes me very interested in Aeolus, and rock/metal is pretty much 90% of what I listen to.
     
  10. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    I'm going to test the Aeolus with flat pads to see how that works.

    If you like the HD650 for metal, the Aeolus will do well in the upper-mids through treble. It's a little more aggressive sounding vs. the slightly veiled/strained HD650 (stock). But whether you'll like the additional bass, with the stock, thick pads, on the Aelous is totally preferential.
     
  11. Sherm

    Sherm Acquaintance

    Contributor
    Joined:
    Dec 3, 2016
    Likes Received:
    78
    Trophy Points:
    18
    Location:
    Indiana
    Thanks, I appreciate that! Going from stock to modded (rear foam/spider removal and mass loading) with the HD650 pushed things in a direction I very much preferred and I'm already a little bit of a bass-head, so Aeolus really sounds like it is right up my alley.
     
  12. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    [​IMG]

    Unlike Verite, Aeolus doesn't even try to be neutral. It's unapologetically musical and provides a strong emotional connection to the music. To me, Aeolus is like a refined Atticus.

    Although the midrange takes a back seat to the bass and to a lesser extent the treble, it's timbre is still reasonably accurate with a smooth and even response. I enjoyed these more than the Verite rev 1 tuning and could see them as a better complement to a brighter headphone such as Elex or HD800.

    Treble has enough character to add some excitement and keep things from becoming dull. My only nitpicks, and they are small, are the closed and small sound stage. It creates a more intimate presentation which is like a private performance just for you. Some might find it too congested coming from HD800. This smaller sound stage has the benefit of creating well layered depth which projects the audio far out in front of you.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    One fun little pad switch I tried on Aeolus was with ZMF Verite pads. This had a slightly laid back but more open sound and can be considered more neutral. Definitely something to try if you get an Aeolus. The sound is very nice and smooth, reigning in the bass and the little treble peak tuning very similar to a PMx2 v1. I dig it!

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Nov 19, 2018
  13. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    Ooh, I'm going to have to try the Verite pads now. :p

    Thanks

    Does the lack of angle affect staging/imaging?
     
  14. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

    Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2015
    Likes Received:
    3,999
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Tempe, Arizona
    They're not speakers.

    I didn't really listen for that, sorry!
     
  15. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Jan 10, 2017
    Likes Received:
    8,973
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Denver CO
    Home Page:
    I'll find out anyway.
     
  16. brencho

    brencho Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2015
    Likes Received:
    7,978
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    LA
    Dunno man, i cant conflate massive downward slope as something that is unapologetically musical with an emotional connection to the music. That's what the music (and possibly the drugs) are for. They are unapologetically colored though, but those other pads look interesting.

    Any of these zmf cans regardless the model would complement a reference type tuning like hd800 etc etc insert more neutral or less dark thing here.
     
  17. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2017
    Likes Received:
    3,026
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Rapallo, Italy
    Iunno I consider the 800 colored, that much treble, that little bass, the artificial stage ... strokes and that I guess.

    Tbf I've never heard a headphone i wouldn't consider coloured in some way, there's always some peak or trough in the treble that changes things somehow or another.
     
  18. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

    Staff Member Pyrate MZR
    Joined:
    Sep 27, 2015
    Likes Received:
    12,285
    Trophy Points:
    113
    Location:
    Colorado
    Home Page:
    I don't think Zach would condone regular users doing the following, but if you open the headphones, remove all the material plugging up the ports on the driver baffle (mine had them taped up inside), and use the flat pads, the overall sound signature becomes quite neutral overall. Still dynamic, great extension, and balanced sounding.

    I really enjoy these with their bassier out-of-the-box sound, but the above config sounds awesome.

    I'm also not sure if every Aeolus will have ports in the baffle. Zach might engineer that out given his tuning preference on these. Not sure!
     
  19. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2015
    Likes Received:
    1,474
    Trophy Points:
    93
    I recently got a HD800 again, and love using that with 90% of my music. However, the Aeolus has it bested in rock and metal. Every note is given weight to it, and, imo, it's faster than the Atticus and has better separation and imagery.

    I might need to ask Zach about sending me some Verite pads for the review...mmmmm...

    Dont worry Zach, I'm not going to open up the cups or anything.




    Another thing I should note: Vali 2 does really well with the Aeolus.
     
  20. zach915m

    zach915m MOT: ZMF Headphones

    Pyrate
    Joined:
    Oct 5, 2015
    Likes Received:
    2,517
    Trophy Points:
    93
    On the pre-pro version we had to tape over some of the ports as we had to use auteur baffles for them (which have more ports in the baffle). The actual aeolus baffle is the same as the auteur baffle, but with less ports, so instead of drilling a bunch of holes in the baffle I'd recommend using the Verite pads which let more air through.
     

Share This Page