ZMF Auteur - An open back ZMF

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by PacoTaco, Sep 18, 2017.

  1. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    These pads really dig deeper into the mix so it is like you are hearing more. It's cliched but I'm hearing things I haven't heard before. Harmonic structures are also much better realized... leading to more PRAT and a greater desire to finish every song. I always skip "Jesse's Girl" on the Boogie Nights soundtrack but not today. And I never play air guitar but I'm doing it. Kind of a revelation.
     
  2. lagadu

    lagadu Facebook Friend

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    If you're still interested, I just ordered a set of Auteurs so I should be able to give you impressions with the mjolnir 2 sometime later this month.
     
  3. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Auteur Lamb 4 Lyfe.
     
  4. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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  5. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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  6. Jinxy245

    Jinxy245 Vegan Puss

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  7. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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  8. penguins

    penguins Friend, formerly known as fp627

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    Received Auteur in Bocote a few days ago. As expected, perf lambskin Auteur and perf lambskin Eikon pads. Also ordered extra perf lambskin Universe pads per Zach's recommendation.

    See my brief initial impressions/comparisons here first from my first "serious" ZMF experience (and scroll down a few posts too):
    https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/zmf-new-headphones-vérité-and-aeolus.6893/page-18#post-246710

    Since I haven't had Auteurs that long yet, I'm withholding general impressions for now. However, I have found that gear synergy doesn't really change much for me at 30 minutes or 30 days and I don't see much here on that yet so here we go:

    Pads:
    Have only used Auteur pads so far. More thoughts will come with other pads.

    Wood:
    Zach mentioned Bocote would sound similar to Blackwood but not quite as hard of a transient edge. Having heard a few different blackwood Auteur and Aeolus, I agree. To clarify, many of the above complaints in link a lot or go away with different chain and Bocote wood. In other words, yet another person confirming that yes, the wood does make a difference and no, it's not just a "cash grab" move by ZMF. Whether or not the different wood is worth the extra $200-300 to you or right for you sound-wise is a different story though.

    DACS: TLDR - I'm not surprised Zach demoed on Yggdrasil and Metrum stuff at Canjam Socal.
    - Pairs well with Yggdrasil but I'm still not sure I like how in your face and up front the Yggdrasil is with Auteur all time (it works on many other headphones IMO). I know many here use Yggdrasil, ZMF, and whatever amp, but for me it's more like I can only do this 50% of the time. Otherwise, all of the strengths of the Yggdrasil (well documented here so I'll skip this part) work with the technicalities (also well documented here already) of the Autuer. I feel like Auteur, not Yggdrasil, is the limiting link in the chain... and the Auteur has a high enough limit compared to many others already.
    - Does not pair well with my 1421 regardless of which amp I use - everything sounds ever so slightly off. Complaints are the same as ones in link above.
    - OK with SDAC. Obviously the DAC is a limiting factor here. But few sins of omission or commission as many would say.
    - After listening to several other DACs including Metrum ones (with various headphones, not just Auteur), I think the next DAC step for me is to get or try a Pavane. If if not a Pavane, then maybe a Jade or Onyx. To clarify, no plan to ditch other DACs.

    Amps:
    - Didn't get to try with my BH Crack w/ SB + upgrades as it's with a new owner now, but based on what I felt about the sound, I don't think it would be right with Auteur as they go in different directions IMO. I think if I got an Aeolus (which I've heard a handful of times with different woods) and had more space, I'd build another BH Crack just for the Aeolus. This is only a guess though.
    - As expected, enjoyable and almost no faults with LP but no one aspect that is particularly mind blowing. I feel like that is the nature of the LP with many headphones though. If there was a complaint, it would probably be b/c someone didn't like Cavalli house sound as a whole.
    - Also as expected, I don't normally use my arcam rhead for anything other than IEM and after trying Auteur on it briefly, yep, still the same. For context though, I don't think I'd enjoy Auteur that much with similar amps like the THX 789 either though.
    - Actually pretty nice with ZDT Jr. Probably my favorite headphone out of all of my headphones for ZDT Jr.

    Other Headphones:
    - Agree with others, yes, Auteur is pretty much a super HD600. I wanted a HD600 (again) before this, not anymore.
    - A great compliment to HD800/s (modded) IMO. Very different strengths but both very competent in their own right.
    - OK compliment to LCD3 and Ether Flow 1.1 Open - about half of the same strengths and weaknesses. Not as complimentary of each other as HD800.
    - While many say Focal Clears sound like evolved HD650, I only partially agree. Either way, they sound more clinical to me and "feel" like an HD800 with flaws reduced to me + Focal sound. With Auteur, I'm debating if I should swap Clears for HD800 since 1) Auteur is more opposite of HD800 than opposite of Focal Clear and there is no equivalent complimentary headphone I can think of for Clears 2) Mods can reduce some flaws of HD800/s.
    - Enough data on HD650/6xx after 15+ years and "only" ~$220 = I'm omitting comments.
     
  9. ColtMrFire

    ColtMrFire Writes better fan fics than you

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    Part of the club now. Gungnir Multibit incoming soon!
     
  10. Partytime

    Partytime Facebook Friend

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    OK - so a while back I was asking about Liquid Platinum and Mjolnir 2 pairing with Auteur. Since then I have received my Auteur Blackwoods and a Mjolnir 2. I have never really written much in the way of impressions, but I will take a shot at it.

    First impressions on the Autuers, they are HEAVY in Blackwood. I have some heavy headphones (LCD 2), but these are HEAVY. That said, they are truly the most beautiful headphones I have ever personally seen or owned. Just stunning.

    When I first hooked them up to Mjolnir (tried w/ Phillips Miniwatts, Gold Lions, Amperex PQs) I was having a really hard time getting into the sound. Primarily I think I hyped myself up too much, reading posts here and reading reviews etc. My main problem was that I found the setup fatiguing after 30 minutes, that, combined with the weight was really bumming me out. For my tastes, on the Mjolnir (balanced), they were a little edgy, which I think is from 6k peak, that it seems accepted these have. I played around with DACs and found this to be the case on all of them. I think there are a lot of people who like this sound, and frankly I think its exactly what I should have expected in a "super hd600" which is a characterization I definitely agree with.

    So all of that said, I was kind of bummed out, I blew a big wad on both the cans and the amp to not have them be my favorite thing ever.

    --BUT--

    Then I started mixing my equipment up more. First, I tried my LCD 2's on the Mjolnir and immediately fell in love. That is a great combo (my favorite tubes were the Miniwatts). So, that made me feel warm and fuzzy about my Mjolnir purchase (yay).

    Previously, I was using a Woo WA2 as a pre-amp in my two channel system, that ended up getting replaced and I moved the Woo into my main headphone listening setup. Now, pairing the Auteur with Woo hadn't really occurred to me bc I thought the ZMFs were a low impedance headphone (generally not a good pairing with OTL amps like the WA2). Well I was looking up something about the Auteurs and realized they are, in fact, 300ohm. Huzzah! I plugged them into WA2. WOW! Now I am in love with these headphones. It took some tube rolling to get it just right. I settled on Bendix 6080's. Brimar EZ81s and Amperex PQ 6922s. Gameover. All of the wonderful technicalities and tone that I have been reading about and love with these cans except the edge that was bugging me before is gone.

    TL/DR - Personally I was not crazy about Auteur with Mjonir, but I think a lot of people would like it. Too forward and little edgy for me. They are just phenomenal with WA2, and probably most OTL amps. Fixed the forwardness and edginess.

    Im very relieved that I made myself happy with both the mjolnir and Auteur. Great products both.

    Hopefully that ramble will be helpful to someone...

    -Nick
     
  11. Partytime

    Partytime Facebook Friend

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    Pics or it didn't happen

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  12. lcmusiclover

    lcmusiclover Friend

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    I wonder if you tried both pads? The Auteur pads tend to exacerbate what you are not enjoying about your Auteur. The Eikon pads take things down a bit -- a little warmer, a little less fatiguing, some effect on the headstage...

    Personally, I'm one of those folks who loves the Auteur sound, and I haven't spent 30 minutes listening to them via my Eikon pads -- all my listening is with the Auteur pads.

    I also wonder what cable you're using with your Auteur. I like my Silver Dragon with Auteur for that energetic sound, but also really enjoy a bit mellower 'groove' when I switch to my Lazuli Reference cable.

    Glad you're getting the sound you want from your Woo. I must say you have really got me wondering about MJ2 vs LP. Some folks say LP is 'somewhat warm' which I've not heard said about MJ2. I would agree that LP sounds a bit warm with my Siemens CCa or Amperex PQ tubes compared to my SS amps (V280 & BHA-1, both now sold).

    Bottom line for me is that Auteur is a chameleon as far as changing with upstream gear. Not so much 'revealing' (as folks say about Utopia) but rather just different character when driven by different upstream gear.
     
  13. Partytime

    Partytime Facebook Friend

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    The pads! I forgot! It was a no go off the bat with the Auteur pads. All of the notes above with the Eikon pads.

    I am just using stock cables. No interest in starting a debate, but personally im not a huge cable believer. I think that once you hit a decent level (like stock ZMF cables) they're all pretty much the same. I have bought some expensive cables in the past and went down that rabbit hole and never found much benefit. I know those can be fightin' words. Just my experience/opinion.

    Totally agree with you about them a chameleon. They are very revealing of the rest of the stream. While trying to dial them in on the MJ2 I could immediately hear the difference in every dac, tube etc I tried.

    I think the forwardness/edginess I was hearing was more a product of the MJ2 than Auteur. The ZMFs definitely have a bit of that, but the Schiit was definitely amplifying (great pun, I know) that. I find MJ2 a bit forward with the LCD2s as well, but in that case, to me, it very much compliments the nature of the Audezes.

    If I could go back and make the LP/MJ2 decision over again I would maybe have gone for the LP, at least based on what Ive read.

    At the end of the day it just proved to me for the n'th time that I should listen to stuff before I spend tons of money on it.
     
  14. abisai2

    abisai2 Friend

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    So I have officially joined the family. I got what I consider a sweet deal from our friends at The Source AV over the weekend. I'll be brief with my current observations as I am still learning how to listen and then use terminology properly to describe what I am listening to.

    First things first. This is what my current audio chain looks like.

    Roon (Dedicated Core) > Allo Digione > Gungir Multibit A2 (BNC) > Ampsandsound Kenzie Encore (builtin input transformers) / Cavalli Liquid Platinum (Balanced/Stock tubes)

    Initial listening was with the Eikon pads as that is how I received them. Using the Liquid Platinum the sound from the Eikon pads is somewhat mid bass / bass centric. Treble seems pretty relaxed but, there is nice amount of air and detail to be had. Frequency distribution from mids to highs is really smooth as well. Overall tone is fairly neutral.

    Using the Eikon pads with the Kenzie Encore changes things a bit. For those who are not aware, the Kenzie has a warm sound signature. The tone of the Gungir Multibit A2 balances the warmth of the Kenzie Encore towards neutral. There is still warmth but, its not as thick. I find it tasteful and enjoyable. The Auteurs with the Eikon pads with my system however is just a bit too warm for me. Don't me wrong, I tend to gravitate towards a warmer sound signature but, not like this. It doesn't sound bad by any stretch but, its just not to my preference.

    Swap out the the Eikon pads for the Auteur pads and things change. On both the Liquid Platinum and Kenzie Encore bass seems better behaved with the Auteur Pads. It doesn't go super low but, it presents itself with nice detail and focus. Treble intensity does pick up. Overall spacing and air increases as well. I wouldn't call it a night and day difference but, the difference is there and easy to perceive.

    With the Liquid Platinum I knew right away that I would not be able to tolerate listening for extended periods of time. While the increased treble was nice with certain music I knew fatigue would become an issue. With the Kenzie Encore this system combination is really nice to listen to. The treble energy is much better behaved in this scenario and really evens things out on the highs. I spent hours listening to this combination.

    I still need to go back and do some serious listening and maybe take down some notes and what not for comparison. I'm happy I jumped at the opportunity to pick these up. These are an excellent sounding work of art.

    On a side note, I was in the process of selling my Black Widow 2. I briefly listened to a couple of songs with the Auteurs with the Auteur pads and I'm finding I might have to re-think selling the BW2. Initial impressions are outstanding. Now need to go back and listen some more before I make a final decision.

    [​IMG]
     
  15. lcmusiclover

    lcmusiclover Friend

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    Nice write-up, and welcome to the club!

    Very good looking set — what wood is that?

    As far as your pad swapping, I heard pretty much the same thing. I enjoy the brighter tonality (and airier headstage) of my Blackwood Auteur w/ Auteur pads, so I’ve been using them exclusively. However, I also agree that LP w/ stock tubes is a little ‘too much’ w/ Auteur & Gungnir Multibit A2.

    I really like Gungnir Multibit A2/LP/Siemens NOS E88CC/Auteur. Especially w/ Lazuli Reference. Siemens tubes make LP/Auteur a really good pairing. Got the pair for $93 shipped.

    All to my ears of course.
     
  16. abisai2

    abisai2 Friend

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    Those are the Teak Auteurs. Based on other impressions I've read, the Blackwood Autuers might just be about perfect for my listening tastes. Considering the deal I got for mine, no complaints and no regrets. These will be for me what I hoped the Focal Clear's to be. I just couldn't get past the metallic timbre.

    I do need to decide what I want to do with my amp situation. I really don't want to roll tubes. I want to find something that I enjoy that I can settle upon. I've heard good things about the Siemens E88CC. If I can find someone local that has a pair I can listen to it might help me decide which of my amps to keep.

    I do want to try the Suede pads on my Autuers. I think I might like those as well.
     
  17. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    As a fellow hater of tube rolling, I can relate (but strangely, I still love tube amps).

    Are you including the Kenzie in your question? I do think the Liquid Platinum needs some tube rolling since the stock tubes, while not terrible, aren't the best. Not sure about the Kenzie.

    While I have NOT heard the Kenzie, I personally was....how do I say....'disenchanted' with my Liquid Platinum after a meet. It led me to sell it. Since then I've heard cheaper amps than the Liquid Platinum which I enjoyed more (ZDT Jr comes to mind, and the Asgard 3 as well, although I need more time with the Asgard 3 to make sure I'm not just on a massive honeymoon phase).
     
  18. abisai2

    abisai2 Friend

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    @ChaChaRealSmooth, The Kenzie Encore is a keeper for me. It goes really well with my HD600 and KISS modded HD650 as well. The Kenzie rides along the lines of my listening preferences overall. If I could just remove a tiny bit of warmth it would be downright perfect for me but, I would be nitpicking. If it really mattered I would put a Loki back in the chain and call it a day.

    As for tubes I was referring mostly to the Liquid Platinum but, also applies to the Kenzie as well. It comes down to sourcing a set that I would enjoy from a reputable source. I do need to go through the Liquid Platinum thread again to see what tubes people are using. I get the impression based on feedback here and elsewhere that the Siemens NOS E88CC is a tube I would enjoy.
     
  19. tommytakis

    tommytakis MOT: E.T.A Headphones

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    ZMF Auteur Impressions
    IMG_3904.jpg

    I feel like I've said this so many times, but thank you 3000 to Zaddy Gearmaster/ friendliest friend @ChaChaRealSmooth for letting me borrow his Cocobolo Auteur. This is not by any means a cheap/throwaway item (or rather an expensive piece of wooden jewelry that makes sound) and I am grateful to have earned this level of trust with you. You and the other friends in this community have been nothing but amazing. Funny how connected I feel to a group of internet strangers :)

    <Introduction>
    I’ve been curious about the Auteur since I started participating in this forum. I’ve always thought the Auteur was the boring uneventful one of the lineup, but after spending some time with a familiar chain, I realized it’s the most natural sounding one of the line up and I may have misjudged it too quickly from auditioning long time ago from Source AV. Main components I care about in headphones are tonality, stage, dynamics, and involvement. I do care about detail to some extent, but not enough to only listen to reference tracks and stress over it.

    My Chain: Eitr > Gungnir Multibit A1 > ECP 3F/ Ravenswood > ZMF Auteur (AL pads)| Verite (UL pads)

    <General impressions>
    - Right from the getgo, Auteur has excellent Timbre and tonality. I don't even have to directly compare with the Verite to notice this. I think this is my favorite part of the Auteur. The tonal balance reminds me of Sennheiser HD6x0 without the bass roll off and treble sparkle and extension of CA Andromeda, but without the metallic BA timbre.
    - I love the vocal intimacy and slight forwardness of it, similar to 650/600. It’s a different headphone, yet there’s a sense of familiarity when you transition from the sennheisers. I listen to a lot of vocal oriented music so this is a big plus for me.
    - Again, due to the timbre, I really like how the bass sounds, must be the biocellulose driver. Excellent extension and it sounds so natural and sweet.
    - nice sense of air and treble extension. I know this is semi open, but the sense of air really helps it not sound like it.
    - Auteur doesn’t slam feed you music, just effortlessly presents it to you on a nice platter. I think pairing with an amp with a nice sense of dynamism and control is a must since macrodynamics seems to be its weak point, but makes up with microdynamics.
    -
    If you like the ZMF house sound and you've been looking for a Senny upgrade, the Auteur might just be up your alley.

    <Auteur + 3F>
    My view on amp pairing is quite limited, since I haven’t heard the Auteur through other amps, but with the 3F it just sings and keeps you from doing anything other than immersing yourself to music. Cool thing I noticed with the 3F in some songs, the vocals are projected right in front of you. Not as expansive as from TOTL tubez, but still impressive. I haven't "seen" this happen since owning the ZDS.

    'like what the actual fk lol I can't believe this is a solid state amp??!!' - said me, probably LOL

    frankly didn't see much stage increase with the JAR600 and thought I was hearing it wrong. Also, the Auteur is quite fast and snappy sounding. I’m not sure if it’s the 3F revealing the inherent technicalities of it or 3F just juicing it with steroids. Very direct and immediate sound with excellent imaging and layering. If this isn’t synergy, I don’t know what is.

    <Auteur vs. Verite>
    - Verite clearly has superior macrodynamics. it doesn't slam as hard as Verite, but that does not mean that Auteur is flat sounding or lacking in dynamics. It makes up for it with great microdynamics and timbre. idk how it sounds on other amps, but i think the 3F really helps in this aspect. With the JAR600, it was actually counterproductive, where it became too dynamic and started to get fatiguing. Just shows how important synergy is. I'll elaborate on this later in my 3F review.
    - Auteur has superior timbre and tonal balance. Instruments just sound natural, a timbre to die for… Verite is rather colored, but in a tasteful way. Auteur has more air even when comparing against Verite + Verite pads. Auteur also is more versatile that just works with all genres where Verite can sound a bit sedated in certain genres when directly comparing both. Verite’s unique signature takes some time to adjust.
    - Verite wins out in inherent technicalities. It’s a step or two more resolving, layered with added texture. Auteur’s “neutral” tone helps bring out the macrodetail easier than the Verite, but Verite is still the more resolving can. Verite just presents it in a more nuanced and relaxed method.
    - Verite throws a more expansive stage that gives you the spooky feels. Verite does a better job of enveloping the listener with a giant sphere of sound and at times instruments just pop out of nowhere...crazy. This is what made me fall in love with the Verite in the first place. What a unique experience!
    - At the end of the day, Auteur and Verite trade blows with one another and trying to choose the favorite between the two was like trying to pick who I like better between mom and dad. Rather than putting them against each other, instead I see them as different enough to become perfect complement pairs for one another.


    Closing thoughts:
    First off, I want to commend @zach915m for creating each headphone having a similar house sound, yet different enough voicing characteristics to not overshadow one another. Having both the Verite and Auteur side by side, they complement each other very well like peanut butter and jelly or ketchup and mustard. While the Auteur tries to convey the “truth” to music, Verite takes its own interpretation of the recording. (sins of commission vs. sins of omission) I'm feeling conflicted... I actually prefer the Auteur's tonal balance and timbre even if it's slightly behind the Verite's technicalities. If you’ve read my Verite review, I rated the Auteur as one of my least favorite ZMF cans in the lineup next to the Eikon. Maybe my preference changed or my hearing just “matured,” who knows! Well, the Auteur is now in my Top 3 ZMF lineup and if I had to choose one headphone to live with I would choose the Auteur over the Verite. 'WHAT?! but..but..the Verite is more expen$ive therefore betterER?!? LOL /s I surprised myself with this outcome. Auteur is really the star actor/actress of the show who may not be the prettiest/handsome looking, but portrays with such emotion and truth. Verite is the more attractive and muscular supporting actor/actress that you still respect and appreciate for its technical prowess and creating a unique listening experience. Right now, my funds don’t allow for both headphones, (R.I.P. my JAR600) but once the opportunity presents itself, Auteur will most likely be my next headphone purchase. Bravo, Zach! This is truly a wonderful piece of art.
     
  20. rott

    rott Secretly hates other millenials - Friend

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    @tommytakis that's a great writeup, and I'm envious of your listening chain. While contemplating an upgrade from my Lyr3, the only regret I have about the Auteur is not choosing a harder wood than my Teak - as minute of a difference as that may be when listening/comparing. All things considered, I haven't enjoyed music this much with any other headphone I've tried so I'm happy.

    I have noticed that it takes me longer to readjust to the Auteur after using other headphones, so I'm loathe to do quick comparisons anymore.
     

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