ZMF New Headphones: Vérité and Aeolus

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by purr1n, Oct 3, 2018.

  1. Ainsworth

    Ainsworth New

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    what is a 3F
     
  2. Ainsworth

    Ainsworth New

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    Tube rolling? How about Pad rolling?
     
  3. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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  4. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    @Ainsworth, in the future try to consolidate your posts into one. It helps keep things cleaner and easier to navigate.

    Also, a lot of your questions can be answered by utilizing the forum super search function. Lurk moar, as we like to say.

    In the meantime, welcome to SBAF! We're kind of similar to regular, crazy pub patrons with lots of shenanigans.

    I'll stop with the noise now, apologies to the regulars here.
     
  5. Taverius

    Taverius Smells like sausages

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    Hmm.

    Yeah I'm not really into turning the Aeolus into a neutral can, just not sure if it's different enough from Universe Perf. Lamb to justify the hundred-twenny or so bucks after fedex and import.

    It certainly turns it neutral but to me it also takes then fun out of it.

    But then, I'm spoiled for choice here, so I get to be a brat - if I had to go down to one can V.Lamb Aeolus would be a great choice, while I prefer Auteur with Auteur Lamb pads that's not friendly with all source material.
     
  6. Jinxy245

    Jinxy245 Vegan Puss

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    I totally getcha. The Auteur is an amazing can, but the upper mids are just a touch too much for my tastes. I know I'm in the minority here, but the Aeolus with the Verite pads does scratch my sonic itch in my system...the mids are just right with enough bass to keep it interesting for me. Different strokes & all that. Good on Zach for giving us a plethora of options.
     
  7. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    I don’t know. Haven’t heard it yet. A quick search would have told you this.
     
  8. bixby

    bixby Friend

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    re: aurora

    you need speshial hearing to hear it. From those that have, it's bassy and kinda digital.
    Maybe Schumann knows ;)
     
  9. Ainsworth

    Ainsworth New

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    Sorry to get off topic here, but KLH (now headed by David P. Kelley, formerly of Klipsch) has recently introduced a line of headphones that are similar in appearance to the ZMF's and utilize beryllium drivers. and as a bonus include a pure silver-litz’ cord. As well as cowhide / lambskin pads and ebony earcups. Not bad for $300.

    Has anybody listened to these?

    Here are a couple of links:
    https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/klh-ultimate-one-headphone-preview
    https://klhaudio.com/ultimate-one-headphones/
     
  10. Jinxy245

    Jinxy245 Vegan Puss

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    They look more like a direct ripoff of the Klipsch HP-3
    https://www.klipsch.com/products/hp...MI49rtm_b94gIVDSsMCh1mYQdAEAYYASABEgKAFPD_BwE
    Doesn't really belong in this thread though
     
  11. Lyander

    Lyander Official SBAF Equitable Empathizer

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    Looks more like the HP-1 (lower-tier sibling to the HP-3) that if memory serves never made it to production, if this video from CES 2017 by Tyll is anything to go by. Price matches what they were going to ask for it too. Be driver though.... hm.

    https://www.innerfidelity.com/content/ces-2017-klipsch-upcoming-heritage-headphone-line

    The housing was crafted with biodynamic drivers in mind, curious how substituting different drivers in will affect overall sound. Incidentally, pure beryllium drivers are less costly to manufacture than those using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process Focal applies on theirs though; less actual Be used but more pain in the orifices getting usable product out of it. That was discussed on here some time ago somewhere. But yeah, definitely O/T. Might be worth starting a new thread if anyone actually gets a pair or gets ears on them.
     
    Last edited: Jun 22, 2019
  12. Luigi Pichardo

    Luigi Pichardo New

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    We miss you Torq
     
  13. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    20190701_235518.jpg
    I've had the opportunity to have a Verite in the house to audition (courtesy of @Elnrik), and I'll cut to the chase and say that I'm mightily impressed. Probably doesn't mean much given my limited experience overall in this hobby, but hey, I'm allowed to be a bit naïve right?

    Jokes aside, this is the first ZMF that I've had in my house, so I don't really have a point of reference for how it sounds. Plus, I think the trusted members here shared wonderful impressions that are much more informative than what I could possibly produce, but I'll do my best to describe what I hear. Note that I primarily used the Universe Perforated Suede pads, and everything that I talk about sonically will be from using those pads unless explicitly noted (I tried the other pads that were provided, but liked these the best).

    The Verite has a timbre that is different than anything else I've heard. I'm not sure if it's the beryllium coloration, or if it's an effect that can be shown via measurements, or if the driver just has some character that I'm not familiar with; but regardless, it definitely sounds colored. However, I didn't mind this and felt that it added to some of the Verite's character and charm.

    Soundstage is quite good. The cup resonance might be fooling me here a bit, but it kind of sounds like you're sitting in a recital hall. Quite nice! And imaging is fantastic; there is none of the three-blob stuff here. Interestingly, the Verite seemed to help the X-Sabre Pro flesh out its images more, and I can only imagine what it would sound like with a DAC that stages and images like Yggdrasil.

    In terms of tonality, it definitely sounds warm and a little bassy, but to those who also peruse the measurement threads (which you should), I readily agree with the notion that these do NOT sound as bassy as the measurements might suggest regardless of pad used. It indeed sounds pretty well-balanced on the warm side, as well as being completely non-fatiguing (equal to the HD 650 in this regard). However, while it is warm and rich-sounding, the Verite does not seem to lose any detail on any part of the spectrum; heck, it's the most detailed headphone I've ever listened to, and extrapolating from what others have said, the resolution will be impressive.

    I feel the Verite is a bit strange because it definitely is a speedy headphone, but unlike the Focal Clear (or my LCD-3), the front edge of notes don't have these sharp edges; it's a little bit rounded. However, it seems to be much faster than the LCD-3 and perhaps on par with the Clear (haven't listened extensively to the Clear yet though). To use an analogy I've seen @purr1n use, it's like the difference between a rock being lobbed at you, and then a pillow being thrown at you from a car going 100+ mph. Also, the resolving ability of this headphone is absolutely fantastic and it really scales; it doesn't sound bad out of a modest chain, but moving up brings out more of the Verite's potential.

    Where the Verite really seems to shine is in its sense of microdynamics and decay; it's utterly seductive combined with its cup resonance, which seems to give it a recital hall-like feel. I'm beginning to believe that microdynamics and decay have a lot to do with emotional engagement to the music (aka "not boring"), and holy hell, this headphone tugs my heartstrings. There were a couple songs I played where I felt the tears gather in the corner of my eyes, and it continues to seduce me every time I put it on. There doesn't seem to be "getting used to it." Emotional connection to the music is a solid 10/10 in my book.

    Put it this way; my first thought when I first put them on was "well shit, I'm saving up for when there's another LTD version of these." That might change when my Auteur arrives, but this seduced me. I haven't even put on my HD 6XX since these arrived. There's an ease to the Verite's presentation that makes them addicting; it doesn't force anything and sounds damn good.

    All that being said, I can't say that I unilaterally think that everyone should rush out and buy these; I really think these should be auditioned if possible. If the Clear can be thought of sounding, well, clear, the Verite is colored and puts its own sound into the music. Some people are probably going to really hate this. However, I do think they're worthy of an audition, especially if you already are familiar with the ZMF sound.

    Edit: soundstage notes added and added a note on overall presentation in the penultimate paragraph. Also, please note the loaner Verite is ziricote; I'm really not sure how much the wood affects sonic perceptions.

    Edit 2: Pic for proof. Also, addendum for viewers to note that I have very little experience with headphones that stage really well, so take soundstage thoughts with grain of salt. However, I loved the stage; much larger than HD 6XX and very cohesive.
     
    Last edited: Jul 6, 2019
  14. I_want_all_the_tacos

    I_want_all_the_tacos Friend

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    I have the Verite in house for audition as well (full review coming soon) and that is pretty much how I feel about it too. Verite may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is probably my favorite headphone I have heard. How is the Liquid Platinum with it? That's the amp I am most interested in, particularly for pairing with Verite once I buy my own.
     
  15. TazerMonkey

    TazerMonkey Acquaintance

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    This fully jibes with my experience auditioning these last weekend at Source AV. I'm a big fan of Zach's from owning an Ori and have long wanted to sample his dynamic line; auditioned Verite along with Aeolus, Auteur, as well as the Clear and the HD800S.

    My impression of the Aeolus was of a souped-up version of what I already have with my Ori -- a more open, warm, fun and engaging sound. The Verite was clearly a step above, less warm with astounding clarity and speed, notably more forward and present but orders of magnitude more pleasing to my ears than the Clear, which I took off after only a few minutes. I would concur that both Clear and Verite seemed equals in terms of speed and resolution, but the Verite's "rounded edges" were the difference between enjoying myself and praying my eardrums wouldn't rupture. I would choose it every time over the Focal and twice on Sunday. If the Clear is really the least aggravating of the Focal gear then their sound is emphatically NOT for me.

    Ultimately, somewhat to my surprise, I went with the HD800S because it seemed to provide the best overall mix of what I was missing from my current setup of Oris and HD650 -- namely soundstage/headstage, imaging and resolution, in that order (from previous auditions with the OG HD800, I was expecting to find them too brittle and thin in the mids). I seem to prefer a more laid-back presentation than Verite affords, and the Auteur sounded like a ZMF that wanted to be an HD800 and ended up a bit bland in comparison.

    Because I made that choice I will probably eventually purchase Aeolus as a fun complement.
     
  16. ChaChaRealSmooth

    ChaChaRealSmooth SBAF's Mr. Bean

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    The Liquid Platinum is laid-back and relaxed, which can be somewhat alleviated by rolling tubes. I really don't think it does the Verite any favors; I imagine that it would make the Verite a bit sleepy in most setups. In my chain, it works out okay because the X-Sabre Pro wants to space truck and the Liquid Platinum kind of works in reigning that in a bit, but I wouldn't recommend it wholeheartedly. That being said, they seem to be a good match from a tonality/timbre standpoint. However, going from others' experiences, the Verite doesn't seem to be amp picky, but seems to be pretty transparent to source.

    Edit: If you're looking to reign in the Verite's speed a bit, it could be a good choice. I still think the Liquid Platinum is a good amp.

    I can see that someone would like the startlingly dynamic presentation of the Focals, and I actually do enjoy it myself; I think that the Verite would actually make a good complementary can to the Clear. That being said, if I owned both (only have Clear) the Verite would receive more time on the noggin.

    Glad to hear you're enjoying your HD 800S; was not my cup of tea when I tried it, but it definitely has merit.
     
    Last edited: Jul 4, 2019
  17. Phantaminum

    Phantaminum Friend

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    I whole heartedly agree. This is all boils down to personal tastes but I find the Verite boring out of the Liquid Platinum. The Aeolus is a much better match with the LP. I had more fun listening to the Verite out of a Bottlehead Crack with the speed ball add on.
     
  18. ufospls2

    ufospls2 Friend

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    I've been listening with the Universe leather and suede pads mostly on the Verite since I received them for review. Yesterday I switched to the leather Verite pads, and am really enjoying the change! In my original experimentation I preferred the Universe variations, and I think I still do, but the Verite pads are a bit more linear sounding with a bit more treble energy. Comfort is still excellent, but they are less thick than the Universe pads. Highly recommended as an option for changing things up : )
     
  19. I_want_all_the_tacos

    I_want_all_the_tacos Friend

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    Damn, that's a shame to hear, for some reason from impressions I thought people really liked LP for being powerful and dynamic, I always thought it was more punchy and forward rather than so laid back. Good to know about pairing it with Verite. I was hoping to find a good hybrid tube amp, one that could pair well with Verite as well as planars. The BH Crack/Speedball combo is an amp I have thought about building for a long time. I also noticed you have a Glenn OTL, how do you like that?
     
  20. Phantaminum

    Phantaminum Friend

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    The Liquid Platinum works very well with other headphones but, in my opinion, the synergy isn’t there with the Verite.

    I just can’t say enough great things about Glenn’s amp. The sound that the Verite produces out of Glenn’s amp is close to perfect for me. Beautiful sounding pairing. If you have any questions over the amp, feel free to shoot me a pm.
     

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