[zach915m]

I'm finishing up my pad comparison videos but - part of that video is showing the slightly different transient response between the pad materials, and I think that's where we hear a lot of differences too, is in the primary frontal impulse/transient, vs overall air moved that equates to frequency response.

It's a big reason why I truly believe not all headphones tuned to the same curve are perceived the same.

I hear it the same way btw, even with the same response, suede is more smoothed and has less "attack."

Will post the pads video here shortly.

 

[G8torbyte]

Just added to the video:

Music List (in order):
Kaleo: Broken Bones
James Mathus and his Knockdown Society: Take a Ride with me
Otis Taylor: Resurrection Blues
Cyril Lance: Same Thing

Good choice with Kaleo.

They are from Iceland and know their way around volcanic geology:

 

[betula]

Good choice with Kaleo.

They are from Iceland and know their way around volcanic geology:

Insane amount of good music is coming from Iceland and Scandinavian countries. They would be one of the strongest contenders in the 'good music produced per capita' worldwide competition.

 

[ECKHUAAA]

My review is up! https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/zmfheadphones-caldera-closed.27214/

Hope ya'll enjoy

Just curious to hear about your experience with the light Pad, I tried thick pads briefly on the CO and I realized it robbed it of some clarity and detail, also is the thick pads the stock from ZMF? And do they come with a stock mesh? Asking because I intend to request mine be built with no mesh
Thanks for a realy great review

 

[ng5921]

Just curious to hear about your experience with the light Pad, I tried thick pads briefly on the CO and I realized it robbed it of some clarity and detail, also is the thick pads the stock from ZMF? And do they come with a stock mesh? Asking because I intend to request mine be built with no mesh
Thanks for a realy great review

I've only tried the stock (red) mesh. There is a lighter mesh Zach sent out which I still need to try (and will add my impressions to the review!).

Per the product page:

Which I believe means you could pick the thick pads if you wanted.

Zach and others have said you can remove the stock mesh and run without it, but the treble might be a bit too much. Easy to remove and try though!

 

[zach915m]

Mesh video - pad video coming soon too:


Mesh measurements are on the "measurements" page as a standalone too: https://www.zmfheadphones.com/measurements

 

[Wes S]

I love the look, and it has a quite a sophisticated design in my opinion. Well done for making a truly gorgeous headphone! The curves and edges are stunning and feel amazing in hand.

They sound just as good as they look.

Two things really jumping out at me with tonight's session so far, has been the staging and bass. The staging is really quite something, being very open and airy, and the speed and layering within it is fantastic. I can easily focus on any one particular element of a song, or just get lost in the entirety of it whenever I want. These headphones are so darn musical they really get me moving to the music. The emotion is in full effect, with deep textured full bodied bass, that is tight and bouncy at the same time. I love planar bass, and the CC is the best I have ever heard for my preferences. This headphone paired up with the Aegis amp, is a very fun and wild ride, and I honestly don't think it can get any better.

 

[zach915m]

OK - Pad Measurements are up as well, this one shows some impulse response stuff and talk about how pad material affects transients:

 

[kumar402]

Which mesh and pads to go for to get overall smoother and bassier sound ? I know it must have been discussed but if someone can help me here…

 

[jamato8]

Which mesh and pads to go for to get overall smoother and bassier sound ? I know it must have been discussed but if someone can help me here…

You would go with pads don’t breathe very much and with mesh that is not real open.

 

[kumar402]

You would go with pads don’t breathe very much and with mesh that is not real open.

Is the stock red mesh the right choice for me ?

 

[goldwerger]

I've spent last few hours listening to the CC. it's been a couple of months since I had them for an evening before CanJam and it's really nice to get to get to know theme gain with a fresh perspective and the distance of time.

Have only been listening so far with the Protein pads (which combination I liked when I first tried it). Listening on the AIC10 (M8136 tube roll).

The few things that quickly jump at me today on first listen:

1. A very smooth tuning that sounds effortless.
2. A great sense of space. It's not that the soundstage is overly big, it's just a holographic presentation that feels very spacious and natural (a massive coup for a closed planar). I really love that.
3. The balance between attack and decay is just right for me - snappy on the front, but with a nice decay on the trailing ends of notes. jIt ust feels organic in a way that planars normally don't. Analog is a cliche descriptor, but that's the best one I got. Like the feel of a high end receiver from the 70s with ton of power and warmth
4. Tonality weise, mid bass is super crisp, good lwo extension to well defined sub-bass, mids are warm with lower mids (male vocals) are forward and higher mids (female vocals) are recessed, and treble is genly rolled off [in comparison, the AC have more low bass and upper mid elevation; whereas the CC feel a bit more even; thes are two headphones are really distinct]

I enjoy warm tuning and like a great bass but I also like treble extension (my only deal breaker is any hint of sibilance, but above that I am not treble sensitie), so I will likely try the alternate mesh at some point (waiting to get it). I also have couple other pads (stock hybrid and deep lamb) that are certain to shift things around. And I have multple amps that I want to pair the CC with (including the Aegis). So I will take my time doing slow discovery through all of these.

I hope to put more detailed notes in the coming weeks once I've had enough mileage, and by then my impressions may (and likely) will change quite a bit. Perhpas the headphones will also change a bit through a few hours of burn in. I will share my discovery journey as it goes.

Written words aside - these headphones are really awesome and a lot of fun, right out of the gate!!!

I can't wait for the the many hours of music ahead...

 

[ECKHUAAA]

OK - Pad Measurements are up as well, this one shows some impulse response stuff and talk about how pad material affects transients:

#Zach, if there is no mesh at all on the CC does it just add more extension on the treble or does it ruin the sound, I do love a more extended top end but also greatly trust your sound vision for the designs you create.

 

[jamato8]

#Zach, if there is no mesh at all on the CC does it just add more extension on the treble or does it ruin the sound, I do love a more extended top end but also greatly trust your sound vision for the designs you create.

With the mesh off, I would imagine you also throw the timing off, with the highs arriving too soon.

 

[zach915m]

#Zach, if there is no mesh at all on the CC does it just add more extension on the treble or does it ruin the sound, I do love a more extended top end but also greatly trust your sound vision for the designs you create.

I'd recommend trying the lighter mesh before taking it off. If you buy the CC you'll get the stock mesh by default and can either add the tuning kit for $150 with all teh pads and mesh or just the lighter mesh with the secondary pads for $20.