ZMF Auteur - An open back ZMF

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

  1. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    Looks like Zach is at it again. He's coming out with a new headphone with preorders starting in November. Here's what I read on reddit (credit to u/I_want_all_the_tacos here https://www.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/70wbyu/zmf_auteur_zachs_new_open_back_headphone_is/):


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    "Yesterday, I got to meet Zach at the Chicago head-fi meet. He brought his entire collection including 2 versions (different pads) of his new open back headphone, the ZMF Auteur. This was my first time hearing any of his headphones and I have to say I quite liked both Atticus and Eikon. If you are a fan of his work, you will like the Auteur. Zach said it is "about 80% open". I only briefly heard it and have little experience with Atticus/Eikon, but I can say it does sound like a more open Eikon. He said it uses the Eikon's biocellulose drivers. The build on it, like everything he does, is top notch and premium. Pre-ordering starts in November and will have a discount like the Atticus/Eikon did.

    Another head-fi member that heard them also reported these notes in his impressions:

    • Auteur is the most neutral/balanced ZMF headphone - still warm of neutral overall (I'd say it runs a just a bit warmer than the Utopia and has a meatier bass presence for sure).

    • Very resolving. It's super detailed and micro-detailed - lots of data in the music - all delivered in a very natural and musical way. Still very "music first" with excellent timbre, like all the ZMFs.

    • The stage is very open sounding - Zach says it's about 80% open - but I heard several folks at the meet comment that they were impressed with the size of the stage. I listened to it with some good recordings and found it very impressive.

    • It's absolutely gorgeous to look at, in person. The blackwood and brass version looked classy as hell.
    "

    Zach's also having an AMA about them in October on the subreddit. Should be fun.

    Personally, I think it would fit the little I had to complain about with the Eikon (the soundstage and microdetail.) Unfortunately, with the baby here...I'm going to broke for awhile, haha. Daycare fees strike with a vengeance, let me tell you.
     
    Last edited: Sep 18, 2017
  2. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Shit. My wallet is in the corner weeping as is...

    @zach915m will they be at RMAF?

    :)
     
  3. zach915m

    zach915m MOT: ZMF Headphones

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    Yep I'll have at least 10 sets with me/around the room!
     
  4. jexby

    jexby Posole Prince

    Staff Member Pyrate Contributor
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    thanks mate, hope your cans are paired with superb source+Amp combos and not some Mojo chain.
    now I have a reason to attend Canjam besides showing Jood my Pyrate t-shirt.
     
  5. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Well I'm super excited to see you there then!
     
  6. khragon

    khragon Acquaintance

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    Not a fan of the opening design, is there option for plain window screen type look? and also in black?
     
  7. ButtUglyJeff

    ButtUglyJeff Stunningly beautiful IRL

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    I like the looks the way I see it. Just saying that not everyone dislikes the visual appearance (not that you see it while wearing it).
     
  8. 9suns

    9suns [insert unearned title here]

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    Looks awesome, the gold grill, black metal parts and brown wood...pure class
     
  9. 9suns

    9suns [insert unearned title here]

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    From Reddit:

    "- Any word on price?"

    "- Zach didn't give exact figures, I think he is still working that out. But he did say the standard version with ZMF Eikon perforated pads would be around Eikon price and probably a couple hundred cheaper on pre-order. The other one has some sort of new pads and I didn't quite hear all the details of what made it better, but he called it "special edition". They are tuned the same, but the standard one is a little bit warmer than the special one due to pads. That one he said would be maybe $100-200 more. He said he will be updating the ZMF website soon to announce these models and the details."
     
  10. TjH

    TjH New

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    Oh man, I LOVE the look. the gold grill if it comes out looking like that IRL makes it look (to me) a bit vintage/steampunk ish. I just have one question: what's the weight? I love zmf Headphones cuz they're nice and heavy.
     
  11. captkirk

    captkirk Khan's BFF

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    Congrats to @zach915m for continuing to expand on his house-made dynamics. They certainly have that distinctive ZMF-look that is stunning in photos and breathtaking in hand (assumption, but come on...it's Zach...they'll look badass).

    Can't wait to hear some impressions!
     
  12. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    Can I borrow one for review? I promise I won't keep it as long as Zeos! ;)
     
  13. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    Fixed.
     
  14. PacoTaco

    PacoTaco Friend

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    Sshhhhh, don't tell him my plan!

    I mean...I'm just trying to keep up tradition. Yah.

    Edit: Actually, I wonder how reasonable it is to say "not as long as Zeos." He might even still have his Eikon review pair.
     
  15. Dr. Higgs

    Dr. Higgs Boson - Member

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    Not sure if I'm into the grille aesthetic yet (reminds me of an incense burner haha) but really interested to see how these come out. The warm side of neutral is my happy place.

    Looks like these may have some healthy competition from the Klipsch Heritage line, so that should make things interesting.
     
  16. drumline1997

    drumline1997 New

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    Really excited to give these a try whenever I can, not quite digging the grills though. Looks like something that would be in my grandma's house, maybe if the shapes cut into it were toned down a bit, but I don't know im not a designer. As long as they sound good it doesn't matter what they look like, he can still have my money.
     
  17. AppleheadMay

    AppleheadMay Friend

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    Hope this one beats the crap out of the Utopia!
     
  18. gbeast

    gbeast Mighty Moral Power Ranger

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    you are asking a lot
     
  19. Elnrik

    Elnrik Super Friendly

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    In Zach we trust.
     
  20. AMW1011

    AMW1011 Friend

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    Eh. If a Sennheiser from 2009 can do it. I think if the the Utopia was just another $2000 headphone it wouldn't be "revered" as much.
     

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