Current Audio Zenith PMx2 Alternatives?

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by m.i.c.k.e.y, Mar 26, 2021.

  1. m.i.c.k.e.y

    m.i.c.k.e.y Facebook Friend

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    Love much my Audio Zenith PMx2 Rev.2s. Of its Timbre, Tonality/Neutrality, Freq. Response smoothness. However after so much usage its getting worn out.

    I don't know if Alex is still selling them (Think will email him).

    However, just asking, are there rival alternatives to these on the market right now? Care to share your inputs? Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Mar 27, 2021
  2. Hands

    Hands Overzealous Auto Flusher - Measurbator

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    What's getting worn out? The pads? Headband? Might be able to find replacement parts, if Alex can't help out.

    While you might find it difficult to find something as smooth, the PMx2's isn't totally neutral. There are some headphones I'd say are within a similar margin of error relative to neutral. IIRC, some of the PMx2 iterations were even a little bassy.

    - JAR HD600 or JAR HD650 might suite you with the right amp. They do offer appreciable changes, for better or worse, over stock units and DIY mods.
    - ZMF Auteur with the right pads can be pretty neutral.
    - The Aurorus Borealis could fit the bill, though its sound seems heavily reliant on how well it fits with your head.
    - Ether CX from Drop might work. It's fairly neutral and smooth but pretty relaxed sounding, so might bore some. (Fair warning that I had a large role in tuning this one, so I'm biased.)
    - Audeze LCD2 Classic with vegan pads. Timbre is a bit rough.
    - Focal Elex or Clear, possibly with a light foam disk over the driver if you find them too bright or rough.

    The way I see it, it's all about your tastes and needs, and how they relate to the varying tradeoffs on headphones.
     
  3. GanGreinke

    GanGreinke Friend

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    I am in a similar situation. I have tried contacting Alex twice now, and unfortunately he hasn’t responded. I also see that he hasn’t logged in here in over a year. I hope he’s okay.

    I was able to purchase a replacement headband directly from Oppo, and it was easy to switch out (the only issue is that you no longer have the Audio Zenith stickers). I don’t think there is anything off-the-shelf that you can do about the pads since they are not removable. Maybe someone like @E_Schaaf would have some suggestions or be willing to do a one-off mod of some pads?
     
  4. MellowVelo

    MellowVelo Friend

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    FWIW, Alex has always been responsive to my inquiries. I last spoke with him in December. He responded to me very quickly.
     
  5. m.i.c.k.e.y

    m.i.c.k.e.y Facebook Friend

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    Thanks you, will give these headphones consideration.

    Yeah headband is worn out. Will try Oppo for replacement,
     
  6. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

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  7. gepardcv

    gepardcv Almost "Made"

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    I’ll be very sad if (when?) my PMx2 wears out or gives up the ghost. It works great and looks brand-new for now, though, thank goodness. Also it’s relatively compact and convenient. (FWIW, I don’t find the LCD2C even remotely similar...)
     
  8. Magnetostatic_Tubephile

    Magnetostatic_Tubephile Friend

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    Meze Empyrean or Rosson Audio RAD-0 might be an alternative to consider. But, of course, the PMx2s are unique.

    I am personally slowly moving away to Auteur + modded HE-6 combo. Yeah, that's right - the (in)famous Hifimans! HE-6s can be - given the right pads (e.g. ZMF Eikon hybrid solid) - surprisingly smooth and similar to PMx2s tone and timbre wise.

    Btw, it is possible to carefully remove the pleather surface from PMx2 headband - the velour material underneath will last for additional years for sure. As for the pads, I chose velour for my rev2... and the pads still look the same as years ago!
     
  9. aamefford

    aamefford Nothing like chamberpot coffee

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    I have a couple of pairs of PM1 pads. They may work well for someone modding these. If anyone who actually owns a PM1 or modded PM2 want them, let me know. Caveat is that these were iterations in the production of the PM-1’s. I was part of the review / fanboy team when Oppo was building the PM1. At the very least, the plastic attachment plates are useable. I think one pair is velour and one pair is either pleather (likely) or leather (less likely). Shoot me a PM. I’ll let them go to a friend for the price of a self addressed shipping box. And maybe a beer. Or not. Happy to see them go to a good home.

    friend or anyone posting above. It looks like a few well knowns that don’t have the friend label for whatever reason.
     
  10. Accrued

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    I have contacted Alex a couple of months ago asking about repairs and he gave me a quote which I declined as my issue was only cosmetic (I accidentally scratched off some of the silver paint on the grills) and the price was too high. Maybe he would be okay with selling pads or something if you contact him!
     
  11. m.i.c.k.e.y

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    Yeah saw this one. But sadly I will put it on hold. Most of my family went COVID +.
     
  12. Ksorota

    Ksorota Friend

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    I have been in contact with Alex today, and he is still willing to make more PMx2's, but only if you can source the PM1 leather pads (not leatherette).
     
  13. m.i.c.k.e.y

    m.i.c.k.e.y Facebook Friend

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    Nice to hear! Thanks!
     

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