One more thing. Another reason I am interested in trying headphones again is because I can use the cross-feed feature in Roon. I am hoping that can help close the gap between headphones and speakers.
Trying headphones again… ZMF or Abyss?
Hi all. More than 6 years ago, I had a modest headphone rig (Schiit Mjolnir 2 tube amp and Gungnir Multibit DAC) that I used with Sennheiser HD800 and DCA Ether 2 headphones. I never completely clicked with my headphones and would end up listening mostly to my main speaker-based setup. I really love the imaging and space filling soundstage provided by speakers. Eventually, I ended up selling all of my headphone stuff.
Nevertheless, headphones would be nice to have for when I can’t turn my music up, so I am looking to try them again. Luckily, my current stereo setup has a great digital front end connected to an LTA microzotl level 3 preamp with a 1/4 inch single ended headphone jack. I think all I would need to have a good setup is a nice pair of headphones.
I am looking for headphones that will provide excellent detail, resolution, stereo imaging and speaker like sound staging if possible. I have read good things about Abyss and ZMF headphones and they seem like they could provide the sound I am looking for. Another member here even stated that there is excellent synergy between the microzotl and ZMF Verite Open. The Abyss Diana TC or DZ also get good reviews.
Given my system setup and preferences are there any thoughts on which of these two options would work best? Any other suggestions or advice I should think about? Budget is around $3000 max and I can buy new or used. Also, I would ideally like a lighter weight and comfortable headphone.
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I use Meier crossfeed and LLC component of Foobar 2000 and the trifield component with success with my speakers system and my secondary headphone (sextett)... I am also happy with the vintage AKG K340 as my primary system ... But it is hard to optimize it righfully... Once done we had imaging out of this world common to almost all headphone and a speaker like sound... The price for it is low cost anyway and because most people believe new is better, the pricier it is the better it is, no one want an old complicated headphone... Here the patent about the AKG K340 and the reason why he exceed any headphone i listened too ...( i could not used the microzotl two to drive it properly though i use my SAnsui alpha headphone out but the LTA microzotl level 3 preamp is more powerful i think and could do it) : https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/d1/a4/49/920c561c913899/US4005278.pdf
There is a trade-off between details for details and spatial qualities of sound, The K340 hybrid took a very good compromise between these two goals.because it is a complex headphone to design and hard to sell it was never optimized and recreated in a new improved state and AKG goes to another road. AKG K1000 was the next legendary flagship... |
I’m not familiar with either headphones, but I was looking for very similar qualities as you when building my headphone system so thought I’d chime in. I ended up with Hifiman Arya Stealth headphones as they are neutral, open, transparent, and provide an expansive and dimensional soundstage and imaging. Also, I find their design to be very comfortable and light, and I can wear them comfortably for hours unlike some Audeze headphones I tried. In your price range their HE1000 Unveiled phones ($2699) are a significant step up from my Aryas that I’m quite happy with and are very similar in size/weight so should offer similar comfort levels. Here’s a review that goes into some detail about their sound characteristics but also compares them to the $3500 ZMF Calderas and found the HE1000’s soundstage in particular to be more expansive so thought you’d find it interesting. https://www.headfonia.com/hifiman-he1000-unveiled-review/ Here’s another review that’s also very positive and goes into a little more about the strengths of imaging/soundstage among other things. https://headfonics.com/hifiman-he1000-unveiled-review/ One limitation is they come with a balanced connector and don’t include a 4.4mm adapter, but I imagine there’s an easy solution to that or you could buy a different headphone cable but just wanted to mention it. Hope this helps, and best of luck. |
I agree with Soix regarding the HE1000 unveiled. To throw one more headphone into the mix (because this is an A'gon discussions feature); try the Meze Poet because its imaging/soundstage features are similar to the Hifiman, and are faster, and better constructed. I auditioned both at Audio46 and purchased the Poet. |
I have the Verite closed which I love and are very comfortable but not light, the Verite uses wood cups so they are a bit heavier. If you are looking for a closed back see about a used pair of Focal Stelia, I have a pair that I swap out with the ZMF. For open back, I really love my Meza Elite, light, expensive sound, detailed, and warm. Used you can probably find a pair in your price range. I also have a pair of Sony ZMR closed back headphones, they are light and can be found well within your price range. Good luck in your search, I went down the rabbit hole during Covid. |
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