This looks heavy. Is the table with the WA23 and Aegis custom?

Yeah I quickly noticed it's just a part of the glass, I wasn't sure if it was supposed to be bent like that. For now I just use a marker to easier identify the correct orientation.

The ZMF Pro cable is 5.75' or 10.5'.

It wouldn't surprise me if this poll gets tied. All of them are great options IMHO. I think the Caldera pads have the better "technicalities", is more neutral and with the best spatial qualities. When I want a slightly more colored/ euphonic/ fun sound I pick the Auteur or the Universe pads, not...

Hope you can get a proper fit! Definitely mail support@zmfheadphones.com - if need be, they're always super helpful.

I really like this method of changing meshes on the Caldera/ Caldera Closed. Instead of potentially damaging the wooden threads by inserting and removing screws, at worst you'll ruin the adhesive which is much cheaper and easier to fix.

Very true. Typically you don't wanna adjust the rod screws at all. Once you get everything dialed in you're most likely good to go! I haven't changed anything in over a year because it sits perfectly. I think the clamp will loosen a bit over time and adjust to your head too, but they definitely...

The rod adjustments can be pretty tight. Mine were very tight when they were new too. You can loosen them slightly, but do it a tiny amount, step by step. Also make sure you're grabbing it the right way. I think the best way is to grab the gimbals with one hand and use your other hand to sort of...

I haven't tried the hybrid or suede Universe. I find the Auteur hybrid and lamb to sound pretty close so I haven't bothered trying Universe hybrid or suede yet. Love the lambskin Universe though.

If you were in Europe I'd strongly recommend Eufonika. For a budget friendly amp I've been really enjoying the H5 OTL for a while now, it's custom built in Poland, but it would probably not pair well with Caldera or Bokeh as it has a high output impedance (Bottlehead crack like). Very good for...

I think this is the dream setup right there. A really good solid-state, SET and OTL, not that anyone would *need* every type. I couldn't live without a solid-state because of how different it sounds from tubes and because it's been a sound reference for so long for me. I do have my eyes on a...

I've been using these tubes for a while now. Sounds pretty close the RCA VT-231 gray glass I have, but not as rolled off up top I think. Very good sound imo, especially for the relatively good price.

Great review! I can't wait to hear it one day.

This is the bent "central" pin I'm worried about, but I've tried the tube for hours and no issues. The base itself and tube is super rigid.

The tube works just as fine as before. It sucks damaging these old tubes in any way! I try to be as careful as I can but then some piece of plastic breaks

Thank you. But there isn't any danger of running a tube without the guide pin I assume? (Other than inserting it the wrong way).

When removing an older RCA VT-231 today the plastic guide pin broke off in the socket. I got it out but upon checking the center pin is slightly bent. I can provide pictures if needed. The tube still sounds good. I guess it's just a case of old plastic, I can still see where the tube is supposed...

I believe the stock Shou Sugi Ban Ash is with the normal strap and not the BBB, (as shown on the product page). The BBB is typically only used with LTD and stabilized units as far as I know. You can buy the BBB separately too.

It's also why many of us in this hobby own multiple headphones. As audiophiles we wanna get close to the real performances, but also part of the fun is to experiment with sound too.

It's great how much you can shift the sound to your liking with a couple of changes in the system. I was craving a more relaxing listen today so I put on the Auteur pads and some warmer sounding tubes and it hits just right. Fat bass, mellow treble, and clear vocals. I couldn't listen to this...

It's a bit more 'neutral' compared to the stock Universe pads, and closer to the Be2 to me. They don't sound the same though. I gain some soundstage with the Caldera pads which is awesome. The trade-off is you lose some of that mid-bass that is so satisfying. It's definitely still there but not...

Americana and bluegrass are some genres I wouldn't listen to in my younger days. Atrium has sort of broaden my musical perspective and appreciation for a lot of different genres that I previously wasn't that much interested in. For me at least, good audio can aid in exploring music. I don't need...

Everything I've read about the Caldera Open and especially the Closed they seem like they could be right up my alley. It's not in my budget right now but damn, that Shedua wood is tempting. I'm looking forward to reading more in-depth reviews. :) Photo from ZMF's instagram:

This Dying Soul and Stream of Consciousness are absolute gems. I haven't actually heard this album on Atrium until now. The guitar and the drumming... insane.

I was just about to post an update. I used a super flat phillips screw driver to gently pry up the tubes (had I done it normally I'd break the other tube too). After inserting and removing them a couple of times the sockets feel relatively normal, and no way as stiff as the first time. In any...