zmf verite vs focal utopia

Inside the case you’ll find two sets of pads; “Universe”, which are the thicker, more angled, pads pre-installed on the headphones, and a second “Vérité” set of pads which are thinner and intended to give a more neutral response. Take the ZMF Verite, disguise the fancy wood cups and give the headphone a Chi-Fi sounding name and send it to a ''reviewer'' and tell them it costs $299. Other nick pickings will also ask for soundstage depth a.k.a. Focal Utopia $3999 While SS hesitates to call any component “the best,” the Focal Utopia certainly ranks as overall the finest dynamic headphone he’s experienced to … That just isn’t true. Build quality: The build quality of the Verite is great, but I would like to get one nit pick out of the way. Verite with the ZMF Pendant Amplifier Construction. It’s detail retrieval isn’t quite on the same level as that of the Utopia and it’s also not quite on the same level when it comes to image definition/distinction, but it’s very close on all of those fronts. var yit_responsive_menu_type = Joined Apr 21, 2019 Posts 25 Likes 33 Location Spain. hifiman HE-1000 SE . These are the easiest types of reviews to write, where you really don’t have much in the way of negative news to report. Getting your product to you as fast as possible is important to us! ZMF Verite. About Seller: Follow user. I was given an opportunity to try these out for an extended period of time from Headphones.com and the HeadphoneCommunity Preview Loaner Program and here’s my quick review of these flagship $3990 … As such, the IEF Neutral target on the legacy rig will be different from the target on the new GRAS 43AG-7 rig mainly due to the different pinna (and to certain extent, the occluded-ear coupler) used. All comments are moderated before being published. The Sopra No1 is the top half of a Sopra No2 turned upside down and mounted on a … And Vérité is the first ZMF headphone to feature their new magnesium chassis, reducing the weight of the overall headphone by 33 grams and making the standard Vérité the lightest headphone that ZMF currently offers. Their tuning is such that they address the most commonly lamented facets of other flagships, such as the slightly lean bottom end, and occasionally excitable upper-treble of the Utopia, the slightly elevated bass and V-shaped signature on the Stellia, or the sometimes dry/clinical presentation of the HD800S, without giving up the ghost on other technicalities. Design and performance . Item: Focal utopia or zmf verite closed headphones Price Range: Negotiable Item Condition: Mint Extra Info: Want to try what many ppl considered end-game headphones. Chesky’s Sensational, Fantastic and Simply Amazing Binarual Sound Show”. Since I build my own cables, I did not order an upgrade cable with my Vérité. The Utopias pure Beryllium driver. Which means, in real terms, while some other flagship cans may edge ahead in limited individual technicalities (and where that’s the case, it’s really not by much), these are what I consider the best overall flagship for enjoying music - and do so at a more approachable price-point that the most immediate competition. The differences between them are more audible than they look in the following frequency-response plots. DUE TO WINTER STORMS IN THE US COURIERS ARE NOT GUARANTEEING ON TIME DELIVERY. Please don't forget to report your post as FOUND when possible. Abyss: The Verite is less bright, and has a better treble response than the Abyss AB-1266 Phi or Diana Phi in my opinion. Rapid, staccato, elements, especially with percussion, demonstrates excellent transient performance with the leading edges of notes and strikes being both ultra-fast and precise, with no sense of overshoot. With “Mining for Gold”, the entry point to “The Trinity Session” (Cowboy Junkies), the flagship ZMF cans render the air and space of the venue, with all of its openness, reverberations and echoes, in a particularly vivid manner. Home Forums > Personal Audio Gear Discussion > Headphones > Don't be a dotard! Timbre here has a natural “rightness” to it. Technicalities: Now, I don’t want this next section to come off as a negative, as the Verite is a $2500ish headphone, not $6000, and is also a completely different driver type than my regular headphones. I find no build up of heat even after hours of continuous listening. A mini-monitor? In the four months since I received my set, these have received a disproportionate amount of my listening time, and quickly established themselves as not only my favorite of Zach’s creations, but one of my favorite headphones ever. Overall, for losing myself in music, my guilty-pleasure is to listen to the Vérité with the “Universe” pads installed. But it doesn’t take Chord’s flagship to make these things sing … I’ve spent plenty of time soaking up the “outdoors” on my deck, with other sources/amps, including the Hugo 2, Sony NM-WM1Z and the Cayin N8 … all of which deliver superlative results here. ZMF Vérité The Vérité is the closest I’ve heard a dynamic driver headphone get to the Utopia. Hello everyone, Thinking to buy my first pair over 3.000$. Rendering of wood-bodied instruments is similarly spot-on in terms of texture, decay, and general “feel”. The Clear is the middle-ground high-end model from Focal, sitting between the (now discontinued) Elear and the Utopia. Bass: The bass on the Verite is full and robust sounding. The Vérité possess some traits that are typical of Zach’s headphones, and which are, I believe, a major factor in why people gravitate towards them so strongly. ZMF has become one of the most well-known names in the head-fi community, producing headphones that sound incredibly good, and perform well above their price tag. The ZMF Vérité is Zach Mehrbach’s latest open-back dynamic-driver headphone offering, and is the current flagship in ZMF’s range. It is almost TOTL IEM-like at times. It is like owning one pair of headphones, with three or more different sound signatures, immediately available via a simple ear pad change. The Sopra No1 is the top half of a Sopra No2 turned upside down and mounted on a dedicated stand. Pads can be leather, suede or hybrid. Headphones: Focal Utopia, Focal Stellia, ZMF Vérité For this review, the Suolo Monos were set at a volume of 25%, and volume control was managed by the Auralic Vega G2 (which has an excellent analogue volume control implementation). Focal describes the Stellia as “very high-end circum-aural headphones…for home and on-the-go use”. Maybe not close enough that these would be what I’d choose to use when assessing an amplifier or DAC’s native tonality, but not that far off, either. ( Log Out /  The standard cable is a simple, but well-built and finished affair, with good flexibility, a proper molded Y-splitter and a soft, smooth, non-microphonic exterior. Secure payments with Credit Card, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and Cryptocurrency. Hi All, Today we are talking about an absolutely phenomenal pair of headphones. Equipment Forums. It is quite palpable and convincing. Zmf Aeolus . This shifts with the pads that are installed, and the differences between the “Universe” (fatter, angled, and pre-installed) pads and the namesake-“Vérité” (thinner and flatter) pads is very obvious, with the “Universe” pads offering a more profound bass delivery (impact and presence) and a little more higher-frequency energy. The HD800S pulls ahead in stage/imaging and can deliver a bit more impact (true of it vs. the Utopia too) - probably due to the larger driver, and maybe a hair more resolution, but the ZMF can is simply a more engaging and enjoyable listen. Focal Utopia + Focal Arche (aided by the $1000 off deal, bringing the Arche to $1500) or. But to my taste, the ZMF Vérité Closed headphones were more naturally focused and inherently musical than any of Focal's premier offerings. The Verite is better suited to the Echo than the Utopia. You can, perhaps, best liken it to the shifts that occur between different concert halls more than any overt delta in the raw presentation of individual musical elements. Pads: Lets talk about Pads! Review By Dave Hanson Since the release of the Focal Utopia back in 2016, the personal audio community has more than a passing curiosity about Beryllium drivers. The ZMF Vérité fall very close to the Utopia in terms of overall performance while delivering what is probably a more broadly agreeable tonality. Item: Focal utopia or zmf verite closed headphones Price Range: Negotiable Item Condition: Mint Extra Info: Want to try what many ppl considered end-game headphones. It is always great to see humble boutique companies produce high-quality artisan products that can compete with those from far larger firms. A) Makes up for lagging behind in terms of technical performance by being supremely listenable and pleasant sounding. I didn’t really find myself needing to EQ up the bass level a few decibels, as I do with some other headphones that have a bit less bass than the Verite in their stock tuning. It is unfailingly engaging, no matter what genre I feed it. Sometimes with the “Universe” pads sounds appear to come from beyond the confines of ones head/ears (this was most notable with Holly Cole’s “Train Song”), and while the stage isn’t as deep vs. the HD800S or something like the Abyss AB-1266 Phi CC, it adds a dimensionality that is quite welcome and not especially common with headphones - even at the flagship level. Der Utopia verfügt über den ersten Breitbandtreiber mit „M“-Profil aus reinem Beryllium, der auf der Rückseite vollständig offen ist. With that mindset, our 365-Day return policy was born and followed up with free, same-day shipping while curating the store to have the best selection possible for our customers. And to put that in perspective, the only other cans I’ve owned two pairs of at the same time are Focal’s Utopia and Sennheiser’s venerable HD650. The Ether 2 have a bit more impact, slam and better bottom-octave linearity for bass-heavy tracks, but the ZMF offer more texture and improved articulation. ZMF Verite Headphones: Open-back vs Closed Review. As I get the opportunity, I will measure other versions and post comparisons in “The HEADPHONE Community” thread for these cans. Incursio Member. ZMF Headphones is a small headphone company based out of Chicago Illinois. This is definitely not the case however, and I think it was just a case of my ears needing time to adjust after listening to headphones with more treble energy for the last 6 months (or however long it has been!) There are no two ways about it, the resolution and detail rendered by the Vérité are excellent; easily the best in the ZMF line-up, and competitive with the likes of Focal’s Utopia or Sennheiser’s HD800S. Be it wavering shifts in pressure holding a string, the emotion-stirred low level tremor or reverberation in a performer’s voice, or subtle shifts in the decay of a drum-skin, all are audible in a way that adds depth and realism to the overall performance and helps these cans deliver a very engaging and emotional connection to a piece. The Focal Utopia has been out now for some time, and when it first came out there was nothing else like it. This lends itself very well to certain kinds of music. Focal is best known as France's leading high-end speaker brand, but starting last year it introduced two spectacular headphones, the Elear and the Utopia. Spirit Torino Twin Pulse Ragnarr. Large dynamic shifts are handled with aplomb, but micro-dynamic resolution are also well tended to and easily resolved. Keeping the driver thin reduces mass and improves responsiveness and acceleration, which leads to better transient response, resolution and dynamics. I slowly got better at using these over time, but they are still fiddly, and could be better. The Verite’s bass response was pretty much perfect, for my ears, in terms of level. I’m not sure. Build quality is great, with different woods options, leather headband and metal yokes. They are comfortable (perhaps a bit heavy, but not overly so) look great, and sound even better. Condition: 10 - Mint (?) They are not only more neutral than the other ZMF headphones I’ve heard, particularly with the Vérité pads installed, but they are the most resolving and detailed as well, while remaining definitively “ZMF”. I didn’t have any problems with squeaking, creaking, and nothing fell apart. This is one of the more viscerally “3D” headphone experiences I’ve had, and one has to look to more expensive, specialty, units to get a similar portrayal. I am listening now. Asking Price: CAD $ 1234.00. Grado SR80e. Now, I didn’t dare take this review pair of Stellias onto the bus or a plane, but it seems that Focal intended to create a pair of headphones that are the best possible option for any possible circumstances – the ultimate pair of headphones. While Utopia remain the most overall technically-capable and resolving dynamic headphone I’ve heard, and just bests the ZMF cans in terms of micro-dynamics, raw detail retrieval and ultimate speed, Zach’s cans are within a point or two of matching them … while retaining a deliciously organic and rich signature and a notably more spacious, dimensional and vivid stage. Item: Focal Utopia Location: Melbourne Price: $3250+postage (RRP $5499) Reasonable offers accepted Item Condition: Excellent condition Reason for selling: Funds needed elsewhere Payment Method: Pickup - Cash, Paypal+3%, COD Only, Direct Deposit Extra Info: Headphones come with all original accessories and packaging. Apr 12, 2020 #477. Focal Utopia. You can read more about their history and origin at their website and on “The HEADPHONE Community” ZMF-thread. I found the Ether 2 to have a notably darker presentation than most cans in its class, and certainly more so than the main point of comparison here. However, a thinner driver will be more prone to deformation in motion as it is less stiff than a thicker one, which results in more distortion. The sliders! Focal Utopia: The Verite garnered a lot of comparisons with the Focal Utopia when it was released, probably due to the mention of Beryllium with regards to its drivers coating vs. A bit more bass, and a bit more treble, whilst having the best impact of the bunch. The Focal Utopia was released a few years ago, and I had listened to it a couple times in the past, although not in the best conditions – either at headphone meetups or in a store. Despite all the wood, metal, and leather design, both of the Vérité models are the lightest in the ZMF line, weighing in at 430 grams (open) and 455 grams (closed) with their stock woods. REVIEW; by Chris Martens; Feb 21st, 2017; A; A; A; The French loudspeaker specialist Focal made its first entry into the headphone market space some years ago with its original Spirit headphone—a design that was later expanded upon to become an entire range of Spirit models. ( Log Out /  Voices have a hint more substance, plucked-strings are a hair sweeter, mournful brass notes ring with a little less sparsity. The treble tuning of the Verite just seems to compliment the rest of the sonic signature well, isn’t offensive and grating on the ears, but is still present enough to bring a very healthy amount of detail to the table. Item #649641362. These are the easiest types of reviews to write, where you really don’t have much in the way of negative news to report. ab-12766 and stax 009. Driver placement was tested in .5mm increments to find the ideal placement and driver angle for the best sound possible. Change ), 64 Audio’s Tia Fourte – A Pure Powerhouse Of An IEM, Abyss Headphones Diana Phi – Video Review, ISN Audio C16 IEM Cable – Initial Impressions, Abyss Headphones Diana – The Original – “The Short Ones”. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. The Verite Open is one of the two ZMF flagships with its Closed variant. Additional calibration is required for its data to be used with Harman research, which is done on a GRAS KEMAR. About Seller: … In general, I think the highest praise a reviewer can give any product is to actually buy the unit under review. In terms of ZMF's lineup, curiously enough, the Auteur would probably come most in-line with my tonal preferences. Zmf Aeolus . Sennheiser HE1. The rich, soft, supple leather pads, especially the “Universe” pads, are quite luxurious, provide an easy and reliable seal, and feel fantastic (other pads are available, will fit many other headphones with a similar, elastic-ring, attachment). sennheiser orpheus 2. The description of “cozy” really fits these headphones. Joined Feb 20, 2020 Messages 57 Likes 94 Location Japan. Focal Utopia Reference: $3990 The fully open-backed, circumaural Focal Utopias are designed around proprietary beryllium-dome full-range drivers that, uniquely, have no voice-coil formers: each coil is fastened directly to its dome, in a … And it's free! The occasional treble-excesses of the Focal Utopia are more pronounced than with these ZMF cans. (For comparison, the Focal Utopia weighs 490 grams.) 112 Strands Pure Silver 7N Litz. The Utopia is the current flagship model from Focal, retailing at $4000. ZMF's new flagship combines stunning resolution with uncompromising musicality. The Verite has its own sound (it is a darker-sounding headphone) and its own coloration and what a seductive coloration it is. If you specify one of the four upgrade cable options at the time of order, you will get both the upgrade cable and the standard cable. Review By Dave Hanson S ince the release of the Focal Utopia back in 2016, the personal audio community has more than a passing curiosity about Beryllium drivers. Have so many doubts, so would like to … ZMF have optimized driver position, as the membrane is recessed and angled further within the cup than any other ZMF dynamic driver headphone. With the advantages of one of audio's most coveted materials at hand, ZMF set out to build a statement flagship with all the speed, … soft TPE textured coating. Actual tonality seemed very even, but still “dark”. But it doesn’t take Chord’s flagship to make these things sing … I’ve spent plenty of time soaking up the “outdoors” on my deck, with other sources/amps, including the. ... and not as comfortable to wear as the Focal Elex or the ZMF Verite, which is in the general ballpark of this headphone in price. For those not already familiar with ZMF Headphones, they entered the market offering highly-regarded wood-cup modifications to well-known headphones like the Fostex T50RP and have progressed from those modified OEM models to offering a full line-up of in-house developed headphones using drivers, chassis and headbands of their own design and build and, of course, continuing the use of artisanal quality wooden cups. I think there is zero chance they would say - Wow this $299 headphone is competitive with the Focal Clear, Utopia, LCD4 etc etc. In the four months of listening time I have on the Vérité, and in comparison to my relatively broad stable of solid headphones, I’ve certainly covered more listening ground than I am here - so feel free to ask for other comparisons/specifics here. for the price a great performer and allways brings a smile on your face. I can’t thank him enough for the opportunity to hear two (Verite, and Eikon) of his headphones for a couple months, and review them. HIFIMAN HE1000 SE. Focal Utopia / 12 June 2020. However, for my ears, and this is just me, it lags behind in terms of raw technical performance vs my Susvara and Abyss headphones. To improve stage and imaging, the drivers are mounted at an angle, effectively “firing back” at the ear, which results in the wave front interacting with the pinnae of the ears in a more speaker-like fashion (the classic Sennheiser HD800 owes much of its impressive stage rendering to the same approach). The bass here is something I would consider to be a “Goldilocks” thing (i.e. Bluedio ufo plus. Final D8000. Now, the Verite, for my personal preferences, is the better headphone. ZMF Vérité Closed, ZMF Wooden Case, Cable Bag, and Warrantee Card. LTD. New 2020/2021 woods available now. At the same time, a quick switch of the pads, and you can nudge the sound back to something closer to reference. ZMF Vérité Over Ear Open Back Headphone Review Technically Glorious! The Verite simply has a much more enjoyable tuning! There … The Utopias pure Beryllium driver. The only thing I would like to see Zach explore in the future is a magnetic attachment system, similar to the Abyss or Meze Empyrean. Indeed, in the “Right Channel ID Test”, as Dr. Chesky walks down and towards you, you are treated to the very definite audio-imagery of him getting closer, both laterally and in terms of depth. The Abyss is still my favourite headphone, but the Verite would make for an awesome accompaniment in any collection. The owner of ZMF headphones, Zach Mehrbach, is…a really nice guy. Specifically, their delivery is slightly warm with some extra tonal “richness”, with a very solid bass foundation, clear and present mid-range, and a little extra sparkle on the top-end - all presented with oodles of detail and texture. What is more interesting, to me, is that the dips and crests visible in these plots do not result in the presentation that I would expect; in actual listening they’re more even (which could be down to artifacts of my measurement rig). I’ll talk about their overall sound signature, then the differences the pads make afterwards. Reply March 4, 2020 Matty Graham. SOLD - WANTED: Focal Utopia, ZMF VERITE Closed, ZMF VERITE Open, Hifiman Arya, NEVE Fidelice . The Universal Leather were a bit more “fun” to listen to. B) Is, again, a much more affordable headphone!!! This will, in many cases, mean being limited to just one pair of headphones and a transportable source/amp.

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