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joshleeche
10
Dec 20, 2017
Could anyone advise where I could go to for a comparison of these against ZMF models? (Ori, Blackwood, Eikon, and Atticus)?
I had been eyeing the E-MU for couple of months and wanted the drop to come soon, but during that time also heard about ZMFs, and now I’m having second thoughts. I realize they are ~2/3x more expensive, but I’d rather pay for one I’ll be happy with for awhile. Planning on trying out the ZMFs at CanJam in NYC, but thought it’d be helpful to read up on some comparisons if possible. Planning on listening to hip hop, edm, classic rock, and alternative. Thanks!
Hesper42
9
Dec 20, 2017
joshleecheI personally own the Teak and the Eikon. I could recommend both, but it depends very much on your subjective sound preference and how you want to use them. First of all, the Eikon is more closed than the Teak (although the negative sonic traits of the closed-back-nature don't seem to be all that big on the Eikon) Basically, the Eikon has more isolation but it is not really intended for mobile use. It simply is too big/heavy in comparison and also needs more juice than the Teak( though you "can" drive them from your phone to sufficient volume )
In terms of comfort I actually preferred the Eikon out of the box. Pads and headband were more comfortable. on the Teak I would definately recommend considering some good pads and probably a headband too in the budget.
In terms of sound: First of all the frequency response is quite different. the Teak is u-shaped vs the warm/neutral nature of the Eikon
Bass on both headphones (esp. sub bass) is strong and high quality. To me the Eikon was more defined and had less bloat into the midrange, was faster although with hip-hop and edm this might not be a big deal on the Teak. Both great overall.
mids go to the Eikon, they do remind me more of the Senns here. more refined, realistic, smooth.
Highs technically to the Eikon but here is where I found personal preference plays a big role. The Teaks are more clear/airy but this came at the cost of some sibilance, I even Eq'd the highs of the Eikons slightly but the peaks aren't nearly as bothersome as the Teak.
Yes you get more refinement with a totl headphone like the Eikon but the Teaks are no slouch at all. Look at the FR graphs to get some idea of the potential peaks that you are sensitive to. Do you want a more open/closed HP? Is weight/portability a criteria? how easy/hard to drive should they be? If you want that reference sound with some warmth Eikon is great. The Teaks are more "exciting".
the other ZMFs (maaybe excluding blackwood which is more akin to the Eikon) are also warm headphones but with a substantially subdued response in the highs (for audiophile headphones anyway and it doesnt mean they lack detail there) more akin to the hd 650. There is a quite a big sonic difference between them and the Foster headphones like the Teaks.
If you are not sure what your preferred sound signature is then the ZMF dynamics would be quite a financial investment just to test that. But if you are looking for a closed headphone and do like a warmer, smooth sound with some subdued highs and great mids the ZMFs are hard to beat.
joshleeche
10
Dec 20, 2017
Hesper42Wow thank you so much for putting in the time for such an insightful response.
As little more background, I‘m a newb, and currently have the HD6XX AND Beyer DT 1990 Pro, listening through Audio gd R2R 11. Thought they’d be good entry into the game. The Beyer, I mostly got it cause I’m planning on starting a YouTube channel and thought it’d be a versatile set of cans for video sound monitoring and listening to music with little better detail than that of HD6XX. I do like the Senn for just kicking back and listening to music without wanting to get all analytical about all the things I’m hearing (which I also enjoy). I do like how the Beyer gives me more details, clarity, little larger sound stage, but find the vocals a bit receded so mainly use it for instrumentals. Hence, I’m also in the market for a set of open cans as well (Which I also hope to explore more at CanJam).
I really listen to all genres, and the reason I mentioned the genres above were based on an assumption that I’d get better bass for those types of music with closed cans.
And yeah, I don’t have a preferred sound signature. Not only due to lack of experience and knowledge, but I suspect I may never be able to quite say because I love variety and experiencing different things.
If I may ask one follow up question, could you advise on when you choose to listen to the teak over the Eikon (or vice versa)?
thanks again for your help!
Hesper42
9
Dec 21, 2017
joshleecheFunny to hear the word Newb together with that setup. ^^
i imagine you are lookin at the ZMF and foster offerings because of the superior bass and isolation in comparison to your open cans then.
I found for me at least that both headphones have pleasing bass but the faster, tighter bass of the eikon did it for me on most genres. same as you i listen to a varied music library and I found that the Eikon does a better job here as an allrounder, especially if we are talking well recorded music, where it is simply amazing.
Another big reason why I mostly use the Eikon now is the isolation. Before I reached for the Teak whenever i wanted some isolation and that bass impact for some genres but usually stuck with my open cans. Now the Eikon fulfills that role better for me. i seldom use the Teak now, usually when I don't want to sacrifice sound when i am away from home but now I am also thinking about selling them to save up for higher end in ears just for that purpose.
with your good setup already I would recommend saving up for the 1000 dollar category personally as that would be a bigger "upgrade" as opposed to more of a sidegrade but if you like a v shaped response in a somewhat portable form factor the Teaks I can recommend wholeheartedly still.
just for reference my current personal preference is to have an open analytical pair (Hd800 SDR, substantial EQ) an open pair for enjoyment/vocals (HD 6XX/600[still haven't decided on 1]) and a (mostly) closed pair for enjoyment(Eikon Cherry) as I personally, if I want to go for an analytic pair, would always go with open.
joshleeche
10
Dec 21, 2017
Hesper42Thanks again for your input! Yeah, I feel like it won’t take me very long to look for the next step up if I were to get the Teak (which by most accounts I realize is no slouch). Looks like I’ll have a work cut out for me at CanJam, though I realize it’s probably not the best venue to test headphones with all the stuff going on with a large crowd, but with a 2 month old baby, a busy job, and a wife who works the weekends, I can’t go to local meets (Whereas I can get a pass for a Saturday off ^_^). Have high hopes for the Eikon (though I wouldn’t be surprised if I end up liking the Atticus). Hopefilly Zach brings his recommended OTL amps to the show as well as a tube amp is also on my future shopping list. similar to you thinking my end game open cans will be most neutral and analytical of my final arsenal, but I’ll go in with an open mind. Thanks again!
lastflowers
8
Feb 27, 2018
Hesper42Thanks for these responses. Helped me navigate the closed can field :)
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