Is The $1600 ZMF Auteur A Waste Of Money?

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Опубликовано:

3 июл 2020

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Комментарии : 104

@jlin5459 4 года назад

I have had my Auteurs for about 3 months now, and it is hard for me to listen to my other headphones. I really love these and they are here to stay in my collection! I got a TOTL tube amp to pair with them and its bliss for me now.

@ATK. 4 года назад

I am really happy you posted this right now, I was about to purchase a pair as a graduation gift for myself since I won’t be able to travel.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Ah, well, happy graduation! You can let 2020 pass you by as you listen to sweet melodies on the Auteur.

@ATK. 4 года назад

No Theme Reviews Thank you!! I really am glad to hear what you had to say about it, just can’t wait to hear or see them, the pictures of others have got me stoked!

@MWeston2 4 года назад

Wow, you do a fantastic comparison video! This is really what it takes to describe the sound: compare it to as much else as you can in hopes that others have those already. I have the VC and I'm starting to like them with the Auteur pads but Zach is going to send me others to try. People should note that the high price tags are not only about the custom builds but also about top notch customer service you'll never see anywhere else. Well done with this video!

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Glad you liked it!

@leonidkim3708 4 года назад

Thank you for review. I had chance to listen Verite vs Auteur side by side with different wood cups material, 5-6 different wood cups. It is a big influence from wood selected. I have noticed the harder wood density, the more accentuated bass and trebles are. The difference was so significant from White ( like yours) to Chocolate wood. So, I have bought Chocolate wood Auteur ( It was not a choice of steel wood at that time- my favourite). I am slightly treble sensitive listener. So. because of that I have replaced Focal Utopia with Elex, LCD4 to LCDX, HD800 to 800S, etc. BTW very nice collection of Headphones and Headphone amplifiers. Been in this hobby long time this is the one of the greatest practical collection I have seen. Well done. Looking forward for more comparison reviews. Regards from NZ, Kim

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Will do, thanks!

@exact3 4 года назад

you articulate really well which makes the idea of the headphone really easy to imagine. good stuff!

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Thanks!

@kato2395 2 года назад

Hi NTR, since there is no footstep count in newlight by kazuki like in your latest videos I find it hard to compare the detail retrieval between this headphone and other headphones. Have you did any footstep count in the ZMF Auteur? If you did, I'd be grateful if you could share the results. Thanks in advance.

@llevine6510 4 года назад

Great review. As Auteur owner, I agree with your review. Can I ask what is your setup(dac/amp) for testing the cans?

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

I used the Monolith THX Desktop and Portable. I think they are both neutral bordering on analytical and provide the best Dac/amp combo for general testing purposes.

@llevine6510 4 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews I'm using the THX AAA 789 as well to power the Auteur, and also a Metrum Acoustics Onyx dac, which is an R2R dac. I went to various shows trying out the ZMF lineups and found their headphones really shine with R2R dacs and morden tube amps for the thicker and more musical sounding

@nmnate 4 года назад

Wow, that's a lot of ZMF headphones. Would be interested to see your thoughts on some of the other headphones you've mentioned at your disposal. I'm sure others would appreciate a comparison too.

@vincenthusvh 3 года назад

The Verité isn't neutral at all. The Auteur is much more neutral, but not as fast and detailed

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

One day I’ll try the Verite myself. It’s sooooo expensive

@giuseppeafellay4855 4 года назад

Great review! I didn't expect an Auteur review to come out at this time haha. I have an Auteur Blackwood as my all around daily driver. They are heavy, and their comfort leaves quite a bit to be desired, but their sound is just beautiful. I really like a natural and neutral signature, so this is perfect for me. It kinda sounds like I am listening to a high end headphone on tubes. Tubes might muddy up details a bit, but when the right tubes are used, they can really add a touch of natural-ness and some pleasant distortion that can really make the sound pleasant. The Auteur is really weird. It doesn't stand out on anything, but I think it's just balanced so well. If I were to own only one headphone, I would be happy to live with this one. I know that some niche genres might pair better with some other more accentuated headphones, but this is just something that works well with pretty much everything. But damn I am also tempted to grab something like a HD800 or a Clear... I think every audiophile should at least 2 headphones, for different genres of music.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Lol, yes. Variety helps. I think the Clear beats the 800s in every regard other than soundstage. You always have to be careful which tracks you're playing on the 800s--that treble spike and sibilance can be hard to bare for lengthy periods on the 800s.

@Wadacup 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews did you make a full review of the Clears?

@thetruth34o9 3 года назад

The Auteur stands out when it comes to timber/natural presentation and overall sound IMO. Listen to mainly Grateful Dead, Phish, other rock/metal so it's the perfect headphone for me.

@njj42 3 года назад

Could you do a Klipsch HP-3 review? Would like to hear your opinion on these underrated headphones!

@johnbradshaw5900 4 года назад

Another great video, one of the things I like about your channel is you are one of the few reviewers that does not assume that headphone performance can be assumed from the price tag. ZMF make a quality product. Whether anything is worth the price is a personal value judgement. My own view is that if you can afford something and truly enjoy it (as opposed to just following trends) then it is worth it to you regardless of what anyone else might say. To be honest I wouldn't spend this much on headphones but I suspect I wouldn't be disappointed if I did buy these whereas I can think of a lot of expensive headphones that I do find disappointing.

@Admajors 4 года назад

If you could pick one other headphone from the current ZMF lineup that would contrast well with the Auteur to give you a good 2 headphone setup on their own, which would you pick? It sounds like the Aeolus fills that role well.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

The Aeolus is my least favorite of ZMF headphones. I’d instead pick the Eikon.

@Natarian86 4 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews Change the pads of the Aeolus to the Universe Perforated Suedes.

@hes182 Год назад

Can i know you take on ZMF atrium and ZMF caldera ?. Im looking for an High end all rounder capable of immersiveness. And for daily music, what would you prefer? 🎧

@shockwave2291 4 года назад

Thanks for the comparisons. If you haven't already, could you do a full review of the Klipsch HP-3 at some point? I've actually been comparing the Klipsch with the Auteur and other ZMF cans for a potential future purchase but there are hardly any reviews for the HP-3 on RU-vid except Zeos' one (which unsurprisingly didn't tell me much lol).

@moondragon5630 4 года назад

He was busy drooling over them so he forgot how they sounded.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Lol. Yes I can do that. Zeos now provides actual sound reviews if you pay him on Patreon. Or at least that’s what I gather. He’s mentioned Patrons having additional content about gear-other than the privilege of buying gear from him he got for free.

@fbi8364 3 года назад

I'm trying to upgrade from my Fidelio X2. Can you tell me your top 5 headphones under $1500 with good dynamics and hard hitting bass? Thanks.

@kato2395 2 года назад

Perhaps you should look into aurorus australis

@shawnpwatsons1 3 года назад

Don't forget about the lifetime warranty...

@ErnestoDelAguilaIII 4 года назад

I have the Auteurs and it sounds so natural to me. Even better when a bought a tube amp. I had a little difficulty with the comfort at first but ZMF has a RU-vid video on adjusting and bending the headband for comfort. that fixed my issues

@humanmale1085 3 года назад

Hi, this review seems to suggest the auteur and aelous are different enough to justify owning both? Is this correct? Ive had the aelous for a few months now, i love it. I use it more than my clears, hd800s and ananda. I want to add another Zmf, thinking the auteur will be good if it offers something fairly different to the aelous.

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

Yes, they are different. Whether you will find Auteur worth the money is a totally different matter. IMO, the Eikon is a bigger deviation from the rest of the ZMF line because of its very smooth presentation.

@humanmale1085 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews thanks. I think i might go with the auteur.

@humanmale1085 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews do you recommend the eikon?

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

@@humanmale1085 Yes. It's one of my favorite headphones.

@fahryst 2 года назад

I didn't know you had Klipsch HP-3. Do you still keep them? I would like to hear your opinion on them.

@NoThemeReviews 2 года назад

Yeah, I still have them. The HP3 are unique. From packaging, to build, to fit, to sound...it's Klipsch's top of the line product. They can be a little bright, but I really enjoy classical and orchestral on them.

@fahryst 2 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews the pair I ordered have just arrived. Like you said I think they are unique and I couldn't pass the chance when a wild pair appeared for sale online :)

@NoThemeReviews 2 года назад

@@fahryst Did you get the headphone stand with your purchase?

@fahryst 2 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews yeah it was a closed box

@d_dude_is_here 2 года назад

Can you give details of your zmf driving chain ? Is there any portable dap / dac amp combo that could drive ZMF headphones, especially the closed back ones like Verite Closed back ?

@NoThemeReviews 2 года назад

It’s not hard to drive, l just like most dynamic drivers. Personally, I don’t hear any difference in performance between the Lotoo Paw S1 and my desktop amps. So, if you’ve got at least as powerful as the S1, you won’t need to buy something specifically for ZMF headphones. And frankly I don’t think you’d complain much if you used it with a dongle Dac like the Zerda.

@d_dude_is_here 2 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews sound quality is good on VC with dongle dacs ?

@d_dude_is_here 2 года назад

I'm already having a xDuoo XD05BAL so i think that would be good for VC ?

@NoThemeReviews 2 года назад

@@d_dude_is_here I can't imagine why the xDuoo wouldn't be sufficient.

@Topophobia 4 года назад

The ZMF depend heavily on an OTL tube amp and some EQ tweaking. My Eikon can sound fairly grainy when not on my desktop system. Off topic - I just got a pair of Audio-Technica ATH-AP2000Ti. You should check 'em out - superbly balanced TOTL closed backs with *exceptional* comfort and build.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Yeah, I've been looking for those on eBay. I'm waiting for a cheaper price at some point.

@Topophobia 4 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews Keep an eye on the classifieds at Head-Fi.

@vincenthusvh 3 года назад

What tube amp do you use?

@leonidkim3708 4 года назад

I think it is good idea to do a video of your headphones and amplifiers (at list once a year upgrade). To give an idea to all subscribers where from your listening experience and judgments came from. You are in very unique position from others youtubers as you can do AB tests, than others do review and send back. At the same time it will show the level of your expertise ( more interesting than look 40 minutes on graphics with your talking- I did it, but hard even for enthusiast like me).

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Thanks. I’ll probably do a year-end roundup as you suggest.

@jestercow 3 года назад

What is that wood on your Eikon??? I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more gorgeous headphone.

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

Camphor Burl LTD. ZMF had only a handful of that wood, and I jumped on it.

@ConsecDesign 2 года назад

i think you might've sold me on the auteurs... great review.

@fighel4127 3 года назад

0:35 I have them now on head lol They're fantastic for low cost (I paid for them $100 for new)

@tareqhaider6327 4 года назад

Your description of Auteur sounds like my HD600.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

There are similarities, but the Auteur's bass presentation is clearer and more neutral.

@turbomustang84 4 года назад

I have bought numerous things from ZMF but not a Headphone yet but Zach is an incredible guy and I'd never say anything he makes isn't worth the money . I just have yet to decided which one I want as of yet

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

It can be fairly difficult. They all have such different tuning.

@gabsriel 4 года назад

1more, you should have changed the earpads ! I'm over-ear now and it even improved the sound !

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

I agree. There are mods you can do. I’ve been planning on doing one for the channel.

@gabsriel 4 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews I have far more the modded 1more than the Aeon on my head... (95% vs 5%)

@darrellharwood6600 4 года назад

I've recently been made aware of the Verite Opens, and almost unanimously when compared to these, they're said to be "better" in every aspect. $1000 more? Well, of course that's subjective and whatnot, but I'm very very very much considering picking up a pair, and relatively soon.

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Ah yes. One day I will buy the Verite and my ZMF folly will be complete. I don’t know why Zach priced it so much more than the rest. It’s a huge turn off.

@darrellharwood6600 4 года назад

The flagship price factor. I have to wait a couple extra months to buy my next headphone because it's $1000 more than what I was going to get (Arya), but I think it'll be with it.

@depauwgerlings 3 года назад

@@darrellharwood6600 are you in Germany?

@darrellharwood6600 3 года назад

@@depauwgerlings No; I'm on the West coast of the U.S.

@ewso100 3 года назад

How do you feel about Vérité open/closed?

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

Unfortunately, I've never heard them. They are on my covet-list.

@humanmale1085 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews hi, how does the Aelous compare to headphones in a similar price like the audeze lcd2 or hifiman ananda or the focal elex? The elex are my daily drivers, im not looking to replace them but add something different, would the aeolus be a good complement to the elex? Thanks

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

@@humanmale1085 That's a very broad question. I don't have the Ananda and can't comment about its performance. The Aeolus is quite different from the Elex and LCD2. The Elex has a treble emphasis, sub-bass roll-off, and neutral mids. In comparison, the Aeolus has more bass, gentler treble, and full, emphasized mids. The LCD2 is similar to the Aeolus, generally speaking. The LCD2 has a dark sound signature, though I'd say its bass is slightly rolled-off compared to the Aeolus. Treble seems similar between the two. Mids seem similar as well, though I think the Aeolus is a bit clearer.

@humanmale1085 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews thanks, that's helpful.

@davidmason8212 3 года назад

Is the auteur sound near to emu teak ?

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

No.

@LakerTriangle 3 года назад

Why have you not done a "Which ZMF Is For You?"

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

That's an entirely subjective question. I can't say which headphone suits which person.

@LakerTriangle 3 года назад

@@NoThemeReviews I get it's subjective, but as someone who has never even heard a ZMF headphone vs someone who has multiple pairs it's extremely informative.

@NoThemeReviews 3 года назад

Fair enough

@pascaljean2333 3 года назад

but the hd6xx is like a vice crushing your head.

@TombstoneTube 3 года назад

Agree about Tyll!

@ezvkm77 3 года назад

They fly and operate as a submarine too.

@gabsriel 4 года назад

Auteur vs Oppo (PM1/2/3) maybe ?

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

PM1, yes.

@ljs508 3 года назад

Yes

@Kianarevision 4 года назад

Lovely post! I hope you'd enjoy my content too. Keep up with your fantastic work!

@NoThemeReviews 4 года назад

Thank you, I will

@konna200 3 года назад

Damn, it is hard to choose about this or Aelous yhyyy i cant! ;D But something good is coming hehee what is not so expensive

@KeenAesthetic1 2 года назад

So Eikons not worth the money, Auteur not waste of money, taste be damned.

@gcb2101 4 года назад

Sigh. Why can't any American reviewer get the pronunciation of "auteur" right.

@Aforgamon 3 года назад

Probably because it's not an English word and it's fairly common for people to mispronounce words from other languages... Clearly not an exclusively "American" thing. I mean, the British have so consistently mispronounced "lieutenant" as "lef-tenant" for so long that they think that's just the correct way to pronounce it. Language has a fluid, ever changing tradition of mispronouncing words until they become the new normal though.

@dnalekaw4699 3 года назад

@@Aforgamon The British have been pronouncing lieutenant as 'lef-tenant' since before the US was a country...

@Aforgamon 3 года назад

@@dnalekaw4699 Which excuses absolutely nothing, especially considering it's a French word.

@dnalekaw4699 3 года назад

@@Aforgamon well by that shitty logic even we pronounce it incorrectly then?

@ruger6049 Год назад

@@Aforgamon LIke, who gives a royal rat's ass?

@brandonbreuer6589 4 года назад

"Greatest headphone reviewer of all time... Tyll" yeah about that...

@kuma-bw1we 3 года назад

Is the Focal Utopia worth $4000? Answer: NO Is the ZMF Auteur worth $1600? Answer: NO Is the Audeze LCD-X worth $1200-$1700? Answer: NO These company are over-charging , over-pricing these products and audiophiles just can't resist the temptation. Crazy! Focal is overpriced, ZMF is overpriced, Audeze is overpriced.

@P1_M1ND 3 года назад

Do better then. Start a business. Build me an artisan, built from scratch headphone that compares to my ZMF’s and price them less and see how long you stay afloat. I’ll be around. Let me know how it goes. Laters

@kato2395 2 года назад

Cope

@ruger6049 Год назад

So is anything Apple. So what? The coffee beans a buy are not worth $18 for a pound but I like it and buy it.