Compared Classic Auteurs to my OG Blackwoods at a recent CanJam. Classics seemed a bit more polite, balanced, more resolution. Atrium Jr. OG Auteur more dynamic, more open, more colored, lively. If I hadn’t listened back to back. The Atrium is a true upgrade on either Auteur. Finesse, resolving, balance, insight, layering , refined - especially Blackwood Atriums which just is pure music almost no ambient cup effects. Great to hear in person! Another Verite owner friend was really impressed by the classic. To me, the classic is a new headphone based on a new 40mm diver. I love zmf and Zach is an artist. We’re lucky to benefit from his vision and talents! ✨🙏✨🎧✨
Just got mine... I never knew such sound quality could be possible. Played Portishead - the Rip, nearly shed a tear. It feels like the vocals are in my ear. Every sound is perfectly soft, crisp, warm, sweet. It just hits the right spot with nearly every sound. I am not a bass guy though to be fair, so can't speak to using it for that. It's perfect if you love vocals I think. Yes just a heavenly, angelic mid range.
Hey Man, another spot on impressions video. I recently took a leap of faith and bought a stabilized Auteur Classic from the ZMF HOT CUP SUMMER PT II. I was basically blown away by the AC sound signature. I never heard the the OG Auteur... but I liked the AC more than my VC to the point I sold my VC. I think those looking to dip their toes into the ZMF universe should check out the Auteur Classic. I just prefer the AC as a good All Rounder which really performs well on genre's I listen to most like Hard Rock and Classic Metal(Maiden, Priest, Dio, AC/DC, Scorpions) where the Bass can dig deep when called for. And like you said it's also a good Gaming and Movies/TV watching headphone. So it's like a Triple threat type headphone. For me to sell my VC which I liked a lot tells you how much I'm digging the Auteur Classic. Zach has another winner btw... the stabilized Auteur Classic I bought are called the Jericho and you can actually see them on the ZMF UA-cam channel. It's the still shot for the video called "ZMFheadphones HOT CUP SUMMER PT DEUX". It's a mostly Blue with Yellow/Gold type funky mix going on. I like the look of these a lot. The ZMF headphones are way hotter looking in person ua-cam.com/users/ZMFheadphonesvideos
This review is spot on. I owned the Auteur OGs thinking it would correct some stuff I heard in the Eikons. It turned out to be a different animal. The midrange was probably the best I had ever heard in a headphone. And I used to own bass light and Heavy MDR-R10s while using a Cary 300 SEI for amplification. My set up is way way more humble now, its just to give you an understanding of how good I feel the midrange on the OG Auteurs are. My problem with the Auteur OGs was they had like no drive or PRaT. It was just a flowery soup of colorful music but no foundation or drive. Perhaps coming off of the Eikon exasperated that. As you said they are more balanced, the highs are tamed (not that I thought it needed that but its true. Its probably just the distance increase from the driver) and definitely has better bass slam, texture and PRaT. I would probably prefer these to the VO but it would be from memory and I have not tried the Atrium or the VC. Im pretty sure I would prefer the Atriums from TE's comments. Thanks for the great review.
Great review! Always chill and enjoyable, almost like a chat with a friend. :) Having the Aeolus myself (and you are one of the culprit, since your videos inspired me to buy them), it would be great if you could express some thoughts about the differences compared to the Auteur classics. I love the Aeolus but I'm very curious to try something more technical from ZMF (I also have a pair of Arya Stealth).
The Auteur Classics are a nice compliment to the Aeolus! Honestly a fantastic alternative as it is a bit more technical while still having lovely lows/mids(strength)/highs. The Auteur Classic is to me is closer to the Ateiums sound signature and a very enjoyable headphone. If I didn’t have the atriums I’d have gotten the Auteur Classic. Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it!
Might be the most immersive for gaming? The original Auteur was my target ZMF to own, though in the end I go for the more bassy Atticus because currently most of my headphones are either neutral or bright. I wanted something different. But at the same time I am still looking for the most immersive headphone for gaming which I haven't really found since Philips Fidelio X2. This might be it?
I mean I found it to be one of the better ones for gaming with… but it depends on what you are playing… if you’re playing competitive fps I’d go with a pair of hd800s … if you are playing mostly single player games then I found the Auteur Classics to be awesome. They weren’t too shabby at competitive FPS either. But, that’s my experience with them…
Cool nice vid, already decided these are gonna be my first ZMF’s with a possible tube amp in my future too. I assume these sound great on tubes? Excellent work, looking forward to your next review.
I’d go with the classics over the HD800 personally… especially with hip hop! The classics have more low end energy and are generally a warmer sounding headphone, which helps elevate the engagement with the hip hop genre and honestly everything else ha!
@@mariodrv I am using a Spring3KTE -> ECP T4/Phonitor XE... but I swap in a couple different amps here and there and listen off my Chord TT2 as well =) I currently have two VOs lol ZMF signature and aesthetics are my favorites!
is the the auteur classic more in parallel with focal's clear or mg? i imagine the auteur classic would have a bigger soundstage and decay tho.... also waiting for your 1st impression on the caldera, cheers!!! :)
I’d say the Clears and Clears MG are faster and brighter than the Auteur Classic. Stage is bigger on the Auteur’s and imaging is probably better on the clears but not by much. Caldera is up next!
I was trying to create a drinking game where you take a shot every time I said Fantastic ;) lol... I tend to say it a lot ha... 😅... need to work on that for my next video... one of the problems of not scripting I guess ha
@@TylersEclectic no worries, I think your thoughts went through no problem, and I appreciate your honesty. You did fan... tastic! P.S.: I will use this review for my next drinking game!
@@asplmn this Auteur Classic is a strong contender for my favorite… but the Atrium is right there… though can get a bit too bright in the highs in comparison to the Classics
Personally, so take with grain of salt… but I went with the Bokeh’s… Bokeh’s are a better all around headphone that deftly maneuvers through most music genres… balanced and natural sounding. Auteur Classics are very similar, but more mids focused and shine best with songs/genres with more mids focused signatures… that being said… I found them to be excellent in all genres, but feel the Bokeh edges them out in being more versatile in my music listening… Just my opinion, hopefully you can get ear time with both to get a better understanding of how you would like each of them
@ Atrium opens are better across the board regarding capabilities/technical performance… Bokeh’s are just good though and cost half as much… so really just depends on how much you’re willing to pay for better performance in your audio gear :)
Compared Classic Auteurs to my OG Blackwoods at a recent CanJam.
Classics seemed a bit more polite, balanced, more resolution. Atrium Jr.
OG Auteur more dynamic, more open, more colored, lively.
If I hadn’t listened back to back.
The Atrium is a true upgrade on either Auteur. Finesse, resolving, balance, insight, layering , refined - especially Blackwood Atriums which just is pure music almost no ambient cup effects.
Great to hear in person!
Another Verite owner friend was really impressed by the classic.
To me, the classic is a new headphone based on a new 40mm diver.
I love zmf and Zach is an artist.
We’re lucky to benefit from his vision and talents! ✨🙏✨🎧✨
Concur!
Just got mine... I never knew such sound quality could be possible. Played Portishead - the Rip, nearly shed a tear. It feels like the vocals are in my ear. Every sound is perfectly soft, crisp, warm, sweet. It just hits the right spot with nearly every sound. I am not a bass guy though to be fair, so can't speak to using it for that. It's perfect if you love vocals I think. Yes just a heavenly, angelic mid range.
This! Ha! If you live vocals and midrange Auteurs are the way!
Looking forward to getting ears on these. Cool gaming footage.
Hey Man, another spot on impressions video. I recently took a leap of faith and bought a stabilized Auteur Classic from the ZMF HOT CUP SUMMER PT II. I was basically blown away by the AC sound signature. I never heard the the OG Auteur... but I liked the AC more than my VC to the point I sold my VC. I think those looking to dip their toes into the ZMF universe should check out the Auteur Classic. I just prefer the AC as a good All Rounder which really performs well on genre's I listen to most like Hard Rock and Classic Metal(Maiden, Priest, Dio, AC/DC, Scorpions) where the Bass can dig deep when called for. And like you said it's also a good Gaming and Movies/TV watching headphone. So it's like a Triple threat type headphone. For me to sell my VC which I liked a lot tells you how much I'm digging the Auteur Classic. Zach has another winner
btw... the stabilized Auteur Classic I bought are called the Jericho and you can actually see them on the ZMF UA-cam channel. It's the still shot for the video called "ZMFheadphones HOT CUP SUMMER PT DEUX". It's a mostly Blue with Yellow/Gold type funky mix going on. I like the look of these a lot. The ZMF headphones are way hotter looking in person
ua-cam.com/users/ZMFheadphonesvideos
Nice! That is a beautiful set!!
We definitely line up in your thoughts, very cool. Excellent video man. Love the ninja turtle in the background!
This review is spot on. I owned the Auteur OGs thinking it would correct some stuff I heard in the Eikons. It turned out to be a different animal. The midrange was probably the best I had ever heard in a headphone. And I used to own bass light and Heavy MDR-R10s while using a Cary 300 SEI for amplification. My set up is way way more humble now, its just to give you an understanding of how good I feel the midrange on the OG Auteurs are. My problem with the Auteur OGs was they had like no drive or PRaT. It was just a flowery soup of colorful music but no foundation or drive. Perhaps coming off of the Eikon exasperated that. As you said they are more balanced, the highs are tamed (not that I thought it needed that but its true. Its probably just the distance increase from the driver) and definitely has better bass slam, texture and PRaT. I would probably prefer these to the VO but it would be from memory and I have not tried the Atrium or the VC. Im pretty sure I would prefer the Atriums from TE's comments.
Thanks for the great review.
Thank you! This is a great post on your experience! Love it! The more information out there the better!
Cheers!
@@TylersEclectic Thank you for all your info! Im just piggy backin!
Great review! Always chill and enjoyable, almost like a chat with a friend. :)
Having the Aeolus myself (and you are one of the culprit, since your videos inspired me to buy them), it would be great if you could express some thoughts about the differences compared to the Auteur classics. I love the Aeolus but I'm very curious to try something more technical from ZMF (I also have a pair of Arya Stealth).
The Auteur Classics are a nice compliment to the Aeolus! Honestly a fantastic alternative as it is a bit more technical while still having lovely lows/mids(strength)/highs. The Auteur Classic is to me is closer to the Ateiums sound signature and a very enjoyable headphone. If I didn’t have the atriums I’d have gotten the Auteur Classic.
Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it!
Might be the most immersive for gaming? The original Auteur was my target ZMF to own, though in the end I go for the more bassy Atticus because currently most of my headphones are either neutral or bright. I wanted something different. But at the same time I am still looking for the most immersive headphone for gaming which I haven't really found since Philips Fidelio X2. This might be it?
I mean I found it to be one of the better ones for gaming with… but it depends on what you are playing… if you’re playing competitive fps I’d go with a pair of hd800s … if you are playing mostly single player games then I found the Auteur Classics to be awesome. They weren’t too shabby at competitive FPS either. But, that’s my experience with them…
thanks for sharing man@@TylersEclectic
Can't wait to hear your thoughts on their planar
Up next!
@@TylersEclectic YES!!!!!!
Cool nice vid, already decided these are gonna be my first ZMF’s with a possible tube amp in my future too. I assume these sound great on tubes? Excellent work, looking forward to your next review.
I used mostly tubes when using them! ZMF and tubes are peanut butter and chocolate!
What’s your thoughts on the classics vs HD 800s ?? Which one would you recommend if I listen to hip hop. (Mac miller, capital steez, Tupac)
I’d go with the classics over the HD800 personally… especially with hip hop! The classics have more low end energy and are generally a warmer sounding headphone, which helps elevate the engagement with the hip hop genre and honestly everything else ha!
dope video!
Thanks bro!… whoa! You have some awesome videos! Cheers!
I very much like the look of ZMFs, but i am never convinced enough to pull the trigger on em...
They are a hefty investment for sure! But if not obvious… I love them ha!
Get a used Verite Open now that the Atrium and Caldera hypetrains are on full pull and report back to this thread.
Whats your chain by the way?
Get the auteur classic. You can’t go wrong with this one.
@@mariodrv I am using a Spring3KTE -> ECP T4/Phonitor XE... but I swap in a couple different amps here and there and listen off my Chord TT2 as well =)
I currently have two VOs lol ZMF signature and aesthetics are my favorites!
@@TylersEclectic I meant the op, but ok. :)
Super Duper 🤩
Damn bro, your Atriums are sick!!!
Great job on the review. Whats the rest of your chain?
I use a mix of amps… but my main chain of listening for this was Spring3 KTE->ECP T4/Phonitor XE
I use flac or Qobuz lossless streaming as well
Yo HeadKarma! Your interviews are dope as well - pushed me to buy my VOs!
I don’t watch other peoples reviews until I put my video out… just watched yours! Awesome sauce! Looks like we aligned a lot with our thoughts!
@@jparafina1 thanks Jay! Much appreciated
yea those Atriums are from another world
is the the auteur classic more in parallel with focal's clear or mg? i imagine the auteur classic would have a bigger soundstage and decay tho.... also waiting for your 1st impression on the caldera, cheers!!! :)
I’d say the Clears and Clears MG are faster and brighter than the Auteur Classic. Stage is bigger on the Auteur’s and imaging is probably better on the clears but not by much.
Caldera is up next!
Review in a nutshell: fantastic! 🤣
Thank you for the review 🙌
I was trying to create a drinking game where you take a shot every time I said Fantastic ;) lol... I tend to say it a lot ha... 😅... need to work on that for my next video... one of the problems of not scripting I guess ha
@@TylersEclectic no worries, I think your thoughts went through no problem, and I appreciate your honesty. You did fan... tastic!
P.S.: I will use this review for my next drinking game!
Very nice. Like those raid weapons, I bet they sound beauty with those cans.
Need to record the next raid ha! Still need to look into the best way to do so
@@TylersEclectic which ZMF can is your favorite for gaming?
@@asplmn this Auteur Classic is a strong contender for my favorite… but the Atrium is right there… though can get a bit too bright in the highs in comparison to the Classics
@@TylersEclectic even just 20 minutes of shadow play should get you some good footage.
@@demijebus6831 but, then people would know my carry group🫣😅
2 years later, I’m between buying these or the new Bokehs
Personally, so take with grain of salt… but I went with the Bokeh’s…
Bokeh’s are a better all around headphone that deftly maneuvers through most music genres… balanced and natural sounding.
Auteur Classics are very similar, but more mids focused and shine best with songs/genres with more mids focused signatures… that being said… I found them to be excellent in all genres, but feel the Bokeh edges them out in being more versatile in my music listening…
Just my opinion, hopefully you can get ear time with both to get a better understanding of how you would like each of them
@@TylersEclecticWhat are your thoughts on Bokeh closed vs Atrium open?
@ Atrium opens are better across the board regarding capabilities/technical performance… Bokeh’s are just good though and cost half as much… so really just depends on how much you’re willing to pay for better performance in your audio gear :)
U make me wanna grab my cc and get some auteurssss
lol 😆 do what makes sense to you ha! HI-Fi responsibly lol 😆
those atriums..... hnng