Great and thorough review Lachlan! I’ve mentioned it before, but I really love my Auteur Classics. I have tubes dialed into my tube amp that enhance that sense of forward depth (in the ZMF Pendant SE), and I think they’re now really fantastic in that regard, whereas in my old amp that forward depth was indeed missing. I chose them over the Arya Stealth and Atrium for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Great work as always!
My 2 favorite headphones are my Stabilized Auteur Classic and HE1000v2 Stealth. Both are 2K or less proving you don't have to spend 6 Grand on a headphone. Been there done that. Not worth the extra $$$. Nice one Lachlan 🍻 PS- The AC are really good gaming headphones too. Comfort is not an issue whatsoever playing new Zelda for hours
My only issue with the Auteur Classics is that on all sources, on all my amps, they're decidedly better (to me) at higher volume than lower volume. The only reason that's an issue is that in my middle agedness I much prefer lower volume listening, which is probably why I tend to reach for the 109 pro more than the Auteurs for general listening. However at volume, for pretty much all my soundtrack listening, the Classics dominate my usage time. I think you nailed their character with this review so nothing I can add there. They're the best sounding open back I've heard if you want something sounding "natural" or "organic". I don't know what people mean by "accurate" but they tend to be less colored than most of collection but have body, heft, mass, however you want to phrase it rather than being a lean and clean dynamic. I don't know that they'll convert a planar enthusiast. The Arya is an amazing price to performance choice with better extension in both directions. I don't know that it has the "soul" of the Auteur however but that'll come down to what genres a person enjoys. It's an easy, easy recommendation for a dynamic headphone enthusiast. As an avid pad roller I've had 0 inclination to touch the stock pads. I have a stabilized version which are a bit weighty, fairly weightier than my Eikon or my old Aeolus. So might be worth considering if folks love the look of the stabilized releases but struggle with a heavier can. I think for folks that adore the 650/6xx and want to know where they can go from there ---> Auteur
Great thoughts that seem spot on to what I think about the 660S2 with a filter I really like with hqplayer. Once you find something that sounds natural and has good layering to the sound, i do think you need it to be at a dynamic volume. Which doesn’t mean I turn it up super loud, but I think it makes sense that more natural sound would need to be louder to sound complete so to speak. Where a more exciting but perhaps less natural or accurate headphones probably can be more enjoyable at lower volumes or with random things happening during the day. I’m sure I would love what you have too. Would be interesting how much better they truly are when using my hqplayer setup, but it is a lot more cash , ha. I will definitely consider it though. Thanks for sharing!
Very good point about wanting the lower volume. But most HP's with an Impedance of 300 ohm are going to need to be driven harder and will sound better on the Higher volume/gain settings. But I get your point. The one thing I like about the AC at higher volumes compared to other HP's I've had is they don't get harsh in the treble hurting my ears
I've always been a quiet listener, even in my teens and 20's, so despite my treble sensitivity the 109 Pro seems like it might work for me. Will they pair ok with a Topping DX3 Pro+? I plan to use it on my desk as the foundation for eventually doing things like near field listening with my Emotiva B1+ and trying out different dacs using its headphone amp only mode. I'm still not sure if higher end headphones is for me but I want to at least get a glimpse of what's possible but I may have the wrong expectations about what's possible tbh. So far I've only had my HD560S plugged into my ES100 Bluetooth dongle. I'm looking for what I call a "sonic Swiss army knife" because I want to listen to everything from cathedral sized pipe organs and orchestras to pop, rock, and rap. I can always get better suited headphones for specific genres later if I decide to stay in this hobby. I also don't want to dissect my music, I want to experience it. As long as I can get a sense of space and sounds don't smear together on busy tracks, I'll be happy. I was just about to get the Edition XS with the Topping, because I was hoping planar drivers would give me the performance I was seeking but I can get the 109 Pro as an open box special for $650. I apologize for such a long post but I'm at a loss for what to do.
@@JTB-- 100%, there's no harshness that I can hear from the Auteur and let me be clear that you are rewarded for listening louder, it's just that lower level listening is safer and more conducive to continuing to enjoy the investments I've made in this hobby lol. I think it's also worth noting that while the Auteur is not the final word in resolution, you do not really pay a steep tax for having that less harsh treble. There's plenty of details that the Auteur can pull out and display in the mix. But again, a little more volume bring that stuff into focus in my usage.
@@spamcan9208 very hard not to recommend the 109 Pro and it will almost certainly not be picky with your sources given how easy they are to drive. You may want to consider something a bit smoother or more calm in the treble over time if you find them a bit harsh. But you'd only need like a Cayin RU6 or a modi multibit. I like pad swapping the 109 but I'm also a nutbar in that regard. I find adhering ZMF pads really, really compliments the 109 but they're perfectly fine stock as well. I think they can benefit from a warmer/lusher source but again, they're so easy to drive there's no need to spend big money to do so. A Zen DAC would be more juice than you'd ever need, unbalanced at that, or an OG Mojo which have really dropped in pricing on the used market.
Nice choice in general, but beware - the 109 Pro takes a bit more to upgrade from it. The Auteur Classic is an outstanding headphone, but more of a sidestep than an upgrade from the 109 I'd say
@@PassionforSound What would you consider an actual 109 Pro upgrade then? I was thinking of getting a 109 Pro, currently have a HD600. Just exploring my options. Thanks for the content!
I think you'd have to go up to something like an Arya Stealth or even a ZMF Vérité or Atrium to improve on the 109 Pro. Some might prefer the Focal Clear (OG or MG) too
great review as always! but im wondering however how the Auteur Classics would fair with pad swaps could it fix any of its short comings? any noteworthy experiences with that?
The autuer classic has solid titan mesh on it, so you can remove it and use lesser titan mesh or have zero titan mesh to make it more exciting. It also responses well to using many of our pads in perforated fashion. Personally I always like the auteur lamb or the more recent Caldera full perf best.
There you go! An answer from the man himself 🙂 I didn't actually try pad rolling the Auteur Classics because I didn't feel like they needed any alteration - they're great as they are
Had original Auteur. Very very good headphones. Great tonality very good build quality and look. It had just a bit too much mid bass hump and subbass slightly rolled off. Another drawback was with orchestral music. It could kinda lost during busy passages. Anyway it was like a hd 600/650 but slightly better.
I was surprised that these are quite differently tuned (based on memory of the OG Auteur). I hear the Atrium as being more similar to the OG Auteur and the Auteur Classic as being a new tuning that's more neutral and very enjoyable in its own way.
I demoed the original Auteur and was blown at how natural it sounds. I am still saving up and contemplating whether to get the Auteur Classic or Sony MDR-Z1R though, I think both of them excel in different specialties. Auteur in timbre and MDR-Z1R in bass slam and space recreation, I think. Though, if I win a lottery I will definitely get both!
As an owner of the classics, they are amazingly royal and honest. Great sense of depth. They just sound so good! Kind of like the Caldera it's hard to explain. They just sound great.
Are you saying the Auteurs are my endgame? If so, that's not the case. I really like them for editing/mixing/video calls, but they're not endgame for me.
@@PassionforSound the 5 different nozzles change the treble accentuation to a 5db difference, I ended up using the stock nozzle, but the options are great :) I can also recommend softears liquid silicone tips for the AMT16.
I have yet to hear a headphone with a tonality that I like better than the auteur (or even as good) I do agree about the sense of depth compared to the atrium or utopia, but I wouldn’t say they’re totally flat. Just not quite flagship level
I don't think any headphone is completely flat, even the dedicated studio ones, but the Auteur Classics do a great job of getting close and still being enjoyable
Thanks for the review. I'm really on the fence with the AC or Atrium, it will be a blind buy so I feel the AC is a bit safer choice with it being more natural. But the improved sound stage, depth, and details of the Atrium are something I value in a headphone. I wish there was a headphone with the naturalness of the AC with the technicalities of the Atrium..lol
Yeah, that's tough. In some ways, the Verite Open is a little more neutral, but it's still not as flat as the Auteur Classic. Good luck with your decision!
Personally I found that the tuning with the stock pads was a little mid forward, but that's easy to fix since there's a ton of pad options and I immediately found a pad that I liked thanks to the ZMF pad chart. I got my eye on the Classic but I need to figure out how much I'd have to invest into amplification to make it really sing first.
Massdrop ZDT or the Cayin HA6 for solid state are both wonderful not to crazy price options. The key is having something that has a higher than 1 impedance out to have that diversity of sound, so you can use low or high impedance.
@@PassionforSound It was a perforated Suede pad for the Caldera. I only had the Caldera pads on hand to try and I went with the one that matched the stock pads the closest in looks/material. I haven't tried any of the other Auteur pads, I should try those as well.
Initially I was thinking of getting the Edition XS and Topping DX3 Pro+ as a hifi starter kit, so to speak. I don't yet know if saving up money to pursue higher end audio is going to give me what I'm looking for and it seems there is at least some consensus this will give me an idea of what's possible. However I've been very interested in the 109 Pros since release as they seem to be the "sonic Swiss army knife" I've been searching for. I can get them for $650 as an open box special, making them even more compelling. I'm treble sensitive but I also listen at low volumes, so I'm hoping this will work in my favor. Can a good dynamic driver keep up with a planar driver on busy tracks? I don't want to dissect my music but I also want to be able to pick out and follow along with instruments in an orchestra/band on stage or other sounds that catch my interest. Mainly though I'm getting these to relax after physical therapy or when I'm having a painful day. This will be a gift to myself after making it through my 4th back surgery. I think I deserve something nice after the absolute hell I've gone through lol.
Not heard a Dynamic that betters a decent Planar since I started the headphones rabbit hole .. my advice go to a good dealler with plenty of time , lots of music you know well and plenty of coffee ... the law of diminshing returns will become pretty apparent after a while .. but it depends on where you want to compromise .. and Planars need a good amp ... relaxing decent sound ... HD650 ... but again ... get a good amp to drive it fully ..
Fastest dynamic imo is the Focal Utopia, it can eat any busy tracks for breakfast but the trade-off is it's limited sound stage... but the dynamics and slam it gives are both exciting and tiring... the opened box 109 is definitely a good buy into this blackhole hobby
I think planars do generally seem to perform better in many cases, but beating the 109 Pro for anything under about $1500 (RRP, not including sales, etc.) is very difficult regardless of planar/dynamic. A Meze 109 Pro with a Geshelli A3 Pro amp will blow almost anything under $2.5k out of the water IMO
Oh wow what a review! Thank you for this! I bought the peacocks last year coz of you😂 and also it was on big discount. Anyways, thank you for your informative reviews. I want to upgrade my dac and amp. What would you recommend? I lean towards “airy” presentation with some good bass punch.
With that budget, something like the Burson Conductor GT would be brilliant. Alternatively, you could go with a Chord Qutest and a great amp like an SPL Phonitor XE or Burson Soloist GT
Sadly, yes I do. I was watching my views and my channel growth dwindle (from +700 subscribers per month down to 300 subscribers per month) while using my old, direct titles like "ZMF Auteur Classic Review". Sadly, RUclips bases its recommendations to people on what others have clicked on. If I don't do something to get people to click my videos instead of the 1000s of others they can choose from, my channel gets lost under the pile. It's not how I like to do it, but it's a necessity or the channel will fold (it's been a close call lately)
I don't understand how the cable can alter the sound, but thanks for the review; a headphone I might consider in the sales ✌🎧👍 There is no correlation between price & quality in audio.
@@PassionforSound I hesitate to buy them I don t know how their instrument separation compares to the usual studio headphones from Sennheiser and Bryer..
It really depends on what you're looking for. Tonal accuracy and instrument separation are often at odds because there are some tuning tricks that are often used to improve instrument separation, but these will result in less natural tonality.
My favorite headphone is the auteur. This one is everything I liked about the original but better. Endgame material, no shrillness or harshness, no sibilance, great timbre, fuller sound. If people really want something that sounds NATURAL they should try this headphone.
I think the Atrium damping system really does help them along with the new driver compared to the original, but I do know a few owners who either kept both or like the OG better because of some of the nuances.
I haven't tried the Aeolus, but I'd take the Auteur Classic over the HEK Stealth for the simple reason that I don't enjoy the amount of treble the Stealth delivers. It's the better headphone technically IMO, but less enjoyable to my ears.
@@PassionforSound Not a fan of the treble myself either but i read somewhere the Stealth could be better if i use it for gaming also? Haven´t seen much love for teh ZMA´s in general for gaming, is that the case or could they do good? Thanks a lot for your answers btw.
I wouldn't choose the Auteur Classic sfor gaming because their staging is fairly flat so you'll have trouble guaging distances of sounds. The Stealth is probably preferable for gaming.
I recently bought the Hifiman 400i (2020 version). I think it has near perfect sound. Are there any owners or previous owners of my headphone, that can tell me a headphone to hear that would make me change my opinion of the 400i being near perfect, and in what ways? Please go into enough detail that I will understand. Thanks.
The 400i is nice for sure. As to what will be even better, that depends on your tastes. The 400i is a bit leaner than neutral so this might mean that your tastes are for that leaner, more detailed sound. Perhaps though, if you try something with a bit more bass extension and presence (e.g. Meze 109 Pro) you'll decide you prefer that (or maybe you won't - that's all part of the fun). See if you can do some auditioning somewhere at a retailer or a Hifi show. That's the best way to really know what's better for you.
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the help. Really appreciate it. Going from Grado SR 80 (original; no suffix) to 400i 2020, there was more bass extension and warmth, cleaner, quicker and more transparent, even with the added warmth which often works at odds with transparency. I hear a little peak somewhere in maybe the upper midrange, and when I go a notch above slightly loud, I hear strain and a fuzzy character. I like them but maybe something without the peak and sounding strained when played louder.
Maybe check out the Meze 109 Pro if you get a chance. Very linear bass with excellent extension and amazing detail retrieval. Some people find the treble a bit peaky, but I personally love them
After all these months of watching you. You have had all kinds of top of the line headphones come and go but you have yet to get your hands on the lcdx.
They're actually not, which surprised me a bit. I think the OG Auteurs were definitely similar to the Atriums, but the Auteur Classics have tilted more neutral (and are excellent)
The lie I was referring to is the colouration of most headphones compared to the neutrality/naturality of the Auteur Classic. It's a bit of hyperbole for sure, but not untrue 😉
@@PassionforSound, incidentally, “Arya” contains but TWO syllables, unless, of course, there is a headphone model named “Aria” that I am unfamiliar with. 🎧
I just ordered an Auteur Classic in Purple Burst as part of ZMF November. Can’t wait to try them!
Awesome! Hope you love them! (I think you will)
Oooh yes... Very keen to hear the review of the sub-1000 ZMF Closed Back
I'm keen to try them too 🙂
Great and thorough review Lachlan! I’ve mentioned it before, but I really love my Auteur Classics. I have tubes dialed into my tube amp that enhance that sense of forward depth (in the ZMF Pendant SE), and I think they’re now really fantastic in that regard, whereas in my old amp that forward depth was indeed missing. I chose them over the Arya Stealth and Atrium for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Great work as always!
Thanks for sharing your setup with them, Aaron. They're a great headphone.
My 2 favorite headphones are my Stabilized Auteur Classic and HE1000v2 Stealth. Both are 2K or less proving you don't have to spend 6 Grand on a headphone. Been there done that. Not worth the extra $$$. Nice one Lachlan 🍻
PS- The AC are really good gaming headphones too. Comfort is not an issue whatsoever playing new Zelda for hours
Thanks JTB. I can definitely imagine the AutC being great for gaming
Thank you for the tip, JTB!
Looking forward to that new closed back review!
Me too!
My only issue with the Auteur Classics is that on all sources, on all my amps, they're decidedly better (to me) at higher volume than lower volume. The only reason that's an issue is that in my middle agedness I much prefer lower volume listening, which is probably why I tend to reach for the 109 pro more than the Auteurs for general listening. However at volume, for pretty much all my soundtrack listening, the Classics dominate my usage time. I think you nailed their character with this review so nothing I can add there. They're the best sounding open back I've heard if you want something sounding "natural" or "organic". I don't know what people mean by "accurate" but they tend to be less colored than most of collection but have body, heft, mass, however you want to phrase it rather than being a lean and clean dynamic. I don't know that they'll convert a planar enthusiast. The Arya is an amazing price to performance choice with better extension in both directions. I don't know that it has the "soul" of the Auteur however but that'll come down to what genres a person enjoys. It's an easy, easy recommendation for a dynamic headphone enthusiast. As an avid pad roller I've had 0 inclination to touch the stock pads. I have a stabilized version which are a bit weighty, fairly weightier than my Eikon or my old Aeolus. So might be worth considering if folks love the look of the stabilized releases but struggle with a heavier can. I think for folks that adore the 650/6xx and want to know where they can go from there ---> Auteur
Great thoughts that seem spot on to what I think about the 660S2 with a filter I really like with hqplayer. Once you find something that sounds natural and has good layering to the sound, i do think you need it to be at a dynamic volume. Which doesn’t mean I turn it up super loud, but I think it makes sense that more natural sound would need to be louder to sound complete so to speak. Where a more exciting but perhaps less natural or accurate headphones probably can be more enjoyable at lower volumes or with random things happening during the day. I’m sure I would love what you have too. Would be interesting how much better they truly are when using my hqplayer setup, but it is a lot more cash , ha. I will definitely consider it though. Thanks for sharing!
Very good point about wanting the lower volume. But most HP's with an Impedance of 300 ohm are going to need to be driven harder and will sound better on the Higher volume/gain settings. But I get your point. The one thing I like about the AC at higher volumes compared to other HP's I've had is they don't get harsh in the treble hurting my ears
I've always been a quiet listener, even in my teens and 20's, so despite my treble sensitivity the 109 Pro seems like it might work for me.
Will they pair ok with a Topping DX3 Pro+? I plan to use it on my desk as the foundation for eventually doing things like near field listening with my Emotiva B1+ and trying out different dacs using its headphone amp only mode.
I'm still not sure if higher end headphones is for me but I want to at least get a glimpse of what's possible but I may have the wrong expectations about what's possible tbh. So far I've only had my HD560S plugged into my ES100 Bluetooth dongle.
I'm looking for what I call a "sonic Swiss army knife" because I want to listen to everything from cathedral sized pipe organs and orchestras to pop, rock, and rap. I can always get better suited headphones for specific genres later if I decide to stay in this hobby. I also don't want to dissect my music, I want to experience it. As long as I can get a sense of space and sounds don't smear together on busy tracks, I'll be happy.
I was just about to get the Edition XS with the Topping, because I was hoping planar drivers would give me the performance I was seeking but I can get the 109 Pro as an open box special for $650.
I apologize for such a long post but I'm at a loss for what to do.
@@JTB-- 100%, there's no harshness that I can hear from the Auteur and let me be clear that you are rewarded for listening louder, it's just that lower level listening is safer and more conducive to continuing to enjoy the investments I've made in this hobby lol. I think it's also worth noting that while the Auteur is not the final word in resolution, you do not really pay a steep tax for having that less harsh treble. There's plenty of details that the Auteur can pull out and display in the mix. But again, a little more volume bring that stuff into focus in my usage.
@@spamcan9208 very hard not to recommend the 109 Pro and it will almost certainly not be picky with your sources given how easy they are to drive. You may want to consider something a bit smoother or more calm in the treble over time if you find them a bit harsh. But you'd only need like a Cayin RU6 or a modi multibit. I like pad swapping the 109 but I'm also a nutbar in that regard. I find adhering ZMF pads really, really compliments the 109 but they're perfectly fine stock as well. I think they can benefit from a warmer/lusher source but again, they're so easy to drive there's no need to spend big money to do so. A Zen DAC would be more juice than you'd ever need, unbalanced at that, or an OG Mojo which have really dropped in pricing on the used market.
Great timing for me. Thanks for the comparisons!!
My pleasure! Glad I could help 🙂
This headphone will be my upgrade from meze 109 pro, and I will get the ZMF Gaming Cable for when I am gaming
Nice choice in general, but beware - the 109 Pro takes a bit more to upgrade from it. The Auteur Classic is an outstanding headphone, but more of a sidestep than an upgrade from the 109 I'd say
@@PassionforSound What would you consider an actual 109 Pro upgrade then? I was thinking of getting a 109 Pro, currently have a HD600. Just exploring my options. Thanks for the content!
I think you'd have to go up to something like an Arya Stealth or even a ZMF Vérité or Atrium to improve on the 109 Pro. Some might prefer the Focal Clear (OG or MG) too
great review as always!
but im wondering however how the Auteur Classics would fair with pad swaps
could it fix any of its short comings?
any noteworthy experiences with that?
The autuer classic has solid titan mesh on it, so you can remove it and use lesser titan mesh or have zero titan mesh to make it more exciting. It also responses well to using many of our pads in perforated fashion. Personally I always like the auteur lamb or the more recent Caldera full perf best.
There you go! An answer from the man himself 🙂
I didn't actually try pad rolling the Auteur Classics because I didn't feel like they needed any alteration - they're great as they are
Had original Auteur.
Very very good headphones. Great tonality very good build quality and look.
It had just a bit too much mid bass hump and subbass slightly rolled off.
Another drawback was with orchestral music. It could kinda lost during busy passages.
Anyway it was like a hd 600/650 but slightly better.
I was surprised that these are quite differently tuned (based on memory of the OG Auteur). I hear the Atrium as being more similar to the OG Auteur and the Auteur Classic as being a new tuning that's more neutral and very enjoyable in its own way.
I demoed the original Auteur and was blown at how natural it sounds. I am still saving up and contemplating whether to get the Auteur Classic or Sony MDR-Z1R though, I think both of them excel in different specialties. Auteur in timbre and MDR-Z1R in bass slam and space recreation, I think.
Though, if I win a lottery I will definitely get both!
That's a tough call - very different sounds as you say. Good luck!
As an owner of the classics, they are amazingly royal and honest. Great sense of depth. They just sound so good! Kind of like the Caldera it's hard to explain. They just sound great.
@@palefaced1 Thanks for sharing! I always enjoy when people share their experience about their gear!
Glad you're enjoying them!
For many who follow this channel..this is their endgame 😎
Right. Until the next endgame.
@@davidbruce8786 indeed
Are you saying the Auteurs are my endgame? If so, that's not the case. I really like them for editing/mixing/video calls, but they're not endgame for me.
In this hobby there's no endgame but the next one
@@PassionforSound Maybe in regards to its price..the line between $1200-2000 is where some may call it quits ..SOME ….
Can recommend trying out the Goldplanar GL-AMT16. The only full range AMT driver IEM on the market as far as I know. Really great sound.
Thanks for the tip! I'll see if I can get my hands on a pair.
@@PassionforSound the 5 different nozzles change the treble accentuation to a 5db difference, I ended up using the stock nozzle, but the options are great :) I can also recommend softears liquid silicone tips for the AMT16.
I bought a pair of Avantone Planars at half the price of most planar mag headphones. Amazing sound
I need to try an Avantone - I've heard good things about them
@@PassionforSound they are really good. seriously
I have yet to hear a headphone with a tonality that I like better than the auteur (or even as good)
I do agree about the sense of depth compared to the atrium or utopia, but I wouldn’t say they’re totally flat. Just not quite flagship level
I don't think any headphone is completely flat, even the dedicated studio ones, but the Auteur Classics do a great job of getting close and still being enjoyable
Thanks for the review. I'm really on the fence with the AC or Atrium, it will be a blind buy so I feel the AC is a bit safer choice with it being more natural. But the improved sound stage, depth, and details of the Atrium are something I value in a headphone. I wish there was a headphone with the naturalness of the AC with the technicalities of the Atrium..lol
Yeah, that's tough. In some ways, the Verite Open is a little more neutral, but it's still not as flat as the Auteur Classic. Good luck with your decision!
let me admit something : i watched this while 3 sheeets to the wind. love ya man!
🤣🤣🍻
Haha. Thanks, Chung Ang. Hope there was no hangover 🙂🍻
@@PassionforSound amazingly not! 😀
Really good review, thanks
I'm glad you liked it!
Personally I found that the tuning with the stock pads was a little mid forward, but that's easy to fix since there's a ton of pad options and I immediately found a pad that I liked thanks to the ZMF pad chart. I got my eye on the Classic but I need to figure out how much I'd have to invest into amplification to make it really sing first.
Massdrop ZDT or the Cayin HA6 for solid state are both wonderful not to crazy price options. The key is having something that has a higher than 1 impedance out to have that diversity of sound, so you can use low or high impedance.
I can definitely understand you feeling that way, Andreas. Which pad did you decide on?
@@PassionforSound It was a perforated Suede pad for the Caldera. I only had the Caldera pads on hand to try and I went with the one that matched the stock pads the closest in looks/material. I haven't tried any of the other Auteur pads, I should try those as well.
Interesting! I've got those pads here too. Maybe I'll give them a go...
@@ZMFheadphones 😎 thanks for the valuable advice, the cayin looks like a very interesting option for someone who has a variety of HPs.
Initially I was thinking of getting the Edition XS and Topping DX3 Pro+ as a hifi starter kit, so to speak. I don't yet know if saving up money to pursue higher end audio is going to give me what I'm looking for and it seems there is at least some consensus this will give me an idea of what's possible.
However I've been very interested in the 109 Pros since release as they seem to be the "sonic Swiss army knife" I've been searching for. I can get them for $650 as an open box special, making them even more compelling. I'm treble sensitive but I also listen at low volumes, so I'm hoping this will work in my favor.
Can a good dynamic driver keep up with a planar driver on busy tracks? I don't want to dissect my music but I also want to be able to pick out and follow along with instruments in an orchestra/band on stage or other sounds that catch my interest.
Mainly though I'm getting these to relax after physical therapy or when I'm having a painful day. This will be a gift to myself after making it through my 4th back surgery. I think I deserve something nice after the absolute hell I've gone through lol.
Not heard a Dynamic that betters a decent Planar since I started the headphones rabbit hole .. my advice go to a good dealler with plenty of time , lots of music you know well and plenty of coffee ... the law of diminshing returns will become pretty apparent after a while .. but it depends on where you want to compromise .. and Planars need a good amp ... relaxing decent sound ... HD650 ... but again ... get a good amp to drive it fully ..
@@jonfairway8235 i agree; planars perform better than dynamics, but i would suggest spending most of a budget on HP's.
Fastest dynamic imo is the Focal Utopia, it can eat any busy tracks for breakfast but the trade-off is it's limited sound stage... but the dynamics and slam it gives are both exciting and tiring...
the opened box 109 is definitely a good buy into this blackhole hobby
I think planars do generally seem to perform better in many cases, but beating the 109 Pro for anything under about $1500 (RRP, not including sales, etc.) is very difficult regardless of planar/dynamic. A Meze 109 Pro with a Geshelli A3 Pro amp will blow almost anything under $2.5k out of the water IMO
Oh wow what a review! Thank you for this! I bought the peacocks last year coz of you😂 and also it was on big discount. Anyways, thank you for your informative reviews. I want to upgrade my dac and amp. What would you recommend? I lean towards “airy” presentation with some good bass punch.
Glad you liked it and glad I've been able to help!
What are you upgrading from and what's your budget?
@@PassionforSound i have a topping a90D and dx5. Am also thinking about getting a HE1000v2. Budget for amp and dac is around 3-5k
With that budget, something like the Burson Conductor GT would be brilliant. Alternatively, you could go with a Chord Qutest and a great amp like an SPL Phonitor XE or Burson Soloist GT
@@PassionforSound thank you for the recommendation and for always replying to comments! More power to you man!
@@PassionforSound would soloist 3gt and r26 be good pairing? Would it have a holographic and airy presentation?
I appreciate the review but do you really need the click bait headline “Other headphones are LYING to you!”?
Sadly, yes I do. I was watching my views and my channel growth dwindle (from +700 subscribers per month down to 300 subscribers per month) while using my old, direct titles like "ZMF Auteur Classic Review". Sadly, RUclips bases its recommendations to people on what others have clicked on. If I don't do something to get people to click my videos instead of the 1000s of others they can choose from, my channel gets lost under the pile. It's not how I like to do it, but it's a necessity or the channel will fold (it's been a close call lately)
Awesome comparisons
So glad they were helpful!
ThanksMuch!....
I don't understand how the cable can alter the sound, but thanks for the review; a headphone I might consider in the sales ✌🎧👍
There is no correlation between price & quality in audio.
Try running cotton string from your amplifier to your headphones and see if you can hear the difference. 😛
@@TheVeganVicar try eating some real food & your brain might work better 😂😂🤣🤣
I disagree about the price:quality correlation in most cases (there are exceptions), but I'm glad you liked the review 🙂
Nice review..The most linear you have listened which one is?
I'd probably say the Ollo S4R (and S4X too).
@@PassionforSound I hesitate to buy them I don t know how their instrument separation compares to the usual studio headphones from Sennheiser and Bryer..
It really depends on what you're looking for. Tonal accuracy and instrument separation are often at odds because there are some tuning tricks that are often used to improve instrument separation, but these will result in less natural tonality.
My favorite headphone is the auteur. This one is everything I liked about the original but better. Endgame material, no shrillness or harshness, no sibilance, great timbre, fuller sound. If people really want something that sounds NATURAL they should try this headphone.
The perfect review and now you really make me want to get them ha. Not cheap but doable.
I think the Atrium damping system really does help them along with the new driver compared to the original, but I do know a few owners who either kept both or like the OG better because of some of the nuances.
I can definitely see people preferring the OG Auteur, but I LOVE the balance you've brought to the Auteur Classic's tuning, Zach! Definitely a winner.
Between this, the Aolus and the HE100 Stealth? Any suggestions will be very appreciated. Thanks.
I haven't tried the Aeolus, but I'd take the Auteur Classic over the HEK Stealth for the simple reason that I don't enjoy the amount of treble the Stealth delivers. It's the better headphone technically IMO, but less enjoyable to my ears.
@@PassionforSound Not a fan of the treble myself either but i read somewhere the Stealth could be better if i use it for gaming also? Haven´t seen much love for teh ZMA´s in general for gaming, is that the case or could they do good? Thanks a lot for your answers btw.
I wouldn't choose the Auteur Classic sfor gaming because their staging is fairly flat so you'll have trouble guaging distances of sounds. The Stealth is probably preferable for gaming.
Lachlan I thought you have an Auteur OG to compare with
No, the OG was on loan AGES ago now from a friend and I don't think he has them anymore.
I recently bought the Hifiman 400i (2020 version). I think it has near perfect sound. Are there any owners or previous owners of my headphone, that can tell me a headphone to hear that would make me change my opinion of the 400i being near perfect, and in what ways? Please go into enough detail that I will understand. Thanks.
The 400i is nice for sure. As to what will be even better, that depends on your tastes. The 400i is a bit leaner than neutral so this might mean that your tastes are for that leaner, more detailed sound. Perhaps though, if you try something with a bit more bass extension and presence (e.g. Meze 109 Pro) you'll decide you prefer that (or maybe you won't - that's all part of the fun). See if you can do some auditioning somewhere at a retailer or a Hifi show. That's the best way to really know what's better for you.
@@PassionforSound Thanks for the help. Really appreciate it. Going from Grado SR 80 (original; no suffix) to 400i 2020, there was more bass extension and warmth, cleaner, quicker and more transparent, even with the added warmth which often works at odds with transparency. I hear a little peak somewhere in maybe the upper midrange, and when I go a notch above slightly loud, I hear strain and a fuzzy character. I like them but maybe something without the peak and sounding strained when played louder.
Maybe check out the Meze 109 Pro if you get a chance. Very linear bass with excellent extension and amazing detail retrieval. Some people find the treble a bit peaky, but I personally love them
After all these months of watching you. You have had all kinds of top of the line headphones come and go but you have yet to get your hands on the lcdx.
I know. Sadly, both Audeze and Focal are difficult for me to get my hands on due to the local distributor ☹️
Love the headphones, but the price xD
Yes, they're not cheap, but in the realm of today's headphones, they're still only upper mid tier 🥴
Headphones don't image, good phone and system will aid in immersion. Real instrument's are a simile played on phones or speakers.
Words
and Facts
Baby Atriums
They're actually not, which surprised me a bit. I think the OG Auteurs were definitely similar to the Atriums, but the Auteur Classics have tilted more neutral (and are excellent)
Williams Christopher Lewis Thomas Johnson William
What lie?
@Fisher Man the arbitrator of pronunciation 🤣🤣
The lie I was referring to is the colouration of most headphones compared to the neutrality/naturality of the Auteur Classic. It's a bit of hyperbole for sure, but not untrue 😉
@@PassionforSound, incidentally, “Arya” contains but TWO syllables, unless, of course, there is a headphone model named “Aria” that I am unfamiliar with. 🎧
So it's ar-yah?
@@PassionforSound, 👍🏻