Description
Zach says:
Caldera is a type of massive volcano – we are using the Volcano theme because the new CAMS (caldera Asymmetrical Magnet structure) Patent Pending Magnet structure is shaped like a volcano/mountain on one side. This shape allows air to naturally spread out, and maintains a slightly asymmetric magnet force that makes the membrane more nodal, pushing a massive amount of air towards the ear and diffusing it at the same time. In concert with the also Patent Pending Atrium damping system which is also used on the Caldera, you get a linear frequency response, with a massive amount of punch, weight, and natural tones that ZMF is known for for the listener.
Aside from the new tech, we have a new earpad design for the Caldera, with what we will probably call Caldera Pads, which have a “fluting” from a smaller size on the driver size, to a larger size on the ear side. It’s similar to the shape of the Audeze pads on the LCD 5, but will be more “flat” on the ear side like a volcano, This pad shape enables sound to retain air pressure on the baffle/headphone side, and for the ear cavity to still feel very open naturally. We will have three depths of these pads, and also will introduce Cowhide into one version of them, as cowhide pads can work brilliantly with planars.
The Caldera has an 80mm driver size, impedance is 65 ohms, Sensitivity is 95 dB/Mw. The baffle is made from true carbon fiber for weight, and has the asymmetrical magnets facing the front of the membrane, although different configurations could be used if warranted.
Sonically the Caldera takes a lot of the ideas that started when ZMF was a T50 modding business, which a lot of those new to ZMF may not know about. It expands on the explosive, easy going sound that the Blackwood and Ori brought to the t50 arena, except with a more evolved sound and current tech. When you think of the sound of the Caldera, it’s BIG, with an adaptable stage like the Atrium, but loads of weight and control that comes with typical planar dreams, but the mid-range and treble stand out because of the ZMF damping systems and airflow of the magnets, it’s more lucid and nimble, reminiscent of a great dynamic headphone. I did reference the harman curve for parts of the tuning, specifically the 1.5 to 4khz area and made “some” decisions based on that, but I would NOT categorize this as a harman tuned headphone, just one where I was conscious of it in regards to midrange performance.
The current stock wood for the Caldera is american White Oak. The Oak is finished in either a natural/black cup/grille combo or a coffee gold varnish and grille color.
Headphones may vary from sample photos due to natural wood variance.
SPECIFICATIONS
Impedance: 65 Ohms
Driver: 2 um thick Planar Magnetic with CAMS Patent Pending technology
Weight: 480-510g
Sensitivity: ~95dB/mW
INCLUDES
Oak Wood Caldera
ZMF Stock Braided Cable and OFC Cable
ZMF Caldera hybrid perforated pads and 1 secondary set (TBD)
ZMF Owner’s Card
Lifetime Driver Warranty
