Audiophilepure

https://www.headfonia.com/zmf-headphones-ori-3-0-review/

ZMF headphones imo look like classic headphones with big cups and a regular looking head band. The design is simple but nice, and I for one like the way they look and feel. The detail of the ORI 3.0 logo on the headband is so well done.

ZMF headphones are hand‑built. The ORI 3.0 is machined in their state-of-the-art headphone CNC shop in Collinsville, IL. The Torrefied (Black) Limba and hand assembly happens just outside of Chicago in Berwyn, IL.

Each ORI 3.0 comes with lifetime driver warranty and everything is built to be serviceable with longterm parts support from ZMF. If anything’s off, reach out and they’ll make it right

Several years back, I spent some time with the original DCA AEON and enjoyed it. I did struggle with what I’d heard as a synthetic high-frequency texture, though we could also attribute that to what was then my source and amplifier. Since that time, I’ve engaged more with dynamic driver headphones, as I was happy to trade off other attributes for convincing dynamic expression and tone. Trades were required, as the budget demanded. Today, we are most fortunate to have headphones like the Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X that meet high expectations, and in so many facets of its performance, yet remain within reach. This $1,100 price range is quite competitive. The NOIRE X is a worthy competitor. Any component, much like our beloved performers, that can transcend mechanics and broadcast the larger idea and feeling is one worth experiencing. The Dan Clark Audio NOIRE X is one headphone I’d happily recommend. 

The Ori 3.0 mids are more front-and-center, more so than its bigger sibling, the Caldera Closed. More accurately, the 1-3k range is not so relaxed with decent lift and a more intimate vocal imaging experience. 

The treble is gentle and controlled, so vocals and percussion remain relatively smooth-sounding. This gives the headphone a very comfortable listening character, particularly over long sessions, though those who prefer strong air or overt sparkle might find it reserved.

Pad and tuning plug selections will introduce performance tweaks, particularly in the lows. The thick lambskin pads lean into warmth and body, while the vented tuning plug sharpens the bass-to-mid transition, improving definition and separation.

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/grado-signature-hp100-se

Spinning Lyn Stanley’s It’s Magic, vocals and orchestral backing have real presence. The bass is clear and the brass sparkles with great clarity. The performance comes through as effortless, detailed and very refined.

Moving on to Mendelssohn’s Octet performed by The Locrian Ensemble, the detail is absolutely superb and each individual instrument clearly occupies its own position within the soundstage. Finishing off with the rousing Spartacus by Khachaturian and the Vienna Philharmonic, the performance is big, full and very powerful. The drums in particular really seem to resonate with a commanding authority. The detail in the percussion is crystal clear and the strings are not at all harsh. Brass instruments are not over bright, but have a very real presence.

https://www.hifichoice.com/content/grado-signature-hp100-se

Spinning Lyn Stanley’s It’s Magic, vocals and orchestral backing have real presence. The bass is clear and the brass sparkles with great clarity. The performance comes through as effortless, detailed and very refined.

Moving on to Mendelssohn’s Octet performed by The Locrian Ensemble, the detail is absolutely superb and each individual instrument clearly occupies its own position within the soundstage. Finishing off with the rousing Spartacus by Khachaturian and the Vienna Philharmonic, the performance is big, full and very powerful. The drums in particular really seem to resonate with a commanding authority. The detail in the percussion is crystal clear and the strings are not at all harsh. Brass instruments are not over bright, but have a very real presence.

HIFIMAN was founded by Dr. Fang Bian in 2007 and, two years later, introduced the acclaimed HM-801, the first digital audio player to feature true audiophile-grade performance from a pocket-size form factor. Since then, HIFIMAN, under Dr. Bian’s guidance, has developed an extensive selection of no-holds-barred headphones, digital audio players, and headphone amplifiers that are consistently recognized as the best in class, offering performance that belies their price point, no matter the cost.