Let’s start with the basics of how an electrostatic driver (whether headphone or loudspeaker) operates. Imagine an incredibly thin and light diaphragm material (in STAX’s case, about 2 microns thick) that can accept a constant voltage charge. This wispy material is suspended between two electrodes which receive a fluctuating and alternating voltage charge from the incoming musical signal. This static charge (+) versus alternating charge (+ and -) condition causes the diaphragm to precisely vibrate, accurately recreating the music. The advantages are that in this type of system, the speed and accuracy of reproduction, along with the inherent transparency of output are just naturally very good. There are no magnets involved either, so any magnetically induced distortion (hysteresis) is nonexistent. The tradeoffs (if you factor easy portability out of the discussion) are mainly in bass capability. The driver’s surface area needs to be larger to reproduce lower frequencies and (even though they are close to your ears) they can only be so big when you wear them on your head

We already know that ZMF like using different ear pads as they can easily that to alter the headphone’s tuning. The Bokeh pads are an evolution of ZMF’s Caldera pads design, and there are different versions available: Hybrid, Suede and Protein (see pics). All of the pads incorporate a distinctive fluted design, asymmetrical ear-side hole orientation, and a skewed Z-Axis angle for an optimal seal on the submental space of your neck, ensuring unparalleled comfort and sound. The driver side’s inner diameter can adapt seamlessly to airflow requirements, without messing up your sensory experience via the outer diameter that touches the skin thanks to the fluted design. Tweak the circular axis on the baffle to make these pads your own, so the thickest part matches perfectly with your unique contours