A $1000 Open Back from ZMF? YES!! Bokeh Open Review

[@WatchesAndAudio]

Patiently waiting for mine to arrive. Great video! Love the b-roll, track examples, and just overall review style you have. Thanks!

[@Skeeb23]

@@WatchesAndAudio appreciate your feedback!

[@DevinKindred]

Excellent Review! Appreciate all the extra effort you put into this! The detailed bookmarked chapters and the PSA were both extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@Skeeb23]

Thank you Devin. I try to keep it real 😊

[@soulfulfool]

so many good headphones at 1k$ and now even ZMF compete

[@JTB--]

I'm trying to decide if I prefer Adidas Hoodie Ryan more or Flannel Shirt Ryan more? 🤔

[@Skeeb23]

@@JTB-- Bri would say hoodie with a backwards hat 😂

[@ourada46]

Thanks for the review.

[@warrenpchi]

"I'm an audiophile and I'm allowed to make shit up." 🤣

[@scottmarch3558]

Thanks for the comprehensive review. Waiting patiently on my Nocturnes. 🎷🎸🎺

[@Skeeb23]

@@scottmarch3558 share your thoughts once you get it!

[@thatoneguy3596]

Great Video, but I must ask. If you're only looking for ONE headphone to buy within this price-range, would you recommend this or something else?

[@Skeeb23]

This one just fits me and my preferences. I've not heard every single headphone in this range to safely give a solid recommendation. I'll always fall back on: what is your preference of sound? How important is build/aesthetic? I can't recommend a completely neutral headphone to someone that prefers more bass, or perhaps high treble energy, for instance.

[@laszlokiss3578]

Hi, thx for the great review 😊 how is the sound of Bokeh Open compared to HFA Dahlia, Auribus Sierra and HD6XX?

[@Skeeb23]

@@laszlokiss3578 I'll give the 6XX a listen again and report back. I don't have the Dahlia or Sierra currently to compare.

[@laszlokiss3578]

Thx a lot

[@djhmax09]

Yo, i like your jacket 👌

[@KristianDowling]

I'm so excited to receive mine. Looks amazing, and appreciate the comparisons to add perspective. Well done!

[@kevincounts5662]

I'm glad to hear that you like the Bokeh Open. I could see myself owning some BO's later this year. Probably sometime around December 25th. How does it sound in your HA-3A, or are they just not good with tubes? I understand that they are only 80 ohms, but i still enjoy lower impedance headphones on my HA-6A I have to admit that I'm disappointed with the plywood. I'm sure it's probably a high quality plywood, but it's still plywood. I'm also a little disappointed with the 3.5 mm cable jacks. I bought a $500 custom Norne Audio cable for my Verite Open. I kind of justified the price by saying that the cable would work with any future ZMF, Meze, or Audeze headphones that I might buy. Well, I guess I was wrong about that. Now I'm totally hooked on Norne Audio cables and I have to have one for every headphone that I own. I'm wondering if I would be better off buying Autuer and using my existing cable, or buying the BO's and getting another cable. Or should I just buy the Caldera Open? Too many choices. Anyways, thanks for another great review

[@Skeeb23]

I understand you disappointment on the 3.5 inputs, but, remember that this one is supposed to be more portable. I think that makes for a much more universal fit for people, in general. I did test on the HA-3A with my current tubes. I really need to try some other tubes soon just to keep tinkering till I find my preference. Currently my tubes are a bit warm and not my favorite pairing with the Bokeh. Of course that's also tied up with my R2R Cyan 2. Synergy...synergy...synergy. 😁

[@kevincounts5662]

@@Skeeb23 I get what you're saying about some tubes getting too warm. Lately, I have been listening mostly to my Telefunken smooth plate 12au7's. They are known for having good top end resolution without adding a bunch of warmth and coloring. They have gone from being my least favorite tubes to possibly being my favorites. I just ordered a pair of RCA 12AU7 clear tops. They are supposed to have very good treble without getting stabby or fatiguing. "Valves and More" currently has 8 more NIB, NOS Clear Tops at $99 apiece. I should receive my pair within the next week. I am also looking for a pair of reasonably priced Siemens 12AU7's to purchase. I foolishly passed on buying a pair of the Siemens when "Watford Valves" had some in stock for only 80 British Pounds apiece. American companies are wanting +/- $200 apiece for the Siemens. Oh well. Anyways, I hope you find the sound that you are looking for. Tube rolling can be fun, but it can also be expensive and, at times, frustrating. However, it's totally worth it when you get those magical synergies of gear, tubes, and song.

[@kevincounts5662]

@@Skeeb23 I get what you're saying about some tubes getting too warm. Lately, I have been listening mostly to my Telefunken smooth plate 12au7's. They are known for having good top end resolution without adding any warmth and coloring. They have gone from being my least favorite tubes to possibly being my favorites. I just ordered a pair of NIB, NOS RCA 12AU7 clear tops. They are supposed to have very good treble without getting too bright or fatiguing. I should receive my pair within the next week. "Valves and More" still has 8 more clear tops in stock for $99 apiece I am also looking for a pair of reasonably priced Siemens 12AU7's to purchase. I foolishly passed on buying a pair of the Siemens when "Watford Valves" had some in stock for only 80 British Pounds apiece. American companies are wanting +/- $200 apiece for the Siemens. Oh well. Anyways, I hope you find the sound that you are looking for. Tube rolling can be fun, but it can also be expensive and, at times, frustrating. However, it's totally worth it when you get those magical synergies of gear, tubes, and song.

[@yamato1420]

Between this and the Arya Organic, which drives/works better with dongles, like the RU7?

[@Skeeb23]

@@yamato1420 you'll hate this answer, but both, however, the Bokeh may be more forgiving.

[@nathanberger618]

I ordered the Emberstone version, Ryan

[@Skeeb23]

@@nathanberger618 you gotta let me know what you think when you get it!

[@nathanberger618]

@ certainly Ryan. I hope to have before CanJam NYC.

[@carminedesanto6746]

Interesting 🧐

[@Mastermnd1]

Glad you liked them, otherwise zack would argue you measured them wrong