VERITE CLOSED PAD REVIEW
Here it is (finally). Six different ZMF pads evaluated on the Verite Closed. Thanks to Zach for letting me check out the Verite Closed and the brand new Hybrid Auteur (solid) pads. I put these six pads through the paces and these are the results.
First thing to note is the Verite Closed is in Manchurian Ash. The type of wood used will have a slightly different sonic quality, so keep that in mind. I exclusively used my ZMF 2K Copper cable with the VC. No equalization was used. I am also not particularly treble sensitive. For evaluating the pads I listened to 20 or so tracks I have used previously for reviewing purposes. My chain used for this review was:
TIDAL>Singxer SU-1>Yggdrasil A1>Cavalli Liquid Crimson and DNA Stratus
Universe Lambskin: Smaller soundstage, but has a 3D presentation going on. Vocals have a big “in your face” presentation. Fantastic imaging and instrument separation. Very overall cohesive sound. Excellent isolation. Not the most comfortable of the pads, but overall not an issue. Fastest transients of all the pads as well as the best dynamics. Good top end extension without any noticeable aberrations or sibilance. Meaty low end that is also fast and articulate. Probably the most fatiguing of all the pads, but that’s mostly irrelevant considering the tuning of the VC.
My #2 pads. Falling only a little behind the Hybrids, this is a pad to definitely own for the Verite Closed. I would want to have a pair to swap on for certain music or just to change things up a little. These pads really highlight the attributes and technical prowess of the VC.
Auteur pads: Wide and deep soundstage. Vocals are somewhat withdrawn compared to the Universe pads. Imaging and instrument separation are superb, but a tad different from the Uni pads due to pad depth. Isolation is sublime, even beating the Uni pads by a small margin. Improved comfort over the Uni pads (but not as good as the Hybrids). A slight harshness in the upper-midrange. Nothing egregious, but it’s there for me on certain tracks. Most noticeably the dynamics and transient are a step behind the other pads (minus Eikon Suedes). Similar top end to the Universe pads. Bass is noticeably not as punchy or robust as the Uni pads.
My #4 pads. Lacking the “awe” factor that let the VC’s drivers shine, these just don’t do it for me. I think the depth of the pads affect the sound a little too much. Still, I know some people might enjoy a little more laid back presentation and these do that for the VC. They also might be a better match on a VC with harder wood?
Hybrid Auteur: Soundstage is in between the Universe and Auteur pads, but the most cohesive. Vocals are closer to the Uni pads vs the Auteur pads. Most air and clarity of all the pads evaluated. Worst isolation of the pads tested (on par with the Suede Eikons). Superb comfort tops all the other pads. Speed and dynamics are fantastic, with the Uni pads being a bit better. Arguably the best top end presentation, having more extension than the Eikon Lambskins. Exceptional sounding low end, only surpassed by the Uni pads and comparable to the Eikon Lambskins.
My #1 pads. While the “Hybrid” designation is regarding the materials used for the pad (suede face and solid lambskin everywhere else), in this case it also represents it’s sonic attributes compared to the Universe and Auteur pads. For the most part it splits the differences of both those pads, cherry picking their best qualities. It’s also different enough to warrant owning another pad of your preference. For me the the coup de grâce is when testing the Hybrids, I would continue to listen to your test tracks longer than needed.
Eikon Suede: Similar soundstage to the Hybrids, but not as cohesive. Increased air over solid pads. Vocals have a rather soft presentation. Worst pads for imaging and instrument separation. Very good comfort rivaling the Hybrids, but the pads are thicker. By far the most laid back of all the pads. Slowest transients and dynamics of the tested pads. Some slight wonkiness going on in the upper midrange. Low end is the weakest of all the pads, just below the Auteur pads.
My #5 pads. Not sure what DMS saw in these besides the comfort. For me they just soften everything up far too much. You’re losing far too many of the elements which make the VC’s so great. I think a solid suede pad could work, it just needs to be much thinner than the Eikon pad.
Eikon Lambskin: Soundstage on the smaller side, close to the Universe pads but not as 3D sounding. Excellent imaging and instrument separation. Vocals are very similar to the Uni pads as well as how well they isolate. Comfort is good, somewhere in between the Uni and Auteur pads. Dynamics and transients are very close to the Uni pads. Smoothest top end of all 5 pads and toss up with the Hybrid’s depending on your taste. Low end is superb, with the Uni pads marginally beating it.
My #3 pads. This was a nice surprise. The more I listened to these, the more I enjoyed them. Might be the best pad for someone who is particularly treble sensitive. I loved that you can really blast some metal with these.
Verite Perforated: Don’t do it. Just don’t. Ripped them off after about 2 minutes.
My #6 pads. They are without question NOT meant for the the Verite Closed.
So, that’s what I came up with. Thank you for reading. All these pads are available on the ZMF website (minus the Hybrids which should be listed soon). Of course keep in mind not everyone hears the same and has different sonic preferences. Also your chain is also going to play a big part in the end result. Regardless, the Verite Closed is a tremendous headphone and with so many pad options, you should be able to tweak the sound to your liking. If you have any questions feel free to ask me here in the thread or send me a PM.
