ZMF Auteur

The reviewer finds the ZMF Auteur to be a large, laid-back, and classy-sounding headphone that excels at relaxed listening, with a wide soundstage and a warm, non-fatiguing signature. He considers it a strong alternative to the Aeolus, preferring it for its more relaxed presentation, and notes it is a worthy purchase under $1500, though he mentions some quirks with pad labeling and headband height consistency.

The reviewer praises the ZMF Auteur as a masterpiece of craftsmanship and sound, calling it a clear upgrade from the HD 650 and the Eikon. He finds the sound neutral, detailed, and comfortable, though with slightly less vocal intimacy than the HD 650. He concludes it is absolutely worth its price tag, both for its audio quality and its artistic build.

The reviewer finds the ZMF Auteur Classic to be a compelling, well-built headphone that largely delivers on its promise of a warm, HD600-like tuning with added bass. While he notes some minor ergonomic quirks and a somewhat plain wood finish, he considers it a strong contender and likely the ZMF he would personally buy.

The reviewer finds the ZMF Auteur Teak to be a well-built, comfortable headphone with a unique, warm, and resonant sound signature that is enjoyable, though it lacks the detail and imaging of some competitors at its price point. The stock cable is criticized, and the weight may be an issue for some, but overall the reviewer appreciates its distinctive character.

The reviewer's first impressions of the ZMF Auteur Teak are mixed out of the box, finding it bright and bass-light, especially with electronic music. However, after swapping to the suede icon pads, he does a complete 180, praising the improved bass and tamed treble, and strongly recommends the pad upgrade despite the high $1600 price.