crinacle
78Crinacle ranking: grade B+, tone A, technical B+, signature: Bright neutral.
Read the full review
Image © ZMFZMF Auteur
At a glance
- Brand
- ZMF
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Fit
- open
- Connection
- Wired
- Noise cancelling
- No
- Released
- 2017
Score breakdowngood overall
Sound8.6
Value5.2
The HearWiki takeAI-condensed
The ZMF Auteur is an open-back, wired over-ear headphone from ZMF that pairs a 50mm dynamic driver with a handcrafted wooden design for a distinctive, musical presentation. It delivers a wide, spacious soundstage with intimate vocals and a neutral-bright tuning that emphasizes tonal richness and engaging dynamics. While not purely analytical, its 300-ohm impedance requires a capable amplifier, and its 470g weight makes comfort a consideration for long sessions.
What works
- Engaging, musical sound with excellent tonal quality
- Wide soundstage and intimate vocal presentation
- Beautiful artisanal wooden build and craftsmanship
- Strong value and competitive performance in its price range
- Detachable cables and balanced connection options
What doesn't
- Requires a powerful amplifier due to 300-ohm impedance
- Relatively heavy at 470g for extended wear
- Neutral-bright tuning may not suit listeners preferring a warmer signature
Paraphrased from published reviews & specs - not an original hands-on test. Our AI disclosure.
Specifications
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 25 kHz |
| Sound signature | neutral-bright |
| Impedance | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW |
Audio
| Driver | 50 mm dynamic |
|---|---|
| Driver type | dynamic |
| Driver size | 50 mm |
| Drivers per side | 1 |
| Frequency response | 10 Hz - 25 kHz |
| Sound signature | neutral-bright |
| Impedance | 300 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 97 dB/mW |
Features
| Active noise cancelling | No |
|---|
Design
| Weight | 470 g |
|---|---|
| Detachable cable | Yes |
| USB-C | No |
| Balanced connection | Yes |
What the reviews said
5 source(s) feeding this product's score.
What YouTube reviewers say
Video reviews we found, each condensed to its verdict. They do feed the HearWiki score, at a measured weight below what a published written review carries.
The consensus
Positiveacross 5 videosReviewers largely agree that the ZMF Auteur is a beautifully crafted, comfortable headphone with a warm, laid-back sound signature and a wide soundstage, making it ideal for relaxed listening and a worthy upgrade from models like the HD 650.
Reviewers liked
- Beautiful handcrafted wood build with heirloom quality
- Wide, relaxed soundstage with warm, non-fatiguing tuning
- Comfortable plush ear pads and secure fit
- Detailed and quick dynamic drivers with natural timbre
Reviewers flagged
- Heavy weight (around 490 grams)
- Stock cable is poor
- Bright and bass-light with stock pads, requiring pad swap
- Minor ergonomic quirks like limited ear cup tilt or inconsistent headband height
22:54Z Review - ZMF Auteur [Day 3]
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.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
5:30ZMF Auteur - Review
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.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
19:06The one I'd buy. ZMF Auteur Classic REVIEW
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.
PositiveWatch on YouTube
19:13ZMF Auteur Teak Review | Chill
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.
MixedWatch on YouTube
6:59ZMF AUTEUR Teak - First Impressions (Change the padsss)
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.
MixedWatch on YouTube
Summaries are AI condensations of each video's own conclusion, not transcripts. Titles, thumbnails and view counts belong to their channels.
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