ZMF Aeolus

The Aeolus is the open variant of the Atticus, using the same TPE driver. Like the Auteur and Verite, build quality and handcrafting are spectacular. The comfort on these is also quite good, despite the above average weight.

Plush (leather or suede) pads and great suspension headband help getting a good fit on the head. The Aeolus is not that hard to power despite the 300 Ohms ; it requires less gain on my amps compared to my HD580.

○ Release : 2018
○ Current status : In production
○ Type : Over-ear / Open-back
○ Measured weight : 473g
○ Impedance : 300 Ohms
○ Sensitivity : ~98 db/mW
○ Average used price : $900-1000

Sound Impression
The Aeolus comes with different sets of pads, each of them changing the tonal balance.

Stock Aeolus pads (perforated leather) give them a very, very warm balance, with considerably boosted midbass / low-mids and recessed presence above 3 khz. I must admit being not a fan of this sound, too dark for my ears. The Aeolus with those pads is warmer than a HD650 by a long shot, with more emphasis below 200hz and less above 2khz.

Perforated suede pads and Verite pads are other pad options available. I didnt try the Verite pads as I dont have them at home, but did try the suede pads. The tonal balance is much closer to my likings, close to a balanced profile while still retaining a warmish (and very natural) tone. Bass is reduced by some degree. Extension below 40-45hz seems lacking to my ears, and midbass is still emphasized, but more ideally (to me, non basshead person) than with stock pads.

Midrange is very pleasing. Almost perfectly close to my ideal curve. Low-mids are more in line with the rest of the FR, and upper-midrange is not too dipped like with stock pads, and not forward like an HD600. Treble is very smooth ; some measurements show a peak around 8 khz that I couldnt hear. However, upper-treble could be a bit more articulated.

Technicalities are good, but poor for the price. Staging and separation are decent, while the overall image isn’t as wide as the top contenders (HD800, Arya). Dynamics are excellent : the Aeolus slams well accross all the FR, but bass slam isn’t the best I’ve heard (HE-6 or the Fostex biodynas hit harder). With stock pads, there was an echoey effect to the presentation that I found too emphasized. With suede pads, it’s much more nuanced.

I do think the Aeolus doesn’t sound super open, especially for the price. The not totally open design and the lack of upper-treble are the 2 reasons explaining that. I also dont find the Aeolus very resolving in the micro-details department. In general, the HE-6 or the Elex (which I’ve directly A/Bed against the Aeolus) sound more open and a bit more articulated.

Still, I definitely recommend the Aeolus to anyone looking for a great warmish all-rounder. Even though it’s expensive (around 900-1400 depending on used/new condition, wood options, etc), I think it’s decently priced compared to competitors. 

Measurements & Resources