Where can I pre-order those? There are some things in life you just want to get your hands on.
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When I first got my Aeolus headphones I was kind of disappointed as they sounded kind of veiled and peaky in the lower treble range. They had the upgraded Universe pads and i put the originals on and let it play for a while. I then applied a little EQ and connected to a A Loxjie P20 Tube amp with Western Electric tubes and i have really grown to like them a lot. Not sure if it was the break-in or the change of amps but they have gotten much bettter. I originally heard the Aeolus at Rocky Mountain Audio Fest in October and just fell in love with them. They were connected to a tube amp that Iām sure was at least 3K so I figured I would try a much more modest priced tube amp to see how they paired next to my THX 789 SS amp. I honestly like them more on the tube amp so far. I may experiment more with other DAC/Amp combos to see where that takes me but overall I am satisfied. I got hooked on some planar headphones like the M1060 and M570 from monoprice. I love them both as well but there is something special about the Aelous having been hand made and have a unique look on top of their lush sound.
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Just got mine today and Iāve been listening/gaming for the past few hours with my tube amp (La Figaro 339). They supposedly benefit from a decent burn in period, whether real or brain burn-in. Iāve already noticed myself getting used to the difference between these and the Eikons Iāve been borrowing from a friend. The Eikons were a demo unit he used at shows, so I imagine they are more than fully burned in. If I had to pick right now, Iād probably favor the Eikons just slightly, but I need a couple weeks to really make that call. The similarities between the two headphones is apparent right away, but the more I listen the more I can see the differences aside from open/closed. I was supposed to get the Universe Suede pads and a wood case, but they shipped in a seahorse case with only the stock pads. I have an email out to ZMF, and Iām sure it will be resolved soon
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Heās always responded back to me in about a day, so Iām sure it will be.
How does it stack up against your Empyreans?
Pretty well to be honest, but they sound markedly better off of a tube amp for my ears. I switched over to my 789 this morning to leave them running music to burn in while Iām at work today and they didnāt pack quite the same punch when I briefly listened. I think they still need some burn in time and I need to acclimate myself to them. I didnāt a/b them with the Empyreans yet, but I will in a few days. Off the top of my head, I think the Empyreans have more bass slam but the mids and highs are not terribly far apart. I do prefer to use tube amps, so the ZMF headphones may get a little more use for me in the long run. Unless I go crazy on a high-end tube, then all bets are off. If you like a warmer sound I donāt think youād be disappointed with either, or even the Eikons for that matter.
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Well in a few weeks It would be super dope to get a a/b after they are burned in and working 100%
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I definitely will do that
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Iāve had these recommended for me by someone whoās opinion I regard. Really interested in the comparison.
The Empyrean are quite intriguing, but of the two Iād probably purchase the Aeolus first.
Help me out here guys. I just got my Aeolus today and Iām really trying hard to find its good features. I heard it was warm. but this sound is verging on dark. not as bad as the ndh20s. but close.
I can see the other features of this headphone: the Bass the treble the detail the range itās high fidelity. but I can get those things in other headphones. for a price much lower. and not sounding like itās coming from under a blanket.
I heard there was something special about these headphones. like a Reverb or something. but Iām not hearing it. I really hate to think that I threw $1,200 into the sink. help me to see how great these headphones are. 
How much time did you use them for and did you swap pads? If so, how did you feel between them regarding the sound? My initial reaction to the aeolus pads was an instant turn off and I disliked them, but going back to them after a week I liked them more, and since Iāve had my aeolus I find I keep going back to them more often than not after getting used to them. The stock pads are the warmest and definitely dark, with a somewhat linear slope downwards. Mids and treble are still there and clear, but you have to get used to it, it is definitely a shock. I wouldnāt describe the suede pads as dark though, and they are more neutral, I think the āmagicā of this headphone lies in its warmer leanings though.
Also, Vtory over at SBAF made measurements of the pads and how they change the frequency response. Iāve overlayed them, so you can see the difference between them all:
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Definitely give yourself a chance to settle into them. Donāt be too hyper-judgemental. Give them a week and donāt listen to any other headphonesā¦ Iām willing to bet that youāll come back to your other stuff and feel they sound ācoldā or āthinā in comparison.
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Hmm, give them and yourself some time but what you are saying is pretty much the opinion of them I gathered, which is why I chose to order the Aueturs instead. I hope they break in positively for you buddy.
I listened to them for about 2 hours. using my fantastic simple minds favorites playlist. i use this list for all my headphone testing. And i did get the suede pads with the headphone cause i was worried something like this would happen. i guess iāll give them a try. the chart you posted gives me some hope, thanks.
wow, im starting to wonder if theres really something about the burn in thing. when i first tried my fostex ebonies they didnt sound nearly as good when i heard them later and now its the same thing with the Aeolus! It sounds so much better this morning 
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Yeah, the type of driver used in the ebony and the aeolus needs to be worked abit
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iām thinking of trying the Suede pads on these. but one of the things i heard about these headphones is the reverb. i love reverb, lol my music is full of it. this is one of the reasons i bought these headphones. I heard the Suede pads will reduce the reverb. is that true? anyone experience this?
It would reduce reflections, probablyā¦ but I assume the reverb is more from the wood, no?
Just try it if you have the pads, swapping them back isnāt a lot of work.