In case you don't know, there's a whole thread on amp pairings with ZMFs so you're likely to find some suggestions there.
https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-un-official-amp-thread-for-zmf-headphones.965309/
You definitely don't need something like the Lina to thoroughly enjoy the Caldera, though. Certainly getting both headphones if you can swing it is the way to go, as you can always upgrade amps later.
this thread looks great and i've already seen some interesting hybrid tube AMPs (with easy tube rolling) for about 500€ that caught my attention.
I think they would also pair well with the DAC of my K9 AKM. They clearly couldn't compete with those higher priced AMPs but they might be a good budgety option
But that thread definitely needs more time so i marked it as my Sunday activity after taking out the Grill
If you willing to go over a couple of hundred Euro there is the Cayin HA-2A.
While I don't own the HA-2A, I do own the HA-300MKII so I can at least attest to Cayin's build quality and that all my Dynamic ZMFs sound fantastic on it.
Plus, it sells on ZMFs website, and I don't think ZMF would sell an amp that didn't have good synergy with their products.
Cayin HA-2A caught my eye too (having that tube guard might pair well with my cats^^), but here in Germany the Cayin's are a tad higher priced, but definitely would be one too look out as a used one for a good price.
They compliment each other, can't go wrong with either of those. I also prefer CO with SS and AO with thbes
guess owning both in the future would be the ideal
but my wallet has to revive from it's near death experience first, before getting the 2nd pair xD
True, ZMF dynamic drivers sound magical on tube amps but they also work very well with some solid state amps. The Violectric V2 series are fantastic and have a warmish characteristic that pair well with both dynamic and planars. The Lake People/Violectric/Nimbus team are also developing new gear too. I enjoyed meeting some of the team including designer Fried Reim at a CanJam.
there's my concern, i think I'd miss that magic if i pair the Atrium with my current used K9 AKM. It's a very cool and versatile DAC/AMP, especially for it's price, but that really sterile/linear THX AMP might kill that magic, the DAC on the other side should be fine to pair with tubes i guess
I would recommend the Cayin HA-3A. A very good amplifier for the atrium and currently available from Son-Video in France at a very good price. A little more than €1000, but I think it would be worth it. I also bought my Envy there at a very good price. The transaction was problem-free.
https://www.son-video.com/article/haute-fidelite-amplificateurs-amplis-casque/cayin/ha-3a-noir
that offer honestly looks like a steal when compared to the HA-2A price of ~1450€ here in Germany. But it's dimensions might be too huge for my limited space on my desk :/
Not under one grand, but Cayin HA2A is truly superb for the price. Also has lower noise floor than HA3A too.
guess i should really look out for some HA-2A sales and offers.
Also thanks to anyone who replied
One more request of mine, has anyone here a unit of the current LTD runs? For the Caldera i would've gone for Zebrawood, but the Atriums pair so well with Copper Grille.
I'm just a little bit unsure of the looks on that wood
they looked very nice on the ZMF '24 Spring Video on YouTube, but that's on studio lighting.