ZMF Caldera Open Back

ZMF
SKU:  CALDERA-KIT
Available for demo

$5,999.00
In stock Click & Collect
ZMF Caldera. Volcanic Power. Lucid Tone. Designed from the Ground Up.

The ZMF Caldera is ZMF’s first in-house planar magnetic headphone, built from over a decade of tuning experience, and shaped by ZMF's unique approach to flow, form, and feel. Named after the massive volcanic crater, the Caldera gets its identity from the CAMS (Caldera Asymmetrical Magnet Structure), designed to mirror the shape of a volcano on one side. This asymmetrical structure naturally guides air outward, increasing driver movement and creating a nodal response that maximizes both impact and diffusion.

Combined with ZMF's Atrium Damping System; the result is an open, controlled, and musically weighted sound. The ZMF Caldera produces massive low-end presence, a spacious yet centered stage, and articulate treble that dances with a dynamic headphone-like nimbleness — a rare blend in the planar world.

Now shipping in our new stock wood: Zebrawood — a bold, expressive hardwood with dramatic dark stripes and creamy blond figuring. Known not just for its striking aesthetic, Zebrawood is also a resonant tonewood that supports the Caldera’s punchy, linear character with added energy and crispness. The wood is paired with a Coffee Gold anodized aluminum grille and rods, giving the headphone a refined, high-contrast finish that feels as luxurious as it looks.

The ZMF Caldera also debuts ZMF's new Caldera Pads, featuring a fluted design that transitions from a narrower baffle-side opening to a broader ear-side chamber. This unique shape, like a soft volcanic slope, maintains optimal air pressure while preserving openness in the ear cavity. Available in multiple depths and materials — including cowhide, for added planar synergy — these pads play a vital role in shaping the Caldera’s tactile, immersive sound.

With an 80mm driver, 65 ohm impedance, and 95 dB/mW sensitivity, the Caldera is designed to work well with a range of gear — but like all ZMF headphones, it scales beautifully with powerful, resolving amplifiers.

Inspired by the explosive fun of the early ZMF T50 mods like the Ori and Blackwood, the Caldera carries that DNA forward — but with modern tech, precision design, and ZMF’s unmistakable soul. This is planar done the ZMF way: bold, dynamic, natural, and timeless.

ZMF Caldera Standard Configuration

We offer the ZMF Caldera in a standard configuration that includes the following recommended options:

  • Wood: Zebrawood
  • Chassis Material: Aluminium
  • Chassis Colour: Black
  • Headband, Strap & Earpad Material: Leather with leather pads
  • Included Pads: 3 pairs
    - 1 pair of Caldera Stock Lambskin
    - 1 pair of Caldera Cowhide Pads
    - 1 pair of Caldera Suede Pads
  • Rod / Grille Colour: Coffee Gold
  • Stock Braided Cable (6.35mm termination)
  • Case Option: Clamshell

Alternate options and Limited Edition models are available upon request. Please contact us for more details.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Caldera is ZMF's first entirely in-house designed and built planar magnetic headphone, representing the culmination of over a decade of planar expertise. It features a suite of proprietary technologies — including the CAMS magnet system, Atrium Damping System, and custom Caldera pads — all working together to deliver a sound that's distinctly ZMF.

The Caldera houses a custom 80mm planar magnetic driver with a 61mm active moving surface area, encased in a carbon fibre baffle to keep weight down. The coil traces are gold-plated copper rather than aluminium, which contributes to its 60Ω impedance rating, and the diaphragm features a special silver coating to maximise excursion.

The Caldera has a 60Ω impedance and 95 dB/mW sensitivity, making it relatively easy to drive compared to many other high-end planar headphones. That said, it does respond well to a quality amplifier with good current delivery, and experimentation with different amp pairings is encouraged to get the best out of it.

The Caldera weighs around 500 grams depending on the wood chosen, and while not the lightest headphone at this level, the weight is distributed well thanks to the headband design. Most listeners report no issues wearing them for extended sessions, and the handcrafted leather pads contribute to a secure, fatigue-free fit.

Yes. The Caldera Closed was developed from the open model and features the same core driver technology, while adding a sub-bass boost, improved passive isolation, and a distinctive volcano-inspired cup shape. It is available at the same price and is aimed at listeners who want the Caldera's technical performance in a closed-back form.

Product Inclusions

  • Zebrawood Caldera
  • ZMF Stock Braided Cable
  • Clamshell Case
  • Earpad bundle
  • ZMF Owner's Card
  • Lifetime Driver Warranty

Specifications

Impedance 60 Ohms
Driver 2 um thick Planar Magnetic with CAMS Patent Pending technology
Weight 480-510g
Sensitivity ~95dB/mW
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