ZMF headphones have always caught my eye, not just because of their stunning design but also because of their unique sound. However, the high price tag and my already expensive collection of headphones held me back from purchasing one. I would have had to sell some of my current gear to justify a new addition. Still, I couldn’t resist checking out their models whenever I had the chance, as they offer a distinct auditory experience.
When the ZMF Bokeh was released, priced lower than most of their other models, I decided it was finally time to get a pair. After auditioning them a couple of times, I made the purchase. Now, after owning the Bokeh for over six months, I’m ready to share my full review.
Overview
The ZMF Bokeh is the company’s only dynamic driver headphone and one of their most affordable offerings, retailing at $1,099. Initially, it was available for an introductory price of $900 but for a limited time. My model is from that initial batch, which features a wood stain different from the current version. Personally, I prefer the stain on mine, but both versions look great. ZMF has truly mastered the art of creating beautiful wooden headphones.
I purchased my pair from Egghead, a local store that carried some models early on, though the price was closer to the standard retail rather than the introductory offer. I was in the market for a sealed headphone that was somewhat portable, and after auditioning the Bokeh for a couple of days, I was sold. While it’s not comparable to a wireless ANC headphone—it’s bulkier and lacks noise-canceling and wireless features—I prioritized sound quality over those conveniences.
Packaging and Build
The Bokeh arrives in an eco-friendly box that doubles as a presentation case. Inside, you’ll find three cables, two sets of pads, a cleaning cloth, and a small wooden piece. While a portable case would have been a nice addition, it might have increased the cost. However, ZMF does sell a portable case separately for around $60.
The build quality is exceptional. ZMF is known for using thick wood in their headphone cups, and the Bokeh is no exception, featuring stunning claret-stained limba wood. While there is some plastic in the construction, it helps reduce the weight, making the headphones lighter than some of ZMF’s other models without sacrificing overall build quality.
The stock earpads, called protein pads, are soft and spacious, while the headband padding is supple and comfortable. An additional set of hybrid pads with a suede lining is included, each offering a distinct sound signature, which I’ll discuss later.
The connector to the cups is a standard 3.5mm plug, which is more convenient and practical for portable use than the mini XLR connectors found on other ZMF headphones. You also receive two additional cables aside from the quarter-inch one, with XLR and 4.4 balanced terminations. All of them are braided and of high quality. The accessory package is impressive, especially considering the price.
Overall, the Bokeh is a beautifully crafted headphone with excellent build quality. It’s not as heavy as an Audeze model, but it still feels substantial and premium.
Comfort
The Bokeh may look massive, and based on my experience with other ZMF headphones, I was initially concerned it might be too heavy for portable use. However, despite its listed weight of 480 grams, it turned out to be surprisingly comfortable.
The headphones are still quite large, and you’ll likely attract attention if you wear them in public spaces like planes or malls. The size of the cups also makes them prone to bumps in tight spaces. Despite these factors, the Bokeh is one of the most comfortable headphones I own. The clamping force is just right, the earpads are spacious, and the weight distribution is perfect. The premium materials further enhance the comfort, making them a pleasure to wear.
The only headphone I own that’s more comfortable than the Bokeh is the Sennheiser HD8xx, which sets a high bar for comfort.
Isolation
As a sealed headphone, the Bokeh offers average passive noise isolation. I’ve used it during commutes and even on a plane trip. While it does reduce some ambient noise, it won’t compete with active noise-canceling headphones or even some of the better-sealed models. You might need to increase the volume a bit to compensate, but in my experience, the sound remains pleasant and non-fatiguing, even at higher levels.
