The Story

Way back in 2014, I attended a head-fi meet in Nashua, New Hampshire. Little did I know that during the t50’s days, my mind would be totally blown by a Decware Taboo tube amp. It added a spaciousness, edge, and euphony that combined for the most lifelike sound, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. After a few phone calls with Steve Deckert, and then trying tons of tube amps as the ZMF brand grew, I met Keenan at ZMFestivus years later. After Keenan started building his own amps, and with me owning a few of Keenan's creations, he decided to make a model for the DIY crowd. That model would be the Aegis.

I first heard the DIY version at CanJam SoCal in 2022. It was a similar moment for me as the amount of breadth, space, oomph, and realism was overwhelming. Although it was during a show, I would “steal” the seat in the room to listen as much as I could. And then, also having built up a huge tube collection by that time, once I got one in the shop I had to try the Aegis with all the tubes I had, and all the ZMF and non-ZMF headphones that I could find. Even after all the tube amp collecting and gear that I have gone through, the Aegis continued to make me excited to figure out what I was going to listen to every time because it all sounded exciting again.

What is so satisfying about this release is that now I get to share these moments of discovery with you - in the ZMF Aegis.

BUY THE Aegis

As a transformer-coupled amplifier, the Aegis effortlessly drives any headphones, including the demanding Susvara or Tungsten, as well as any ZMF model. With the capability to handle high input voltages and delivering an average of 2 watts output, the Aegis ensures optimal use of the volume knob for any headphone, allowing for precise control over listening levels.

The Aegis amplifier offers six output impedance options, accommodating both XLR and 1/4" connectors, making it versatile enough to drive any dynamic or planar headphones. These varied impedance settings cater to individual preferences and the specific power requirements of your headphones. With its high wattage output and an impedance range between 5 and 85 ohms, the Aegis ensures optimal performance tailored to your and your headphones' needs.

The aesthetic design of the amplifier is inspired by aviation dashboards and iconic brands like Chicago's Zenith from the golden era. By integrating elements from vintage audio and the unique characteristics of ZMF, we believe the design not only enhances our product lineup but also appeals universally to any headphone on the market. This fusion elevates the design, merging classical allure with modern appeal.

A "cathode follower" design refers to a tube amplifier configuration where the tube is used to provide current gain rather than voltage gain.
The Cathode Follower design is special because it typically provides a low output impedance and high current drive capability. This design is beneficial for driving headphones with varying impedance levels effectively. It also tends to produce less distortion and a more linear response, which can contribute to improved sound quality and fidelity in audio reproduction.
For more details on how this specific design is implemented in the Aegis amplifier, you can check the thread on Head-Fi here.

The 4.4 out has a voltage divider to make ultra sensitive headphones dead quiet. Including IEMs. If you're using super low impedance headphone or IEMs that are rated above 105 dB sensitivity, fear not, the Aegis will drive them quietly and with ease.

There's so many Driver and Rectifier tubes to roll that the sound is infinitely tunable. Any 6SL7 will work too. The Aegis is purpose built to sound amazing with stock tubes, or to let you go ham radio crazy and buy tons of tubes for your rolling delight. Each sector; Rectifier, Output, and Input tubes have a plethora of options. Definitely check out Keenan and Zach's favorite tube rolls (coming soon), and watch Zach’s tube rolling adventure with the Aegis.

ZMF Custom dual branded VU meter inspired by aviation.

CNC Cut Walnut knob. Backlit potentiometer & power button

Who is L0rdGwyn? Known in the online world as L0rdGwyn, Keenan McKnight is the creative mind behind the Aegis amplifier's circuit design and its distinctive sound. Keenan and Zach first connected at ZMFFestivus, following years of correspondence via email. Sharing a passion for tubes, headphones, and audio excellence, their collaboration continued. When Keenan began designing his own amplifiers, Zach persuaded him to craft a few custom models for ZMF. Impressed by their unique, expansive, and musical quality, Zach saw an opportunity to introduce Keenan's designs to the market, complementing ZMFheadphones perfectly.