I have played Zildjian cymbals for well over 30 years, and currently own a very nice selection of vintage A Zildjians. That being noted, I would say that the Armand line is as good sounding as any other of the A lines, but in it's own way. These cymbals have a little funkier wash and quite a delicate balance of overtones. The combination of light weights, flat lathing patterns, and raw uncoated finish produces a truly unique set of cymbals. The 14' hats are extremely 'gritty', more like 15" hats, and are slightly 'trashy' sounding. They possess a rich 'chunk', as opposed to a 'chick', and are reasonably powerful. Switch the top for the bottom and get another great hi-hat sound. The 16" medium thin crash is a GREAT sounding cymbal, has a great balance of washy overtones across the spectrum, and is very full. The 18" medium thin crash is much glassier, and has a relatively high pitch for it's size and weight. It doesn't have as much going on over the full spectrum, with mostly high overtones. It isn't as washy and full as the 16", but is very respectable indeed. The 21" Armand ride possesses a flat top on a large bell, is lower pitched due to it's thin weight, and has great bright and dark overtones, reminiscent of the K line. It also makes a great large crash and crash/ride. The 10" splash is very fast and crisp, and is a very good sounding cymbal.It has a sweet mix of swishing fast overtones. Zildjian would do well to expand the line to include 14",17", and 19" crashes, 8" and 12" splashes, and a few China models, keep you fingers crossed. Overall this is a great set of cymbals, and they work well for many styles and genres.

These are some of the sweetest sounding cymbals ever! They have a dark warm tone to them and yet larger bells to project the sound. Mine came with the free 10" splash, all the cymbals are great, but the 20" ride just doesn't fit the sound I'm looking for. I think I'll have better luck with their 21" model. The 16" crash is perfect for hitting highlights in the score, and the hi-hats are great for just about anything, they have a very reminescent sound of the hi-hats in several of the 60's to 70's recordings. I plan buy a few more of the cymbals in the series, including the 18" medium-thin model. I would definitely recommend these cymbals to anyone who loves to play rock, jazz, or blues.

I think personally a customs are way to much over hyped. These cymbals are tons better. When I got these I was blown away and so was everyone I knew. Don't be afraid of the thin if you a hard hitter. Unless you dont know how to play they won't break or crack or anything. The sound is wonderful it has a dark tone with shimmering overtones. they look beautiful also without the glossy look of the a customs. I recommend these cymbals over a custom pack and would prefer these if your not willing to fork out the cash for k's.

I love these cymbals. They remind me a little of a cross between the K Zildjians and the A Zildjian cymbals because because they are bright without being too harsh and they are just dark enough without being too mellow. Definately very vintage sounding. The 20" Ride has a nice glassy ping with short high end sustain over a nice bed of warm, darkish overtones. The 16" crash is very warm and full sounding, with a surprising amount of body for its size (this is starting to sound like an advertisement). The 14" Hi Hats are alot mellower and have alot more warmth than I am used to. But that is what I like about them. Half open they have that really smooth, sloshy sound and closed are nice and tight sounding. Just a funky set of Hats. These cymbals are versatile to, and I could see them being played at a jazz gig, rock, blues, prog rock, funk or whatever else bakes your muffin. Overall just a great set of cymbals and its nice that Zildjian has finally brought back the sound of the original A's.

Got this pack about a week ago. Sound great with my DW set. I've been playing drums for years and these cymbals are some of the best I have ever played! These sound bright and well defined. A great value for the money. I love these cymbals!!