ZMFheadphones Atrium Closed

ZMF Atrium Closed Review
The ZMF Atrium Closed is a masterpiece for those who prioritize timbre and musicality over sheer technical prowess. With its seductive mids, excellent bass, and remarkably open soundstage for a closed-back design, it has a character to easily fall in love with. This is a headphone for listeners who want to be immersed in an engaging, emotional sound experience.



Build and Comfort
The Atrium Closed embodies ZMF’s gorgeous wood finish. Masterfully crafted and absolutely beatiful to look at. One never can have enough ZMFs. While you can only wear one at a time, you can look at the rest of the collection during the listening session.

The headband system, while very comfortable and adjustable in clamping force is the only part that doesn't look "perfect" at the edges of the headband it looks sort of unfinished, but this also is the only "fault" I could finde with the Atrium closeds build.

It's extremely comfortable even when wearing it the whole day and ZMF offers a plethora of different pad options to further tune comfort and sound.

This review has been done with the stock pads, the Caldera Lamb Thin Pads.


Sound Quality:
Bass
The bass on the Atrium Closed is extremely satisfying, with excellent subbass extension and a strong midbass presence that delivers a satisfying kick. The bass has a natural decay, adding to its organic feel, and it provides a solid foundation without overpowering the mids. For bass lovers, this headphone offers a beautifully tuned low end.

Mids
The mids are the true highlight of the Atrium Closed - sweet, full, and weighty. They bring an incredible sense of presence to vocals and instruments, creating an engaging and emotional listening experience. These mids are, quite simply, a dream for those who value a rich and seductive tonal character.

Treble
The treble features a noticeable peak, giving the Atrium Closed a distinct presence and added air. While it may not suit listeners who are highly treble-sensitive, it avoids harshness for the majority of users. This treble tuning adds a sense of openness and sparkle to the otherwise rich and warm sound signature, balancing the tonal profile nicely.

Timbre
If there’s one word to summarize the Atrium Closed, it’s timbre. This headphone offers an amazing, seductive tonal quality that, while not perfectly accurate, is undeniably fun and engaging. It excels at creating a natural and organic sound that feels alive and deeply musical.

Soundstage and Presentation
For a closed-back headphone, the Atrium Closed offers a surpisingly open soundstage, rivaling even some open-back designs. It avoids the boxy, shut-in quality often associated with closed-back headphones, offering a soundstage comparable to the DCA Expanse, a remarkable achievement.

Detail Retrieval
While the Atrium Closed isn’t the most detailed headphone, especially compared to more technically focused models, it compensates with its emotional and musical presentation. The detail is there but doesn’t take center stage, allowing the listener to focus on the lush timbre and engaging sound.
Something like a Meze Empyrean or Modhouse Tungsten is more detailed while still leaning into the rich sound spectrum, to give a comparison.



Conclusion
The ZMF Atrium Closed is a timbre lover’s dream. Its combination of excellent bass, seductive mids, and surprisingly big soundstage makes it my personal favourite closed-back. While it may not be the most detailed headphone, its engaging tonal character and weighty presentation more than make up for it.
If you’re seeking a headphone that prioritizes musicality, emotional resonance, and an organic sound over technical prowess, the Atrium Closed is a must-hear. It’s a testament to ZMF’s dedication to crafting headphones that speak to the soul.



Comparisons
In this section I will list comparisons to other headphones in my collection. This section will be expanded over time.

Modhouse Tungsten:
The Modhouse Tungsten has a weighty presentation for a Planar magnetic headphone but doesn't reach the level of the Atriums here. It has lighter bass with even more focus on the subbass (when the bass ventilation spacers are installed), the Tungstens mids can't keep up with the seductive timbre of the Atrium, in return it's treble is smoother. As the open / closed difference might indicate, the Tungsten has a bigger and more open soundstage. It also presents more detail and microdetail.

Soltanus Acoustics Euridiche S:
The Euridiche S is like the polar opposite of the Atrium closed, but in a similar price segment. It's an open back electrostat, featuring an airy open presentation, with much less bass quantity (albeit still a very good subbass). It's timbre is more accurate and less sweet than the Atrium. The tonal weight is a lot lighter enabling it to ooze with detail and microdetail especially compared to the weighty and thick sound of the Atrium. These two are excellent complements to each other.

thaslaya's star rating system:
☆☆☆☆☆ - Fantastic!
☆☆☆☆ - Recommended
☆☆☆ - There are buyers but not for me
☆☆ - Can't see the appeal
☆ - Product is a failure

Disclaimer:
This pair was provided for demo through a tour arranged by ZMF. They were returned after the review period. I receive no compensation and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I also feel the need to add another disclaimer here. I am a completely portable listener and have no desktop gear to speak of. That means I only had dongle DAC/amps to power these full-sized headphones. I know that might be sacrilegious to some audiophiles. If that's a dealbreaker, then feel free to read no further. But when the opportunity knocked, I had to answer, or I would have regretted it later. So, I jumped at the chance to join this ZMF tour and get my hands (and ears) on some TOTL headphones.

Gear used:
● Samsung Galaxy s22 Ultra
● Samsung dongle
● Hiby FC4
● iFi GO bar Kensei

Source:
Listening was done through Amazon Music HD or Ultra HD.


Introduction:
ZMF Headphones is an audio company operating out of Berwyn, Illinois, right here in the United States. Zach Mehrbach is the founder, president, and designer, and his passion for audio is on display with every set the company produces. Each headphone is handcrafted in the ZMF workshop and enjoyed worldwide thanks to their ever-growing list of international dealers. There are many models to choose from in both open and closed-back variations, and they also make desktop DACs and amplifiers as well. The Atrium Closed is one of ZMF's many closed-back offerings and features a 50mm composite bio-cellulose driver with 300 ohms impedance. Let's break them down and see what this TOTL model can do.


Build, fit, ergonomics:
ZMF offers many customizable options when ordering from their site, from the type of wood used for the cups to the pads and cables. This particular Atrium model is the limited-edition Canarywood variant with a black magnesium chassis, brass yoke rods, an olive/gray bull bolster band (BBB) strap, and a leather headband assembly. These come shipped in an incredibly sturdy carrying case. It provides a ton of protection and can even be locked for added security. The headphones are made of some of the best and most beautiful materials. The build quality is absolutely superb! The headband has a thin layer of padding wrapped in very supple and soft leather. The BBB strap is made of a thicker, sturdier leather, but it's still soft to the touch. The Canarywood cups are eye-catching, and each set has a unique wood grain pattern. The yoke rods feel very strong, although they are a bit stiff and hard to adjust. I fear that scratches could build up over time, but that can only be determined after long-term usage. The Atrium Closed has a decent weight but also doesn't feel too heavy or fatiguing during long sessions. The headband does a great job of distributing the weight evenly without any hotspots. The clamping force is just about perfect for me, not excessively tight to cause undue pressure or too loose to prevent a proper seal. There are two varieties of pads included with this tour unit: perforated lambskin leather and perforated suede. Both are super soft and comfortable, but they also have unique sound qualities, which I'll touch on later. Pad rolling is a fairly straightforward process, but it does take some patience and finesse to get them on just right. The insides of the cups have ample room; even my large ears don’t touch the drivers. The stock cables that were included in the kit are a bit thick and unwieldy. They are sturdy and well-built, but I strongly prefer braided cables that are more pliable and less stiff. ZMF offers alternative cable options, some of which may be more suited to my preferences, but they were not included with this particular review unit.


Sound impressions:
During the tour period, I had both the Caldera and Atrium Closed, so I will draw comparisons between the two throughout the review.

I would characterize the Atrium's tuning as warm neutral with a slightly rolled-off sub-bass and treble response. It's not what I would call an exciting or "fun" tuning, yet it has a definitive smoothness that lends itself very well to a more musical style. The general consensus regarding ZMF's house tuning is that it tends to be natural, organic, and analog in nature. The Atrium Closed undoubtedly adheres to this approach and could be considered the epitome of ZMF's tuning philosophy. The imaging is accurate and precise, and the separation is outstanding. Each note and frequency has ample space without any sense of disconnection or disjointedness. The timbre is very natural and organic, with excellent instrument and vocal presentation. In my opinion, the soundstage is the most impressive aspect of the Atrium's technical capabilities. I was pleasantly surprised to hear how expansive it was on first listen. In fact, it's not an understatement to say that it's the best I've ever heard in any closed-back headphone! The combination of height, width, and depth creates a spacious and immersive sound field. Now, I will admit that the stage is not as expansive as the Caldera's, which is frankly in a league of its own. Although that is to be expected since the Caldera has an open-back design. The Atrium's detail retrieval is also a highlight, achieving high resolution without compromising its musicality. However, for detail retrieval alone, the Atrium again falls short when compared to the Caldera.

Here, I'll add some brief observations on the differences between the leather and suede pads. When using the suede, the bass response, which I already found to be a bit lacking, becomes slightly leaner. I do prefer bass that is north of neutral. The suede pads also further emphasize the energy in the upper mids and treble, making cymbals splashier and closer to being sibilant. I couldn't detect any noticeable differences in soundstage, comfort, or seal, so my primary reasons for opting for the leather pads are the enhanced bass and the reduced energy in the upper frequencies.


●Lows - The low end is more focused on mid-bass than sub-bass, and the lower extension rolls off a little too soon for my taste. It has a quick, tactile attack with a fairly rapid decay but it's not as fast as the planar drivers in the Caldera. Kick drums and double bass hits are heard clearly and concisely, but they do lack a bit of impact and punch. I also wish the decay was a bit slower to have a longer-lasting reverberation. The quality is truly outstanding, but it could use a bit more quantity for my taste. Even though I find the amount of bass to be ever so slightly lacking, it still has much more bass to my ears than the Caldera, which could use a quite significant boost in my opinion. The low end of the Atrium Closed is very solid and polished, but it could use more quantity to add to the fun and engagement factor.

●Mids - The midrange has a mostly neutral presentation, where it's neither recessed nor pushed forward. Everything is clear and well-separated, but I usually prefer my mids to be a bit more forward. Vocals have a great technical sound, but I feel they lack a little emotion and present as too neutral. I prefer a more intimate presentation with warmth and emotion that truly helps me connect with the music, and the Atrium Closed leaves me wanting. I think the mids are better catered to male artists, as they do have a bit more warmth and sound better to my ears than their female counterparts. Unfortunately, the vocal timbre is just slightly off to my ear, with a hint of nasality at times. The timbre of the Atrium Closed can't hold a candle to that of the Caldera, which is simply divine. Luckily, instruments, including guitars, piano, woodwinds, and brass, don't suffer the same fate as the vocals. They sound excellent and have fantastic technical performance as well as a more natural timbre. It's hard to find too much fault with the midrange, and most of my issues are minor nitpicks. Overall, it's a very strong aspect of the tuning and extremely enjoyable.

●Highs - The treble is mostly polite and tame while still retaining a good presence. Cymbals sound very realistic and splashy without any harshness or sibilance. Snares and claps also sound great with no issues. Personally, I find the amount of air and sparkle to be more than adequate, especially for closed-back headphones. However, I will acknowledge that some may find the treble extension lacking and desire a brighter overall sound. There can also be an ever-so-slight harshness at high volumes on "s" and "sh" sounds, but it mostly occurs with breathy female vocalists. Overall, the treble on the is pleasantly warm and neutral, which suits my preferences very well.

In conclusion:
The ZMF Atrium Closed are the most natural-sounding closed-back headphones with the most expansive soundstage I have ever heard. The capable bio-cellulose drivers have no trouble keeping up with complex tracks. The bass is very agile, although it does lack a bit of slam and impact. The build quality is superb, with a very premium look and feel. They are not lightweight, but neither are they exceptionally heavy. The clamping force provides a perfect seal without any hot spots or fatigue, and even my large ears fit comfortably within the cups. The tuning could be considered a bit boring by some, particularly those seeking a more dynamic response. They pair well with the iFi GO bar Kensei with XBass, but, in my opinion, they could still use an even larger bass shelf. They sound great with rock and pop, but they truly do excel with most genres. I would personally choose the Atrium Closed over the Caldera because of the less fatiguing treble and the additional isolation that closed-back headphones provide. If you're looking for a TOTL closed-back set that offers a warm/neutral, inoffensive tuning, excellent detail retrieval, accurate imaging, and a large soundstage, then the Atrium Closed is a phenomenal choice. Though, I still prefer iems to full-sized headphones for various reasons, one of which is the higher price-to-performance ratio of many lower-budget sets. However, if I had the funds and could choose any headphone I've heard to date, it would easily be the Atrium Closed. They do indeed fetch a high price, but I haven't heard any other closed-back headphones that come close to matching their performance.

When you go to a great restaurant and you are in the mood for beef, do you get the Beef Bourguignon, or do you get the Pan Roasted Hanger Steak? One is unctuous, soft and perfectly melds with the Mirepoix and Red Wine. The other is perfectly pan roasted in cast iron and finished with butter, thyme and garlic and then sliced into 1/4" slices always against the grain and served with a side of Arugula lightly dressed in lemon juice and olive oil to cut the richness of the meat. You are at a Michelin restaurant so you know that both dishes will be perfectly executed. That is how I think of the Atrium Closed and Verite Closed. Whichever I reach for I know I will get a headphone that I want to keep listening to for hours on end. Hard choice, I love both beef dishes. Just depends on my mood. That is what this review is about. How do you decide which ZMF dynamic closed back flagship you choose? If you have both, you are very lucky and this review will hopefully give you more thoughts about each headphones' attributes. If you can only afford one, then I hope this review will help you determine which is right for you.

As always, everything written comes from my own crazy mind. I have not been compensated for this review and it is my absolute pleasure to share with you all my thoughts about both headphones. Is it a face-off? NO! Just as the two beef dishes aren't a face off, they are a choice from a perfectly crafted menu cooked by a world class chef. The AC and VC are world class headphones crafted by a world class designer. Zach and I talk a lot about what he is trying to accomplish. What is interesting about our conversations, is that his philosophy is so close to what mine was as a top chef 20 yrs ago. All I wanted to do was make food that people liked eating. The ultimate complement, someone who comes back to see what has changed on my menu and what are they in the mood to try. I wanted them to be enthralled, to engage their senses with dishes that were seasonal, balanced and full of flavor and texture. Zach's philosophy is no different. He wants to create headphones that people want to listen to. Headphones that when you are listening to them you don't want to take them off, or if you have to, that you will want to reach for them as soon as you are able. So, when you have two TOTL dynamic flagships, which do you go for when you own them both? Or alternatively, how do you decide which of the two you want to purchase if you can only afford one of them? Tough questions... after all, we all work extremely hard for the money we make, and this is the ultimate discretionary hobby. Just as eating at a Michelin Restaurant is. People don't just pop into Noma, they are there for a reason, be it a celebration or the curious nature of what the best of the best are up to in the kitchen. The AC and VC are no different. And for me, my curious nature has led me down a path of owning both and having to make that decision when the mood strikes.

This review aims to answer these questions. And if you want to eat either some braised beef or a seared piece of steak while reading, I invite you to engage your palate while you are engaging your musical senses. After all, they have so many similarities it is hard to ignore.

System for Review:
Roon Nuc10
Meier Corda Soul MK2
Matrix 10th Anniversary X2 Pure
Mjolnir Pure BiPolar
Eddie Current Aficionado

The Beginning:
At first this review was supposed to be just about the Atrium Closed. Zach sent me the Stained Cherry and a B-Stock Olive with a touch of green dye in an effort to bring out the natural green hues of the olives and the tree.


I spent about 2 months with them and couldn't come to a decision for how I wanted to write the review. I was struggling with synergy and I was struggling with the right words. For those who know me, that isn't generally an issue for me. I can take 500 words just to say hello. I also already owned a Cherry AO and wanted something different for my AC than Cherry. And the Olive was struggling in my system. So, I sent them both back and asked if he would build me a Camphor Burl AC, since I have always loved that wood and have always wanted to own one. Lucky for me, he was about to release the summer of burl. So, I bought the below beauty and a month or so later it arrived at my doorstep.


I was finally getting somewhere. The mid density wood perfectly harmonized with my system and presented the perfect amount of decay and air. I was ready to write.

Then Zach reached out and told me he had procured some very rare Black and White Ebony wood and asked if he could make me a Verite Closed, since I had been telling him I felt a hole in my collection and that was the headphone that I wanted to plug in that hole. So, I bought the below VC and after another 6 weeks or so passed this beauty arrived...


Isn't that headphone spectacular? I sure thought so when it arrived. Not only is it beautiful, but the feel is to die for. I now had the two flagship closed backs I longed for but a serious problem. I couldn't write more than a couple thousand words without my hands going completely numb. I needed to re-train my hands and learn to keep the pain at bay. Well, today I can proudly write to my heart's content and I can finally give these headphones their due. So, I decided to write about both instead of just the Atrium Closed. As many reviews as there are about both headphones, I haven't seen a review discussing both. Let's get started...



The ZMF Package:
One of the best parts of receiving a brand new ZMF is what you get. You get the headphone, a seahorse case or wood box for an up charge, two sets of pads, and two cables. The spec chassis is aluminum, but you can upgrade to magnesium if you desire a lighter headphone. I recommend the magnesium with their heavier hard density wood headphones. Plus, you get your own personalized card certifying that the headphone is yours and info on which pads work best for each headphone along with a cloth for wiping them down. You are also able to buy an upgraded cable for a discount. However, only one upgraded cable per purchase since you are getting a discount on the cable. Personally, I am a copper nut. I love the sound of high quality Pure Ohno Cast Copper. I love the way the Copper allows more current through and ultimately gives you a fuller sound. ZMF's 2K Copper is one of the best you can buy. I also really enjoy T3 Litz Copper and feel it does a great job with both the AC and VC. For my AC, I got a pair of the thin Lambskin Perforated Pads and a pair of the thin suede Perforated Pads. For my VC, I got a pair of Auteur Solid Lambskins, and a pair of solid BE2s. I use the Lambskin's for my AC and the Auteur Solid Lambskins for my VC currently.

Pad Rolling:
One of the great experiences with Zach's headphones is rolling pads. You get to tune your headphone to your liking by changing the pads. Some work better than others with certain headphones, but it is fun to try different pads for different tunings. @heliosphann has a fantastic spreadsheet describing the sound and pad choices. He keeps updating his work, and you will find no better place to learn about ZMF's pad choices and how they affect the sound of the headphones.

The Atrium Closed Back:
The Atrium Closed is unchanged from its Open counterpart in that it has the same 50mm composite bio-cellulose diaphragm surrounded by N52 rare earth neodymium magnets and a 300 Ohm Impedance. The only difference is that the drivers are sitting a bit farther back in the cups than the Atrium Open.

One of the changes is how the ADS dampening system was deployed. It is extremely malleable and can be used in different ways to accommodate the driver and acoustical space. The key to this is what ZMF calls "Gradual Diffusion" meant to eliminate the potential for standing sound waves.

ZMF has used it in the AC to distance in such a way that it creates space between it and the driver that, combined with the asymmetrical cup structure, allows for better and a more natural type of sound wave diffusion.

They have also introduced a thinner Caldera pad in both lambskin and suede with a slight fluted design that gives a more open presentation and helps to further diffuse the sound with the dampening system for greater impact and space. This leads to a greater sense of air and decay that makes the Atrium sound simply lovely.

Sound:

The Atrium Closed is more powerful sounding than its sibling, with a greater sense of bass impact than the Open. At first listen, the Bass is without question the star of the show. It is big, fast and subtle with a nice mid bass hump that isn't so much that it takes away from the linearity of the basses natural character. However, the Atrium Closed's bass changes with different wood densities and with pad changes.

In the lighter woods the bass is a bit slower and the decay is longer. In the harder woods the bass is faster with greater linearity and impact. A great album to hear these differences is Gil Scot Heron's "Pieces of a Man"

"Lady Day and John Coltrane" is the perfect song to hear how the Atrium's bass impacts the funky lines of Gil Scot's melodies and poetry.

Another album that I spent a lot of time listening to while enjoying the Atrium closed was After Sunrise w/Mikaela Davis and their new album Circle Around The Sun. This album has a lot of texture, weight and incredible treble energy, especially the Title Song, "After Sunrise".

The Atrium closed handled the complexity of Mikaela's off-beats with equal aplomb to the down beats of Gil Scot Heron. Lastly I spent some time listening to Michael Kiwanuka's album Love and Hate.

The opening song "Cold Little Heart" is my 19yr olds favorite song on this album. It has everything in it. Incredible back vocals, ambience, air, powerful lead vocals and omnipresent organ and guitar twisting its way through the entire song. When the drums kick in, you are fully immersed and the Atrium Closed has me hanging on every note.

The Atrium Closed images extremely well, with the perfect amount of space between the instruments while maintaining a powerful mix of dynamic headroom when paired to a high quality amplifier. Most importantly, the Atrium Closed continues the Open's incredible sense of front to back depth and near perfect image specificity. This I can hear best when I listen to live albums that are patched straight out of the soundboard, like Goose's newest live performance Live at the Chateau Sessions Part 1.

When listening straight out of the soundboard you get to hear exactly what the band is hearing in a live setting. Their song "Borne" on this live recording is a 32 minute joy ride highlighting everything that I love about the Atrium Closed. Their new drummers ability to subtlety manage his kick drums with cymbals opens up the rhythm and allows the bass player to open up the pocket giving the guitar and piano/organ the ability to float above the melody while you are anchored to the Atrium Closed's agility and ability to handle complex musical passages. Due to the size of the stage in the midband, vocals can sound a smidge set back. But they aren't set back, the headphone just has such incredible depth the tuning is actually quite linear through the midband. The depth gives you the sense of vocals a little pushed back. They are not, they are exactly where they should be. I really love this headphone!

Frequency Response:
When comparing to its Open sibling, you will find that everything below 500hz is elevated in comparison. However, it is by no means overdone. It is just different and extremely impactful. It has no problem stretching down to 20hz with a greater emphasis between 40 and 60khz. This leads to greater bass impact overall. There is a bump in the 2k-4k region and then again it has some emphasis around 4k and 8k which gives the Atrium Closed a sparkle and air that I find quite enjoyable. It is also a bit flatter through the mid-band giving the Atrium Closed less timbral qualities that are as north of neutral as its Open brother, which doesn't make it sound as soft as the Atrium Open.

Wood Choices:
I have heard several different Atrium Closed Backs. From the Stained Cherry to the Camphor Burl to the Olive Wood and more than its Open sibling there is a definite change to the sound depending on the wood density. Essentially, the softer the wood the greater the decay and the slower it sounds, however slight. As you get into the harder woods the Atrium Closed becomes faster with less decay and air. There is no better, just different. What I have found is that I prefer the Atrium Closed with a mid-density wood which gives me the perfect amount of decay, air and speed. I feel it is the best of all worlds. The beauty is that you get to decide for yourself based on what ZMF is offering which you prefer. Do you want something a bit lighter with more decay and air, or do you want something a bit heavier, faster and tighter? Your choice, and the beauty is that whatever you choose, your Atrium Closed will be tuned the same.

The Verite Closed Back:
When I received my B&W Ebonies I felt like a kid in the candy store. I was so excited I could barely get them out of the box. I was slightly sweating, hands shaking and doing everything I could to get them on my head. The Verite Closed is equipped with a different driver from the Atrium and does not have the ADS dampening system. I asked Zach if he would ever try the ADS on the Verite and he said no. That he had this headphone exactly where he wanted it. There is no doubt this is the case as I believe it remains his most popular headphone.

The Verite Closed has a Vapor Deposed Beryllium Driver with 99 db/mw. It is also a 300 ohm headphone like the Atrium. This is an extremely fast driver and leads to a very different sound signature to the Atrium. It is more traditional in the sense that it doesn't have the astounding front to back depth of the Atrium, however it counters with incredible speed and fantastic timbral qualities that make the Verite Closed sound even more holographic.

When I put them on for the first time I couldn't help but smile. Of course, as I always do with a headphone I haven't either heard, or heard for a long time I go to albums I know and songs that help me to understand what I am listening to. So, I chose The Jerry Garcia Band from 1976 at the Orpheum in San Francisco. A now dead and gone theatre that hosted many a wonderful shows in its time. From Janis Joplin, to the Grateful Dead and Miles Davis.

Listening to Jerry play Jimmy Cliff's "Sitting In Limbo" and the JGB song "Mission in The Rain" not only brought me back to my formative years cooking in San Francisco, but the 1,000 plus concerts I was treated to living in such a music rich environment. The Verite's sonic capabilities are truly a treat. It is open sounding, although not to the level of the Atrium and has incredibly fast bass that leads into the midrange without any bleed or blend. The bass has no problem going down past 40khz and is extremely present in the 100-150khz region giving the Verite a full and romantic sound.

The midrange is my favorite part of the Verite Closed. It is full of air and although the stage doesn't present as big as the Atrium Closed, imaging is still spot on and gives you the feeling that each instrument is fully developed. So, while the stage isn't as big, there is more micro-detail and low level detail due to the speed and space that the drivers and cups give you. Vocals are perfectly in place, and so incredibly emotive and full of sweetness. No matter the musician, or the song I can hear the singer breath, and I can hear every aspect of their voices emotion and range.Vocals seem a bit mid-forward, but they are actually not. Just like the Atrium where vocals feel a bit pushed back due to the size of the stage, the opposite is true of the Verite. Vocals are exactly where they should be.

To test this even further I pulled out the Mark Knopfler and Emmy Lou Harris Live Album Real Live Roadrunning.

I put on "Romeo and Juliet" and sat back for the most enjoyable listen. Every instrument sounded exactly as it should. The piano had bite and decay, Knopfler's guitar had the perfect amount of twang, and his baritone voice was full of emotion and grit. This is one of my top 5 favorite songs, and this is my favorite version. The Verite Closed presented the recordings full essence. The type of sound that makes you want to keep listening. Just one more song, just one more song. Is there a better complement to a headphone.

This review is starting to get extremely long, and because the Verite Closed has been reviewed so many times, I am going to skip frequency response. I think what I've written thus far will give you a good idea of what this headphone is doing. I will say one more thing, though. The treble on the Verite Closed, while still possessing the ZMF downward sloping treble, has a node that I can hear around 5-6k and one around 8-9k that gives the headphone the perfect shimmer and really highlights the speed and benefits of a beryllium driver. The headphone just sings and has an incredible amount of weight and saturation, that with proper amplification becomes incredible top end resolution with a hint of wetness.

Amplifiers and Comparisons:
Eddie Current Aficionado: There is no winner here. Both the Atrium and Verite sound absolutely sublime on the Aficionado, especially when I roll in my 1932 RCA Single Plate 2A3s. There is a nuance, and wetness to the sound that makes both headphones sound absolutely perfect. There is no winner, just pure musical bliss. Whether I fix the X2 Pure's DAC, or leave it as adjustable to bring down its internal volume so that I can have more volume play on the Aficionado, the result is the same. Dynamic, emotive and full of brilliance. This is one special amp, and both headphones sound impeccable on it.


Mjolnir Pure BiPolar: I wasn't sure how this was gonna go. With my Atrium Open this is not my favorite pairing. It still sounds great, but not even close to how good it sounds on the Aficionado or Corda Soul as it doesn't have the ability to impedance match. My favorite headphone on this amp was the Verite Closed. The weight of the PB's midrange was a perfect match for the Verite Closed.


With the Verite Closed, the PB's pure speed and stable drift makes the headphone absolutely sing. It sounds every bit as good as it does on the Aficionado. The bass is fast and strong, and the midrange is open and articulate. The treble is a bit darker, but still a great listen.

With Atrium Closed, it was also wonderful, I just preferred the Verite. However, the Atrium's natural front to back depth and its already fabulous bass gave this pairing something special. I learned this most when I put on Widespread Panic's Acoustic Live Album Uber Cobra.

WSP does a version of the Talking Heads song "City of Dreams" that must be heard. It is so beautiful, and just drips with saturation and resolution. The PB and Verite take this classic song and bring it to life. A friend of mine said to me about this song, "there are just some songs that deserve to be played, deserve to preserved and deserve to be covered". John Bell's voice and John Keene's slide guitar take David Burn's classic and blow it out of the park. And the Verite Closed on the Pure BiPolar exemplify this as well as anything I've heard. It is a soundboard matrix, and the Verite makes me feel as if I am sitting on stage with the band listening as they play.

Meier Corda Soul MK2: Not much to say here other than that the Soul is an absolute perfect complement to both headphones. Having a 120ohm output gives you the ability to perfectly match the headphones to the amps best. I loved both headphones on the Soul. I am not sure what else to say. Bass, Midrange and Treble were all balanced. The instruments had the perfect amount of air and there is nothing missing in the music. The Soul set a perfect image and the Atrium and Verite were more than up to the task. The Soul's upgrade gives both headphones timbral qualities just north of neutral while providing every bit of micro and low level detail both headphones can muster.


Conclusion:
Owning a ZMF is like owning your own 1 of 1 headphone piece of art. Whether one or the other, or both doesn't matter. The biggest difference to me is the size of the stage and the fact that the ADS in the Atrium does a better job of creating front to back depth which gives vocals and other instruments a sense they are more pushed back, but what they have actually done is figure out how to separate near and far sounds. The Verite counters with speed, articulation and more saturation which gives you a different type of resolution. They are both incredible headphones with great properties that enables them to sound great on a lot of different amplifiers, and while they sound different, there is no mistaking that they are both ZMF's. I hear the same properties regardless of the amplifier, especially using really good amplification. They both have their own nuances, and their own special way with music, and what they do, they do extremely well. The rest just comes down to personal preferences. Bravo Zach! I am proud to own one of each. If you have to choose between them, go by your gut and know that whichever you choose you will not be disappointed. If you are lucky enough to own both, then you get to wrestle with which one you can't take off at the end of the night.