vlach
1000+ Head-Fier
I was going to post this over in the Comet/Atlas thread, but figured it would create less friction over here.
I went to listen to the Atlas today fully prepared to buy a pair to replace my Vega.
I didn't buy them.
Test tracks
Talk Talk - Happiness is Easy
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
Porcupine Tree - Trains
Infected Mushroom - Becoming Insane
Bass - Definitely lower and more from the Atlas, but I found the Vega to have better slam and texture. I also found the Atlas bass intruded into the midrange more. For me a win for the Vega.
Mids - I liked both with the edge in vocals to the Atlas. I felt lower mids were slightly muddy with the Atlas due to the bottom end, but overall the Vega was slightly more recessed while still not as smooth as the Atlas. Win for the Atlas.
Treble - the Atlas and the Vega have unobtrusive and forgiving treble response. I find CA's tuning in these single driver designs remarkable. I've owned the Andromeda and currently use the Fidue Sirius, which are both more resolving but also less forgiving. If you listen to older recordings and rock, I think the Vega and Atlas are about the best money you can spend . They're both fun to listen to, and resolve enough to allow critical listening. I'd call it a tie.
Soundstage - Atlas is definitely wider and deeper . This wasn't even close. While instrument layering was close, the Atlas extended in all directions wider than the Vega. Clear win for the Atlas.
Overall because it's new and I'm a chronic flipper I would say that if both were currently available at the price difference, I'd buy the Atlas, but I'm still pretty pleased with the Vega
Good feedback, concise and straight to the point, thank you!