Looking for an all-rounder open-back to complement HD800S & Z1R; up to $3K USD

[Rand55]

Hey there -

As the title says, I’m looking for a versatile, all-rounder / daily driver, open-back headphone to round out my collection. I love my HD800S and MDR-Z1R, but they’re a bit specialized—and switching between them based on genre can get tiring. I listen to everything (literally), so I want something that handles all genres well (or rather, doesn't handle any one particular genre poorly).

I currently run a Schiit Magnius/Modius stack but am open to upgrading the chain if needed. Unfortunately, I don't live anywhere where testing is an option...so blind buy is likely unless I can find time to escape to a canjam.

Based on my initial research, here is what I've landed (in no particular order) as the front-runners:

• Focal Clear MG
• Modhouse Tungsten (would likely pair with Topping A70 Pro)
• ZMF Atrium Open (might explore tube amp pairing)

Would love any thoughts on this list—or other all-rounder suggestions. Thanks in advance!

 

[dunring]

The ZMF Atrium Open is a solid choice all day long. I've had Focals and up to the Utopia and the value for money wasn't there, but fit and finish is the best. Pads are expensive. I've had the HD800s a few times and a compliment that's really comfortable is the Aurorus Borealis. The V3 is out now, and I had the original and remember how you could spend all day with them on, comfort kings. The Hifman Edition XS is a favorite, with the loaner tour I have the HE1000 Refined coming any day now, will write a review of for here. I have a Audio-Technica ATH-AD1000X and they have the best vocals of any headphones, even the 4k flagships. Bass rolloff won't have you vibrating out of your chair, not for bassheads. Treble is fun with air, but the vocal range is flat as a pancake and channel matching is right on the money through it. Any of those are versatile, the AD1000x is light as a kite and easy to drive, the Edition XS is 411 grams, so a Custom Cans 3mm strap is needed for most people (Apos just came out with one too).

 

[Rand55]

The ZMF Atrium Open is a solid choice all day long. I've had Focals and up to the Utopia and the value for money wasn't there, but fit and finish is the best. Pads are expensive. I've had the HD800s a few times and a compliment that's really comfortable is the Aurorus Borealis. The V3 is out now, and I had the original and remember how you could spend all day with them on, comfort kings. The Hifman Edition XS is a favorite, with the loaner tour I have the HE1000 Refined coming any day now, will write a review of for here. I have a Audio-Technica ATH-AD1000X and they have the best vocals of any headphones, even the 4k flagships. Bass rolloff won't have you vibrating out of your chair, not for bassheads. Treble is fun with air, but the vocal range is flat as a pancake and channel matching is right on the money through it. Any of those are versatile, the AD1000x is light as a kite and easy to drive, the Edition XS is 411 grams, so a Custom Cans 3mm strap is needed for most people (Apos just came out with one too).

Thank you! For the Atrium, do you think these "need" a tube amp? Or would be simple Schitt Magnius suffice, at least until I can afford a tube amp upgrade?

 

[Doug2507]

DS is a great all rounder providing you've got enough juice to make it sing. Owned MG and Z1R, had DS on loan, DS is an easy pick at that price bracket IMO. Not heard 800S or Atrium.

 

[Rand55]

DS is a great all rounder providing you've got enough juice to make it sing. Owned MG and Z1R, had DS on loan, DS is an easy pick at that price bracket IMO. Not heard 800S or Atrium.

I'm a bit slow, which headphone is the DS?

 

[DenverW]

I'm a bit slow, which headphone is the DS?

He is potentially referring to the Tungsten DS (double sided). You don't need a tube amp for the atriums; I have an atrium closed which I use and enjoy with both my solid state and tube amp. There are, however, some very good tube amp pairings with the atrium, such as the Aegis or Decware OTL.

 

[Rand55]

He is potentially referring to the Tungsten DS (double sided). You don't need a tube amp for the atriums; I have an atrium closed which I use and enjoy with both my solid state and tube amp. There are, however, some very good tube amp pairings with the atrium, such as the Aegis or Decware OTL.

Thank you. Im leaning towards the Atriums and using my Magnius for now. Then in the future getting a tube amp for 1k or under. WA7 or Feliks Echo MKII. Still researching!

 

[DenverW]

Thank you. Im leaning towards the Atriums and using my Magnius for now. Then in the future getting a tube amp for 1k or under. WA7 or Feliks Echo MKII. Still researching!

A bottlehead crack (DIY or used) would be a great pairing for the atriums and the hd800. It is imho the BEST pairing for those headphones in the 'few hundred' price point. It does NOT pair well with headphones with lower impedance, such as the z1r, however.

 

[Doug2507]

I'm a bit slow, which headphone is the DS?

Tungsten DS. (double sided). I like a can / IEM that plays all well and DS definitely fall into that category IMO.

 

[tunes]

Thank you. Im leaning towards the Atriums and using my Magnius for now. Then in the future getting a tube amp for 1k or under. WA7 or Feliks Echo MKII. Still researching!

Try Quicksilver amp.