ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[geoffalter11]

Monsterzero is very lucky to have "dead quiet" OTL amp - Airmid. Most tube amps are not quiet.
The Blue Halo is dead quiet only if you use 6N6P tubes ( they need adapters ).

My point is that there are many other amps out there. My HP8 is an SET and is dead quiet.

 

[DenverW]

What I want to hear is Nautilus vs Odyssey and Red October vs Telemachus and when I do, I won't be bias.

There is a real lack of comparisons for a lot of the higher end tube amps; i'd love to hear some.

 

[Monsterzero]

I think @LCMusicLover was going to start a tube amps for ZMFs thread?

 

[UntilThen]

There is a real lack of comparisons for a lot of the higher end tube amps; i'd love to hear some.

Because they are expensive. There are few individuals able to buy several of these higher end tube amps together.

 

[Monsterzero]

I went ahead and started the amp thread for all things ZMF. Please join us.

https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-un-official-amp-thread-for-zmf-headphones.965309/

 

[DJJEZ]

@DenverW

strictly on Red October vs. Nautilus.. the Red October is very different and (to my ears) fast better. The synergy with ZMF was so incredible, I still fantasize about getting that amp one day (I believe @DJJEZ can offer some more color on that, if he's inclined to jump into this thread)

The Nautilus sounded similar to the Nirvana (which can be a useful refernce point for @UntilThen who knows it; I think the Nautilus is so incredibly neutral it may be on the side of boring, but that may be a plus for many)

Now, I'm holdling my breath with antipcation for @UntilThen mega comparison...!

I have yet to hear a nautilus and really wish I could to compare against my red October.

 

[DJJEZ]

Count me in for wanting to hear that too.

Listening to both of Justin's amps at the last couple of CanJams, I found I was left with a bit of a Sophie's choice, where both the Nautilus and Red October sounded sublime with both VO and Atrium. One show I preferred the Red October, the next there was a touch more texture if you will on the mids with the Nautilus. Couldn't go wrong with either.

Did you happen to post your impressions anywhere of the nautilus/Red october. I'm always looking for more impressions of either amp as so few people own them/have heard them.

 

[alsorkin]

I think @LCMusicLover was going to start a tube amps for ZMFs thread?

This would be most welcome as I am not interested in this being so dominant in recent discussions in this thread.

 

[goldwerger]

we all happily moved the zmf tube amp discussion over there... https://www.head-fi.org/threads/the-un-official-amp-thread-for-zmf-headphones.965309/

 

[Skyediver]

Did you happen to post your impressions anywhere of the nautilus/Red october. I'm always looking for more impressions of either amp as so few people own them/have heard them.

No. It was a loud, noisy CanJam. Not really a place for any A/B testing, just some quick impressions that I wasn't really focused on evaluating each at the time, just enjoying them. I do recall that I thought the Red October was the bomb and was thinking of which bank I was gonna rob to pay for it, only to find that the Nautilus, while a bit more relaxed and not as "meaty" and forward as the Red October, was an amp not to sleep on either. So close in quality that I'm comfortable saying that it's simply personal preference and full chain synergy that would likely decide what's "best" between them. As is always the case, really.

 

[helljudgement]

I’m subscribed to the idea that if it’s out of production than it shouldn’t be recommended. The best amp I’ve heard very recently for the zmf is the EC Studio w tribute interstage transformers but it isn’t something I can recommend as it is not possible to buy it anymore. Having long wait times is one thing but why tease something that is unobtainable when there are others out there? I’d much rather the conversation regarding amp recommendations centered around a product that is currently available for the public to purchase.

It is fun to discuss amps that are boutique and likely superb but not in the best interest for anyone who is asking for help to be recommended something that is out of production.

 

[geoffalter11]

Because they are expensive. There are few individuals able to buy several of these higher end tube amps together.

So true… they are mostly the object of fascination for most. Myself included. Would love to own a Headonia or a Rivera or Primavera. Not anytime soon in my world…

 

[KrauserX91]

Monsterzero is very lucky to have "dead quiet" OTL amp - Airmid. Most tube amps are not quiet.
The Blue Halo is dead quiet only if you use 6N6P tubes ( they need adapters ).

In my case the Euforia AE had a little hum noticeable when not playing music, not annoying, but it’s there and solved with Tung-Sol 5998 instead the stock power tubes. Now is dead silent.

 

[realmassy]

I'm pretty new to ZMF headphones, in fact I never heard one, but I'm quite settled on the Atrium and I'm wondering about the different woods. I don't think the various versions are easily available here in UK, especially in the different combinations of woods/metals. The available versions are cherry, koa and cocobolo: I suspect the different type of wood has an impact on the overall sound qualities (like any acoustic instrument), but are these differences noticeable enough? Would you spend an extra £200 for the 'non-standard cherry version'? Thanks

 

[geoffalter11]

I'm pretty new to ZMF headphones, in fact I never heard one, but I'm quite settled on the Atrium and I'm wondering about the different woods. I don't think the various versions are easily available here in UK, especially in the different combinations of woods/metals. The available versions are cherry, koa and cocobolo: I suspect the different type of wood has an impact on the overall sound qualities (like any acoustic instrument), but are these differences noticeable enough? Would you spend an extra £200 for the 'non-standard cherry version'? Thanks

My personal advice is to get the one you find most aesthetically pleasing. Each type of ZMF is tuned exactly the same. Atrium, VC, VO, etc. The differences in wood types are extremely subtle, in my opinion. Better to get the one you find most appealing to your eye.

Atrium is a great choice.