ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[erics75]

I decided to sell the Atrium. I love it but I just miss the vocals on the OG Auteur too much. And I feel like the Auteur is more balanced overall from top to bottom. Once that's sold, I'm hoping to repurchase an OG Auteur.

The Auteur is an incredible headphone, I miss mine bad. Next year I want to pick one up again, just debating going back to the OG or trying the Classic.

 

[Nuge]

The Auteur is an incredible headphone, I miss mine bad. Next year I want to pick one up again, just debating going back to the OG or trying the Classic.

From what I gathered from reading a bunch of posts on here, those who value soundstage tends to strongly prefer the Classic. But those who really love the vocal presentation on the OG find that the Classic removes some of the magic by pushing the vocals a bit back.

 

[erics75]

From what I gathered from reading a bunch of posts on here, those who value soundstage tends to strongly prefer the Classic. But those who really love the vocal presentation on the OG find that the Classic removes some of the magic by pushing the vocals a bit back.

Then I'd be going for an OG, I love how it renders vocals.

 

[Nuge]

Then I'd be going for an OG, I love how it renders vocals.

Same! The vocals aren't quite as forward as the HD600 or the ATH-AD2000 (two midfi headphones I love) but the TONE of those mids is just unlike anything else that I've heard thus far. Vocal jazz is incredible. I think I just prefer a "breathier" vocal presentation versus one that is more meaty. And all three of these headphones have a comparatively intimate presentation to the Atrium which I actually really like.

 

[ThanatosVI]

From what I gathered from reading a bunch of posts on here, those who value soundstage tends to strongly prefer the Classic. But those who really love the vocal presentation on the OG find that the Classic removes some of the magic by pushing the vocals a bit back.

How is the soundstage of the classic compared to the Atrium?

 

[Nuge]

How is the soundstage of the classic compared to the Atrium?

I can only comment on what I've read (I've only owned the OG Auteur and Atrium) but the soundstage is similar. I've read a few people saying that if you stick with the Auteur Classic vs the Atrium, you are getting the best bang-for-your-buck in the ZMF lineup. And a big reason for that is the similar soundstage.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

How is the soundstage of the classic compared to the Atrium?

Auteur Classic has smaller size, both width and depth. Atrium has more "3D Sphere" feel.

 

[Monsterzero]

the HD600 or the ATH-AD2000

Have you tried an old AKG K240 sextett? I found that the non-X AD2000 and Sextett had a similar presentation to one another, with the ATH being a bit faster but also drier sounding.

How is the soundstage of the classic compared to the Atrium?

Atrium has a grander scale of staging vs. classic.

 

[Deleeh]

I decided to sell the Atrium. I love it but I just miss the vocals on the OG Auteur too much. And I feel like the Auteur is more balanced overall from top to bottom. Once that's sold, I'm hoping to repurchase an OG Auteur.

I'm a little disappointed that you're letting it go so soon.
Even though the Auteur Og seems to be your favourite and maybe a Vo/Vc would probably be more suitable for you as an upgrade.
Before you really sell it, think again about the drive.
A tube amp, if you don't have one yet, would definitely make sense for the Auteur.
And maybe give yourself some more time.
I listened to the Auteur for a year and it took me a good 3 months to get to know the Atrium.
And now I can say I wouldn't want to miss it any more.
Sometimes when I listen to the Auteur I wish I had the bass punch of the Atrium, then it would be perfect for me.
The other thing is that it's quick to change.
And it's wonderful to have a bit of variety depending on the mood of the day.

Of course, it's also a matter of being influenced by the music you listen to, and the auteur might really be the stronger one. And of course, personal taste still plays a role.
I would also like to point out the Caldera Ultra Perf for the Atrium.
They come a bit closer to the Auteur with solid bass punch.

The latter with tube amplifiers and respective tubes can both be brought to a good point that has a personal effect.
But I still understand your decision if it has been made.
I mention the Verite closed because it is a bit more neutral than the Atrium open and it might be more to your taste.
It's the closest to the Auteur in my opinion with more precision, punch and a good dose of honesty.
To get the Atrium more neutral without a tube amp you would have to change something in the chain which could be expensive in the long run.

 

[Nuge]

Have you tried an old AKG K240 sextett? I found that the non-X AD2000 and Sextett had a similar presentation to one another, with the ATH being a bit faster but also drier sounding.

I have not actually but I have heard this same thing about them.

 

[Nuge]

I'm a little disappointed that you're letting it go so soon.
Even though the Auteur Og seems to be your favourite and maybe a Vo/Vc would probably be more suitable for you as an upgrade.
Before you really sell it, think again about the drive.
A tube amp, if you don't have one yet, would definitely make sense for the Auteur.
And maybe give yourself some more time.
I listened to the Auteur for a year and it took me a good 3 months to get to know the Atrium.
And now I can say I wouldn't want to miss it any more.
Sometimes when I listen to the Auteur I wish I had the bass punch of the Atrium, then it would be perfect for me.
The other thing is that it's quick to change.
And it's wonderful to have a bit of variety depending on the mood of the day.

Of course, it's also a matter of being influenced by the music you listen to, and the auteur might really be the stronger one. And of course, personal taste still plays a role.
I would also like to point out the Caldera Ultra Perf for the Atrium.
They come a bit closer to the Auteur with solid bass punch.

The latter with tube amplifiers and respective tubes can both be brought to a good point that has a personal effect.
But I still understand your decision if it has been made.
I mention the Verite closed because it is a bit more neutral than the Atrium open and it might be more to your taste.
It's the closest to the Auteur in my opinion with more precision, punch and a good dose of honesty.
To get the Atrium more neutral without a tube amp you would have to change something in the chain which could be expensive in the long run.

I appreciate the feedback here. I do have a tube amp (Eufonika HF5 miflex) and it is a great match for the Auteur. That might be another reason I like the Auteur more.

 

[Deleeh]

Yes, the Eufonika is a good entry-level amplifier to try out.
With the Milfex cap, the Auteur will be a bit more organic, that's true.
There's definitely room for improvement with the Atrium, but you'll have to try it out for yourself.
Icon Audio Hp8 is a small secret favourite among the ZMFs.
There are actually tube amplifiers where the cap can be an important component, besides the implementation.
Also, some headphones may work, some may not.

If you have enough tubes, try using more neutral tubes with the Atrium and warmer ones with the Auteur.
Maybe it's a gamechanger for you.

 

[JackarlTwo]

After several months of pad swapping and getting used to the sound with various pads I'm back with Universe pads and stock mesh. It's easy to forget how they sound in the stock configuration, and damn do they sound good.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Their latest album sounds quite spectacular on Atrium, if you're into psychedelic rock/ jazz fusion:

 

[helljudgement]

Listening to Dave and Steve discussing the production process of In Utero on Conan's podcast and realized it's been 30 years since it's initial released. Such an amazing album and revisiting it with the Atrium is so darn good. It's so easy to forget just how dynamic and hard hitting the Atrium is until you put on an album such as this.