ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[veggiemight]

Very nice, I was late to the game too haha! Does that have gunmetal hardware?

honestly? idk haha.... I bought this from a local in the Bay, all I know is that this is the stabilized "Scordatura" finish.

 

[audio integrity]

After lurking in the shadows, watching so many reviews and reading countless forums for what felt like eons, and after a brief fling with the zmf bokeh and verite (only to realize they were placeholders standing in the way of what I truly wanted), I can finally proudly say that I've found my endgame with the Atrium

Stunning

 

[thefitz]

Is anyone using their Atrium primarily with an OTL amp? I know I am likely going to get hit with a torrent of OTC amp recommendations as they're all the rage these days, but what about pure OTL?

I got a Schiit Valhalla V1 for a hot $150 shipped, and... I am just addicted to it with the Atrium. VC, not so much. But the Atrium....

I am happy with the Valhalla for that 6N1P/6N6P life, but what about something like the Woo Audio WA2 or Feliks Elise? Bottlehead Crack, even??

 

[Rhodey]

Love the AO with the Bottlehead crack. Amazing combo.

 

[mattiastomas]

Is anyone using their Atrium primarily with an OTL amp? I know I am likely going to get hit with a torrent of OTC amp recommendations as they're all the rage these days, but what about pure OTL?

I got a Schiit Valhalla V1 for a hot $150 shipped, and... I am just addicted to it with the Atrium. VC, not so much. But the Atrium....

I am happy with the Valhalla for that 6N1P/6N6P life, but what about something like the Woo Audio WA2 or Feliks Elise? Bottlehead Crack, even??

I have heard the Atrium on the Bottlehead crack and its a great combo.

I use my Atrium on both my Decware CSP3 (OTL) and Aegis (TC). I do love the Atrium on both if push comes to shove I would say that I slightly prefer the Decware.

Can't wait for the upcoming ZMF Airmid OTL. I've heard the Airmid and its an amazing OTL.

 

[MindBreak]

Is anyone using their Atrium primarily with an OTL amp? I know I am likely going to get hit with a torrent of OTC amp recommendations as they're all the rage these days, but what about pure OTL?

I got a Schiit Valhalla V1 for a hot $150 shipped, and... I am just addicted to it with the Atrium. VC, not so much. But the Atrium....

I am happy with the Valhalla for that 6N1P/6N6P life, but what about something like the Woo Audio WA2 or Feliks Elise? Bottlehead Crack, even??

I am hoping to experience some of that synergy soon with the Valhalla 3 paired with my AO.

 

[thefitz]

I am hoping to experience some of that synergy soon with the Valhalla 3 paired with my AO.

The fact there's an OTL/OTC switch is rad!

Thanks for your suggestions, all - the WA2 just speaks to me as I really want multiple inputs. Perhaps that's silly. Perhaps I'll keep an eye out for a Crack to be the next step, as the only OTL I've ever owned is the Valhalla... three times!

 

[erics75]

Is anyone using their Atrium primarily with an OTL amp? I know I am likely going to get hit with a torrent of OTC amp recommendations as they're all the rage these days, but what about pure OTL?

I got a Schiit Valhalla V1 for a hot $150 shipped, and... I am just addicted to it with the Atrium. VC, not so much. But the Atrium....

I am happy with the Valhalla for that 6N1P/6N6P life, but what about something like the Woo Audio WA2 or Feliks Elise? Bottlehead Crack, even??

I love the Atrium on OTL! Yes OTCs are more popular for their flexibility. But something about OTL and high impedance dynamic drivers really works for me, even more than OTC IMO. I run mine on either a Wells Audio V8 OTL or Woo WA3 OTL (discontinued). The bottlehead would be amazing i'm sure, it was for many of my ZMFs before I sold it. Also if you're looking for a reasonably priced OTL try Eufonika out of Poland. He sells on Etsy and I've read nothing but great things about them. I'm dying to get one myself, but i have a few other purchases first i need to fund.

 

[thefitz]

Great suggestions, all! Looks like I must try the Crack!

With the Verite pads, the Atrium and Valhalla 1 is just great for me. Yes, the soundstage is a step down from my SS setup, and fine, it gets a little mushy with busy, heavy music... but when it hits right, it hits hard. And the bottom end is considerably fuller which is in keeping with the high impedance driver and OTL pairing.

 

[baseball8793]

who here likes the Verite Open more than the Atrium open?

 

[thefitz]

who here likes the Verite Open more than the Atrium open?

I can't talk about the Open, but I love alternating between the Atrium and VC. They're quite complementary, and are great to swap to in the event I feel like I am missing something. I find the Atrium to be the ultimate goldilocks headphone for me, but the VC has such a rich tonality, and it outresolves the AO and it's not even close.

Sometimes, if I want to "listen into" the music more, I go for the VC. Once I feel like I've been staring at the sun for too long, back to the AO I go. A great problem to have!

 

[JerseyD]

who here likes the Verite Open more than the Atrium open?

For purely instrumental music (jazz and classical) I like the Verite open more than the Atrium open (although I love them both). For music with vocals (rock, blues, folk), I prefer the Atrium and would also say the Atrium is the better all-arounder. But for instrumentals, I just love the direct and meaty presentation of the Verite.

 

[MindBreak]

For purely instrumental music (jazz and classical) I like the Verite open more than the Atrium open (although I love them both). For music with vocals (rock, blues, folk), I prefer the Atrium and would also say the Atrium is the better all-arounder. But for instrumentals, I just love the direct and meaty presentation of the Verite.

Thank you for summing things up as always.

 

[baseball8793]

how about the Abyss Joal--is the Atrium better?

 

[Rhodey]

how about the Abyss Joal--is the Atrium better?

Imo, oh yes! I like the MR more than the JOAL too (even if you removed the cost difference). MR sells used at a nice price.