ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[Monsterzero]

This reminded me of a thread idea I had:

Tube Amps for ZMF headphones

Seems like the 'institutional knowledge' on this subject is scattered across (literally) dozens of threads. I imagine a fun thread featuring massive food fights between adherents of various amps seasoned with a bit of tube-rolling guerilla warfare

I like it.

 

[L0rdGwyn]

At first glance I thought you were driving them with a tube desk

Hmm tube desk, I'll have to chew on that idea.

This reminded me of a thread idea I had:

Tube Amps for ZMF headphones

Seems like the 'institutional knowledge' on this subject is scattered across (literally) dozens of threads. I imagine a fun thread featuring massive food fights between adherents of various amps seasoned with a bit of tube-rolling guerilla warfare

I think this would be a popular thread, it has tube in the name so I'd be there.

 

[heliosphann]

Do you find the bass similar between the two? I was surprised how much tighter/controlled the bass sounded on the stock Universe Lambs. Also the sub bass was a lot more pronounced than the Auteur Hybrid Pref. If I can get the staging, 3D effect and elevated mids from the Auteur Lamb + better bass technicalities ... that would be ideal ...

I personally found the bass similar, but overall the Universe pads had better bass. Some people find it the other way around, so YMMV. There's a lot of variables to consider when talking about how someone responds to different sized pads. Different head size/shape and ear canal shape alone can have a big effect from person to person.

 

[Somatic]

Atriums are one hell of a headphone. Making me see the negatives of all my other headphones. Not the most detailed or the most air. Rolls off in sub bass a bit but damn so balanced. Amazing transparency, timbre, nice bass slam/punch, perfect vocals. Works with all genres. Very natural sounding.

Now I'm trying to pad roll my Susvaras. Testing all the Dekoni pads to see if I can make them sound a little more like the Atriums LOL ...

Long live the King, Atrium ...

 

[goldwerger]

Did a quick buff of the curly bubinga Atrium before listening this afternoon. The color is definitely darkening over time, which is to my liking. Not my finest photography work, but it'll do.

Gorgeous!!

 

[Dawgfish]

Auteur perforated leather have more mid bass, more stage layering, and slightly smoother/darker upper mids and treble. Bass is noticeably quicker and tighter on Universe perforated leather pads but also has less impact. I love both of those pads.

I just rolled the Auteur lambskin pads coming from the Universe lambskin pads. How you described the sound is how I'm hearing it as well though I think I may be hearing slightly more sub bass along with more mid bass.

I think I slightly prefer the Auteur pads as I can be sensitive to too much upper mid range which the Atriums can have with some recordings with the Universe pads to my ears. More listening is needed but I'm really liking what I'm hearing from the Auteur lambskin pads. These very well may be my go-to pads for the Atrium.

 

[Dawgfish]

Did a quick buff of the curly bubinga Atrium before listening this afternoon. The color is definitely darkening over time, which is to my liking. Not my finest photography work, but it'll do.

I'm drooling over those! Gorgeous!

 

[pravous]

I used the stock universe pads for about two weeks while my atrium was breaking in before I swapped over to the auteur leather perf. About three weeks ago I decided to swap back the stock universe pads. I stuck it out about a week but ended up swapping back the the auteur pads. The universe have slightly tighter base but the auteur wins hands down on my set up in terms of soundstage/imaging.

 

[Skyediver]

This reminded me of a thread idea I had:

Tube Amps for ZMF headphones

Seems like the 'institutional knowledge' on this subject is scattered across (literally) dozens of threads. I imagine a fun thread featuring massive food fights between adherents of various amps seasoned with a bit of tube-rolling guerilla warfare

Agree, 100%.

I’m busy/lazy so wouldn’t be the one to start this needed project, but would be an instant subscriber to the thread. SO needed for ZMF pad rollers that are just getting into it.

 

[Wes S]

This reminded me of a thread idea I had:

Tube Amps for ZMF headphones

Seems like the 'institutional knowledge' on this subject is scattered across (literally) dozens of threads. I imagine a fun thread featuring massive food fights between adherents of various amps seasoned with a bit of tube-rolling guerilla warfare

Love it, and I would subscribe instantly. I have had a few tube amps over the years with my ZMF's, and have learned a ton about tubes and would love to contribute. Do it man.

 

[whirlwind]

Did a quick buff of the curly bubinga Atrium before listening this afternoon. The color is definitely darkening over time, which is to my liking. Not my finest photography work, but it'll do.

Such a beautiful wood and classy looking headphone.

 

[alsorkin]

Such a beautiful wood and classy looking headphone.

I also am admiring my "classy looking headphone" and it's nice bubinga resting spot.

 

[Dawgfish]

After spending more time listening to the Auteur lambskin pads with different setups and types of music, these are now my go to pads for the Atrium. I love the staging and extra weight these give. The slight reduction in upper mids (compared to Universe lambskin pads) also agrees more to my listening preferences. The Atrium with these pads is just mesmerizing. Wow!!!

 

[Somatic]

After spending more time listening to the Auteur lambskin pads with different setups and types of music, these are now my go to pads for the Atrium.

Nice. Auteur Lamb, BE2 Suede and Universe Hybrids are on my short list.

So far I'm maining the Auteur Hybrids which I like. But bass could be tighter. Loving the vocals on this combo though.

 

[Dawgfish]

Nice. Auteur Lamb, BE2 Suede and Universe Hybrids are on my short list.

So far I'm maining the Auteur Hybrids which I like. But bass could be tighter. Loving the vocals on this combo though.

I like the Auteur hybrid as well. They are a nice change of pace. I'm really enjoying vocals with the Auteur lambskin pads also. Vocals are more forward in the mix vs the Universe pads. The bass is not as tight as the Universe lambskin pads but it is more prevalent and I actually like it that way. What really makes them great to my ears is the layering/staging and slight reduction in upper mids. Because of this I find them an easier listen for longer sessions.