ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[Curtisvill]

 

[Badlands]

This may be a weird comparison to ask but since I don’t have any other headphones and also don’t have any chance to audition, can anyone please compare Audeze LCD-XC and Atrium in terms of
- Sub bass,
- General quality of the bass
- Treble quality and quantity
- Detail, speed and separation
- Imaging and clarity
Can Atrium be considered clear step up?
I appreciate the help, thank you.

Note: I only have the Mojo 2 as dac/amp.

I’ve never heard the LCD-XC but I can say that Atrium/Mojo 2 is a great pairing. The incisiveness and cleanliness of Mojo 2 is a wonderful compliment to the subtle warmth and soundstage depth of the Atrium. Listen to mainly singer/songwriter, jazz and rock. Honestly, Atrium has been my best purchase in this hobby and I love the transportabity and versatility of Mojo 2. I forget the gear and get lost in the music.

 

[nieveulv]

This may be a weird comparison to ask but since I don’t have any other headphones and also don’t have any chance to audition, can anyone please compare Audeze LCD-XC and Atrium in terms of
- Sub bass,
- General quality of the bass
- Treble quality and quantity
- Detail, speed and separation
- Imaging and clarity
Can Atrium be considered clear step up?
I appreciate the help, thank you.

Note: I only have the Mojo 2 as dac/amp.

Ive heard and extensively listen to both at my home......In summary, without EQ the XC stands no chance. With EQ though, the XC is a beast and can compete with any HP ive ever listened (excluding comfort)

No EQ comparison
- Sub bass - Both dont reach that low, but XC feels wimpy
- Quality of bass - Atrium is more punch and felt more. More palpable. The XC bass without EQ is weak
- Treble - Atrium is darker, the XC is very bright.
- DEtail - the xcs strong point, atriums is good but not its strength
- Imaging - Both does things differently depending on preference. I prefer how atrium images
- Step up - Without EQ, the atrium is a clear step up. With EQ......all about preference. The atrium is 1 of the few hps i can be happy without any EQ applied

 

[zach915m]

Hey guys just a note that today (Sunday April 2nd) is the last day we will have Bocote and Redheart on the site for the Atrium Open and Caldera.

 

[sp33ls]

The atrium is 1 of the few hps i can be happy without any EQ applied

100%
However, I've recently applied a bass shelf (+5dB starting at around 75Hz) and wow...
Filling in the sub-bass on the Atrium makes for a very fun listen.

That being said, it's totally not necessary for most music.

 

[Lyssky]

Thank you very much @Badlands and @nieveulv .
One more question @nieveulv if you allow me; Here a lot of people agree on Atrium’s character but How would you describe the Atrium sound characteristic relative to LCD-XC in all aspects? How do you feel with each of them?
Note: I mostly listen to metal music (more progressive and symphonic), classical music, jazz, funk, film music and sometimes edm.

 

[Deleeh]

Hello,

has anyone even ordered an Atrium Bocote?
If so, why don't you show it to us?
I went back a few posts and found nothing.
I ordered mine today and I'm curious to see what's in Pandora's box when it arrives.

 

[nieveulv]

Thank you very much @Badlands and @nieveulv .
One more question @nieveulv if you allow me; Here a lot of people agree on Atrium’s character but How would you describe the Atrium sound characteristic relative to LCD-XC in all aspects? How do you feel with each of them?
Note: I mostly listen to metal music (more progressive and symphonic), classical music, jazz, funk, film music and sometimes edm.

Unlike the majority of audeze, the xc is a bright and bass light and very unforgiving sound, while the atrium is a warmer musical yet darker sound (i use the non solid mesh). Soundstage wise the atrium is one of my favorite presentation of a natural soundstage while the xc without eq is really mid fwd.

From my experience, the xc is not worth it if eq is not an option....while for your music taste the atrium is great (im not a fan of atrium for edm though, some songs i felt lack a certain snap or bite at the upper register while the xc did this amazingly well). Atriums does real instruments justice!

With eq though, the xc is 1 of the most versatile headphone that can do it all. Due to its insane technicalities and low distortion, you can eq to no limits. Add a bass shelf and reduce 1800hz by 2-3 dbs low q is all i did to make it sound great
for almost all genres With only cons is that of its weight.


My fav headphone of all is the hd800s (eqed) so i usually tend to prefer brighter sound, for me to love the darker atrium tuning is amazing.

 

[nieveulv]

100%
However, I've recently applied a bass shelf (+5dB starting at around 75Hz) and wow...
Filling in the sub-bass on the Atrium makes for a very fun listen.

That being said, it's totally not necessary for most music.

I did a bass shelf too!! But at 40hz 3db.

 

[Lyssky]

I did a bass shelf too!! But at 40hz 3db.

Did it benefit edm? Also if you eq treble? Would it take it? I know I’ve asked this but more specifically How would you comment on detail retrieval comparison?
Can you say Atrium is more musical even when LCD-XC is EQed?
Btw I have the 2020 version.
Thank you.

 

[nieveulv]

Did it benefit edm? Also if you eq treble? Would it take it? I know I’ve asked this but more specifically How would you comment on detail retrieval comparison?
Can you say Atrium is more musical even when LCD-XC is EQed?
Btw I have the 2020 version.
Thank you.

Ah the 2020 is totally different....that 1 i heard too long ago....but it have more bass than The 2021 version. I didnt find it necesary to eq atriums treble....and when i did, i lost something else, hence i leave it alone (i cant seem to eq the bite and snap the atriums sometimes, very rarely lacks)

In detail retrieval....the xc (eqed 2021) have more perceived detail imho, but to be honest, miniscule and not important enough to sway decisions.

ITs all a matter of preference. An eqed lcd xc is like a precise studio monitor with focused tight and clear sound, while the atriums are like a nice floorstander in a bigger room. Both are good for their specific needs and taste. Your 2 choices of headphones are really unique since its like the polar opposite from each other. They will make for a good combo.1 closed 1 open, 1 planar 1 dynamic, 1 warm 1 analytical etc...

 

[JackarlTwo]

I haven't heard the XC but the X (2021 version) is supposedly slightly bassier/ more neutral than XC. So take my comments with a grain of salt.
- Atrium has much better bass quality and quantity without EQ, but it isn't as planar flat down to 30Hz.
- The LCD is brighter in the treble, with more peaks. Too much "air" above 10KHz, making the LCD seem more detailed but it's also more metallic/ unnatural sounding, especially cymbals. Atrium is much smoother and warmer sounding here, still with plenty of details.
- With EQ the LCD sounds excellent but musicality still goes to the Atrium. I don't feel like I have to EQ anything on the Atrium except maybe a small bass shelf depending on the song. Notes are richer, it hits harder, and is overall a better headphone in every area except for maybe sub bass. A more natural & musical sounding headphone than the LCD, while the LCD is more like studio monitors.

ITs all a matter of preference. An eqed lcd xc is like a precise studio monitor with focused tight and clear sound, while the atriums are like a nice floorstander in a bigger room. Both are good for their specific needs and taste. Your 2 choices of headphones are really unique since its like the polar opposite from each other. They will make for a good combo.1 closed 1 open, 1 planar 1 dynamic, 1 warm 1 analytical etc...

This is a good description. Pretty much how I feel between the LCD-X and Atrium.

 

[Lyssky]

Thank you

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Hello,

has anyone even ordered an Atrium Bocote?
If so, why don't you show it to us?
I went back a few posts and found nothing.
I ordered mine today and I'm curious to see what's in Pandora's box when it arrives.

Make me wonder why I forgot to post a it here. Better late than never ofc:

Very classic look with rich of texture. Definitely has more weight compared to Redheart, but still not as heavy as Atrium Cocobolo/Aged Copper.

 

[Deleeh]

Make me wonder why I forgot to post a it here. Better late than never ofc:



Very classic look with rich of texture. Definitely has more weight compared to Redheart, but still not as heavy as Atrium Cocobolo/Aged Copper.

Oh wow, great photo you took there, very successful and also looks beautiful your Atrium Bocote.
Congratulations.
Hope you like it and thanks for sharing.

This increases my anticipation even more when Pandora's box is opened on the arrival of the atrium.
That's always the most exciting part after the long wait and unpacking after the postman has brought the package.
A year ago almost to the day, I ordered one of the last Auteur OG last year.
A year later it's exactly the same game with all the anticipation and excitement where you wait for it and wonder what has Zmf done for me.