[ColSaulTigh]

A question, to any of you who don't really like Atrium sound with Universe Pad, which pad is your preference? I don't really like Auteur Pad on Atrium, so that option can be ruled out.

I'm a Perforated Be2 Hybrid pad fan myself - that's what's currently on my Atrium. I prefer the punchier, tighter bass and crisper highs. YMMV.

 

[YtseJamer]

A question, to any of you who don't really like Atrium sound with Universe Pad, which pad is your preference?

BE2 leather for me. I also don't like the Atrium with the Universe pads.

 

[Failed Engineer]

I also don’t like Auteur pads (or most Univ pads either) as a rule on ZMFs. I like Verite Ultra Perf Lamb on the Atrium as my first preference then BE2 Suede followed by BE2 Lamb. Somewhat strangely I don’t like the BE2 Hybrid.

 

[JackarlTwo]

I really like the BE2 suede. Currently using the Auteur hybrid and they're pretty similar to Auteur lambskin, slightly more controlled bass and smoother treble. Addicting sound. I wanna try the BE2 hybrid at some point, but seems like people either love it or hate it. I love how much you can tune the sound to your preference with just pad rolling. So many pads it gets expensive!

 

[cats4cans]

So many pads it gets expensive!

I think the trick must be to get several different models of headphone. That way they’re less likely to use the same pads, but you’ll still have a wide variety to choose from. It might sound crazy to have 6 or 8 sets of pads for one headphone, but 1 or 2 per headphone doesn’t even seem like enough. Perspective.

 

[blackdragon87]

I also don’t like Auteur pads (or most Univ pads either) as a rule on ZMFs. I like Verite Ultra Perf Lamb on the Atrium as my first preference then BE2 Suede followed by BE2 Lamb. Somewhat strangely I don’t like the BE2 Hybrid.

agree with you on the verite lamb pads. its been my favorite

ive had the atrium since monday and have tried the auteur lambskin perf, uni lamb perf thus far

 

[Bkido]

A question, to any of you who don't really like Atrium sound with Universe Pad, which pad is your preference? I don't really like Auteur Pad on Atrium, so that option can be ruled out.

Depends a bit which sound your're after. Universe perf. hybrid take a bit bite off but sound very similar to the stock Universe otherwise. I'm also not a fan of Auteur pads on Atrium. My current favorite are Be2 perf. suede pads.

 

[RestoredSparda]

Thanks a ton for the Be2 pad recommendation. I sold my cherry Atrium to get a bubinga and I've hated how it sounded. The treble was far too aggressive and had a nasty peak.

Last ditch effort was switching from my (used-to-be-favorite auteur leather perf) to be2 pads. I just stole them off my Verite Open quickly.

Absolutely perfect, extended and no-etch at all in the treble (especially vocals) anymore. I was about to sell these after two weeks of trying different tubes. Who knew I needed to switch pads for the same model of headphone. Lesson learned.

 

[rizena]

Is this ear pad a be2 pad? I'm confused.

 

[RestoredSparda]

Is this ear pad a be2 pad? I'm confused.

Looks like an Auteur leather perf or Universe leather perf (I need to see a side shot to be sure). Be2 are pretty thin, and have a foam insert instead of the thin spandex material on most zmf pads.

 

[rizena]

Looks like an Auteur leather perf or Universe leather perf (I need to see a side shot to be sure). Be2 are pretty thin, and have a foam insert instead of the thin spandex material on most zmf pads.

I don't know because the thickness of the earpad is similar.

 

[YtseJamer]

Thanks a ton for the Be2 pad recommendation. I sold my cherry Atrium to get a bubinga and I've hated how it sounded. The treble was far too aggressive and had a nasty peak.

Last ditch effort was switching from my (used-to-be-favorite auteur leather perf) to be2 pads. I just stole them off my Verite Open quickly.

Absolutely perfect, extended and no-etch at all in the treble (especially vocals) anymore. I was about to sell these after two weeks of trying different tubes. Who knew I needed to switch pads for the same model of headphone. Lesson learned.

Recently, I went through an experience of upgrading my headphones from Atrium Cherry to Atrium Koa. However, I was disappointed with the sound quality when using the Universe and Auteur pads, and was even considering selling them. Before doing so, I decided to test them with the BE2 pads, and I was pleasantly surprised by the improvement in sound quality.

I am considering the possibility that the change in my audio equipment might have affected my preferences. Specifically, I replaced my Quicksilver amp with the Icon Audio HP8 MKII Signature. With the Quicksilver, I preferred the Auteur (Universe #2) pads, but with the HP8, I find that I require the BE2 pads in order to fully appreciate the Atrium.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Thanks to all suggestions! Remind me back when I acquired Verite for the first time, felt so-so when tried with universe pad, but really loved it with Verite pad, then later I switched to BE2.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Speaking of pads, has anyone tried the Caldera Ultra Perforated pads with the Atrium? I imagine they'd make them brighter but I could be wrong.

 

[Deleeh]

Hello,
I ordered you when I was still clearing my Atrium Bocote.
They were recommended to me by Zach himself instead of the Be2.
Unfortunately I can't say anything because my Atrium is still in the making and I expect it to arrive in May at the earliest.

And then it still has to be tuned in, so it will be a while before I have a chance to try it.

Here's some of the stuff Zach wrote about the ultra perf, that's all he said but it's enough to convince me.

I think if you were to change one out it might be worth trying the Caldera Ultra Perf instead of the BE2 - I've found it gives a somewhat similar sound but with better staging.