ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[hafzz123]

Can anyone compare and contrast the Atrium with the Clear MG?

Very different sound presentations, Atrium has larger ( both width and depth ) soundstage, smoother sound, and better bass response

Atrium has that Biocellulose smooth and organic sound while Clear MG has that Beryllium metallic timbre on the treble which may become dealbreaker for some

 

[Clemmaster]

Very different sound presentations, Atrium has larger ( both width and depth ) soundstage, smoother sound, and better bass response

Atrium has that Biocellulose smooth and organic sound while Clear MG has that Beryllium metallic timbre on the treble which may become dealbreaker for some

Clear MG has a magnesium driver. The Utopia is beryllium.
But your description still holds. I found the Clear Mg treble a bit “grainy”, which could be the “magnesium timbre”? I don’t have an issue with the Utopia timbre, on the other hand. YMMV

 

[AntonRisto]

The Atrium has the larger, wider, and more 3D stage. The Atrium is smoother in the upper mids and treble. The Atrium has more mid bass quantity, but both have good mid bass quality. The Atrium has more sub bass. They’re both built well but the Atrium is gorgeous as well as functional. They both have great imaging, but the Atrium uses a larger canvas.

There’s something about Focal with their treble tuning that I just don’t like on any of their models. The FR would have you believe the Clear MG is pretty smooth but it sounds sharper to me than any ZMF. I think what a graph can’t really convey is the quality of the treble. Of course YMMV.

I mostly agree with the comparison above!

In my opinion the Clear MG is a bit more punchy in the bass, and the vocals/mids are a bit more forward/aggressive on the Atrium.

 

[Leto Dal]

Crimea-tatar folk performed by pretty dope ukrainian band

Sounds absolutely beautiful with AC, cant wait to listen to it with AO.

 

[sp33ls]

Crimea-tatar folk performed by pretty dope ukrainian band

Sounds absolutely beautiful with AC, cant wait to listen to it with AO.

I’ve yet to hear a better pair of cans for folk than the AO.

 

[ken6217]

Just received my AO in Aged Cherry. Looks beautiful. For some reason I thought it was going to be lighter in color, but I’m glad it’s not.

Now for the break-in!

 

[acohen001]

Enjoy! They are beautifu.

 

[fuhnoo]

Just received my AO in Aged Cherry. Looks beautiful. For some reason I thought it was going to be lighter in color.

Now for the break-in!

What a perfect match with that Salire. Enjoy!

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Just received my AO in Aged Cherry. Looks beautiful. For some reason I thought it was going to be lighter in color.

Now for the break-in!

It's good to see you back in the game. Aged Cherry Atrium still one of the best retro looks ZMF ever.

 

[heliosphann]

Just received my AO in Aged Cherry. Looks beautiful. For some reason I thought it was going to be lighter in color.

Now for the break-in!

I think you made a good decision.

 

[Failed Engineer]

FWIW, if anyone is buying B-stock pads during the November event, I'd suggest trying the Verite Ultra Perf pads on the Atrium. It's my favorite pad vs the Be2 lamb, Be2 suede, and Caldera Ultra Perf. I'd only suggest for those who wear the Be2 variants primarily.

 

[Leto Dal]

About to place an order for plenty of ZMF accessories, what other pads would you suggest to get for Atrium?

 

[heliosphann]

About to place an order for plenty of ZMF accessories, what other pads would you suggest to get for Atrium?

All teh pads.

 

[LCMusicLover]

About to place an order for plenty of ZMF accessories, what other pads would you suggest to get for Atrium?

Umm ... which do you already have?

Also, which mesh?

 

[heliosphann]

Umm ... which do you already have?

Also, which mesh?

What he said.