ZMF Atrium - new open-back co-flagship

[DillingerEP]

This headphone is so beautiful.

 

[jinxy245]

Acquired a matching stand for my atrium.
Also acquired the be2 perforated suede pads and my god it’s like a match made in heaven. Absolute perfection across the whole frequency response for my personal HRTF.

On an adjacent note, I’m potentially looking to upgrade my source gear to help really maximize my Atrium. I’m running it off XLR on my xduoo ta 22 tube hybrid dac pre amp + 12au7 mullard long nos tubes. It sounds phenomenal but people claim that ZMFs really sing on OTLs. Anybody have any OTLs they’d recommend that can take my atrium to the next level from what I’m using right now? I would also prefer to not break the bank, maybe something under $400-$500. Thanks in advance

I briefly heard the Valhalla 3 at Canjamnyc25, and that might fit the bill nicely. I believe there was a Bokeh paired with it at the time, but it sounded really good (show conditions and all that yadda yadda).

There's always a Bottlehead Crack that many have praised, though I've never heard one myself.

For my own Atrium I've had a great experience with the xDuoo TA-66. There are some minor complaints: the stepped volume pot can be a challenge to dial in the right level, and there is a slight roll-off in bass at the lowest level. I barely notice it except on certain challenging tracks, but it is there.


Good luck!

 

[MindBreak]

I briefly heard the Valhalla 3 at Canjamnyc25, and that might fit the bill nicely. I believe there was a Bokeh paired with it at the time, but it sounded really good (show conditions and all that yadda yadda).

There's always a Bottlehead Crack that many have praised, though I've never heard one myself.

For my own Atrium I've had a great experience with the xDuoo TA-66. There are some minor complaints: the stepped volume pot can be a challenge to dial in the right level, and there is a slight roll-off in bass at the lowest level. I barely notice it except on certain challenging tracks, but it is there.


Good luck!

I will be picking up a Valhalla 3 at launch to power my Atrium Open. Once I have it in hand I will post my thoughts on the pairing. A lot of people have had similar impressions when it was demoed at shows/conventions. I can't wait to hear it for myself. It will be hooked up to my Yggdrasil+ MIB.

 

[orbilius]

Acquired a matching stand for my atrium.
Also acquired the be2 perforated suede pads and my god it’s like a match made in heaven. Absolute perfection across the whole frequency response for my personal HRTF.

On an adjacent note, I’m potentially looking to upgrade my source gear to help really maximize my Atrium. I’m running it off XLR on my xduoo ta 22 tube hybrid dac pre amp + 12au7 mullard long nos tubes. It sounds phenomenal but people claim that ZMFs really sing on OTLs. Anybody have any OTLs they’d recommend that can take my atrium to the next level from what I’m using right now? I would also prefer to not break the bank, maybe something under $400-$500. Thanks in advance

Check out Eufonika amps on Etsy. Mine sounds fantastic with the Atrium.

 

[JerseyD]

On an adjacent note, I’m potentially looking to upgrade my source gear to help really maximize my Atrium. I’m running it off XLR on my xduoo ta 22 tube hybrid dac pre amp + 12au7 mullard long nos tubes. It sounds phenomenal but people claim that ZMFs really sing on OTLs. Anybody have any OTLs they’d recommend that can take my atrium to the next level from what I’m using right now? I would also prefer to not break the bank, maybe something under $400-$500. Thanks in advance

Glad that the pads are working well for you! Budget OTL amps people enjoy with ZMFs include the Bottlehead Crack and the Eufonika. Although this may be the first time I have heard of someone spending more on a headphone stand than an amp, but hey, enjoy yourself! Kidding aside, of course!

 

[veggiemight]

Glad that the pads are working well for you! Budget OTL amps people enjoy with ZMFs include the Bottlehead Crack and the Eufonika. Although this may be the first time I have heard of someone spending more on a headphone stand than an amp, but hey, enjoy yourself! Kidding aside, of course!

Haha the stand was part of the deal with the headphone. I just didn’t pick it up the first time I got the headphones since they were originally loaned to me, and then I loved it so much I bought it off the dude. Had to make a second trip to pick up the accessories. Thanks for the recommendations!

 

[Tanalasta]

I had the recent opportunity to briefly listen to a headphone (not mine but brought over by a fellow head-fi member) that had been promoted as a chinese made alternative to ZMF Atrium. The Chinese product is pictured above. Curiosity got the better of me and I asked to hear what the hype was all about. To my ears, the tuning and sound is vastly different to the ZMF house sound. Leaner, brighter with less coherence. But more so missing that enveloping, rich sound that ZMF's are known for. The analogy might be the difference between listening to a Steinway Grand Piano and ... well ... a much less grand piano in tonality. *mods: Please let me know if I need to remove this post*

Is It Beautiful - ASOT Stage, Miami 2025. A very apt song for Zach's beautiful creation from Amboyna Burl from the November 2024 drop. A surreal listening experience. Until the next LTD release, I wouldn't think there would be that many like it. Much love.

 

[JerseyD]

Since I am not buying any of those new limited run beauties on the ZMF site, I treated myself to a BBB strap and one more set of pads for my Atrium. The BBB strap was installed with only a brief moment of panic when the cup assemblies came off the headband once I removed the regular strap. But it wasn’t that hard to hold everything in place and screw it back together with the new strap. Comfort for long listening sessions is now improved.

But now the real reason for me writing: changed out my beloved Universe Perf Lamb pads, which were my favorites after testing many different pads when I got the Atrium. Am now trying out the Caldera Ultra-perf Suede pads. My earlier experiment with the Caldera Ultra-perf Lamb was a disappointment, with too large a reduction in bass for my liking (despite @heliospahnn’s enthusiastic endorsement of them - https://www.head-fi.org/showcase/zmfheadphones-universe-pads.25839/reviews). But these things are all system-dependent and subject to the anomalies of one’s own ears.

So far, I am really enjoying these Caldera Suede Ultra-perfs! They are giving at least as much (maybe more) bass quantity as the Uni-Perf-Lambs, if perhaps less detailed and articulate bass. It’s the vocals that are shining through. There is some kind of freaky magic going on with vocals, and female vocals in particular. Treble is not striking me as being wildly different than the Uni-perf-lambs - nice extension and articulation (but my somewhat damaged ears have a little trouble in the treble). Soundstage seems wider with the new pads. Will these become my new favorite? I don’t know yet! I will probably switch back and forth every so often just to switch things up for fun.

Grateful to Zach and the ZMF team for even making tuning changes like this possible. I do have a bunch of barely used pads that didn’t work for my ears for sale in the classifieds if anyone is looking.

 

[Blindranger]

Acquired a matching stand for my atrium.
Also acquired the be2 perforated suede pads and my god it’s like a match made in heaven. Absolute perfection across the whole frequency response for my personal HRTF.

On an adjacent note, I’m potentially looking to upgrade my source gear to help really maximize my Atrium. I’m running it off XLR on my xduoo ta 22 tube hybrid dac pre amp + 12au7 mullard long nos tubes. It sounds phenomenal but people claim that ZMFs really sing on OTLs. Anybody have any OTLs they’d recommend that can take my atrium to the next level from what I’m using right now? I would also prefer to not break the bank, maybe something under $400-$500. Thanks in advance

I really enjoy my AO with the Bottlehead Crack + Speedball. Watch the classified section you can score an excellent OTL amp in your price range. I got my BHC for well under $400 shipped from an awesome seller.

 

[JackarlTwo]

Acquired a matching stand for my atrium.
Also acquired the be2 perforated suede pads and my god it’s like a match made in heaven. Absolute perfection across the whole frequency response for my personal HRTF.

On an adjacent note, I’m potentially looking to upgrade my source gear to help really maximize my Atrium. I’m running it off XLR on my xduoo ta 22 tube hybrid dac pre amp + 12au7 mullard long nos tubes. It sounds phenomenal but people claim that ZMFs really sing on OTLs. Anybody have any OTLs they’d recommend that can take my atrium to the next level from what I’m using right now? I would also prefer to not break the bank, maybe something under $400-$500. Thanks in advance

Stunning set and matching stand! As previously suggested I'm sure Bottlehead Crack is a great match. TA-66 seems to be very liked in the community. If you can stretch the budget a bit I can personally recommend the Eufonika H5 with Miflex caps (you could ask for other caps if you wish I'm pretty sure). Superb pairing with Atrium. All of these options are probably about as good as it gets sub $1k when it comes to OTLs.

 

[Deleeh]

Yes, the Eufonika would appeal to me too.
The H22S could work a bit better.
Unfortunately, I don't know whether there is a price difference between the H5 and H22S.
As far as the Caps mod is concerned, you logically pay the extra price for it, but it can be worth it.

Alternatively, I can recommend an Eric mcchanson Ultimate mini if the budget allows it.
This amplifier works absolutely magically with the Zmf's especially with Atrium open.

Eufonika and Mcchanson are amplifiers that are made to order, a little patience is required.
But it's worth it.
I can't speak for the Eufonika, I've never heard one unfortunately.
But many people are satisfied with it and with Zmf's in general.
With over 300 amplifiers built, that says something.

There are also amplifiers that stand out from the market or are even better.
Ultimate is definitely better than what I've heard in the past.
Even though it is a set amplifier with 3W power, it made the Feliks Euforia look pretty old, which also got a cap upgrade.

 

[K3cT]

Testing a pair of Koa LTD with updated drivers, stock mesh and stock universe pads. It's a very promising start but the upper mid is a little too aggressive for me, further experimentation needed!

 

[Rhodey]

Testing a pair of Koa LTD with updated drivers, stock mesh and stock universe pads. It's a very promising start but the upper mid is a little too aggressive for me, further experimentation needed!

Are you comparing them to the original drivers and mesh? Or is the atrium completely new to you? I hope the new drivers don’t change things too much.

 

[K3cT]

Are you comparing them to the original drivers and mesh? Or is the atrium completely new to you? I hope the new drivers don’t change things too much.

Just in general but I want to note that I've always been very sensitive to upper mid peaks. Even the Caldera Open's upper mid is also a bit borderline for me.

 

[Knee Deep In Epoxy]

Testing a pair of Koa LTD with updated drivers, stock mesh and stock universe pads. It's a very promising start but the upper mid is a little too aggressive for me, further experimentation needed!

what update has been made to the drivers?