I've been demoing the AC and VC the past week and they're both insanely good. Been looking at a closed back to complement the AO, and they both would be an excellent complement imo. The bass on the AC is so addictive, but I found the highs to be slightly splashy with some music but for the most part it's really controlled and balanced. I ended up preferring the VC, it has such a rich and lush sound. I really enjoyed them both. If someone is a basshead I think you'd prefer the AC.
@@TylersEclectic I guess this is why Zach is so good at designing headphones. None are necessarily better than the other. It depends on what you're looking for! VC just ticks a lot of boxes for me and I could easily see someone owning both.
@@TylersEclectic Most of new headphones are just neutral. I love AO and I still have them. But I always wanted more bass. AC has maybe the best bass on the market.
Zach already had quite a few stabilized sets ready to go at CanJam NYC. I picked up my stabilized Caldera there. Absolutely gorgeous! The AC sounded so good that I was almost tempted to forgo my purchase of the Caldera! The presentations are different though.
Awesome video man, great explanation. What do you think makes more sense to compliment a VO and an AC: a Caldera or an Atrium Open? Im thinking of getting one this ZMF November, but having trouble deciding on if the AO is different enough from the AC (also use these headphones for non-competitive gaming as well)
Since this is an older review, not sure if you are still looking at and responding to comments but I'll give it a try! I am using a pair of ZMF Aeolus headphones which I love. No issues with its' presentation out of a Woo Audio WA3 OTL amp with some nice tubes, and an Audio Note transport and dac as front end. Been considering going for one of Zachs' TOTL headphones but am so wary of any treble issues that I am not sure which would be suitable. I am most used to my two channel stereo system for decades now, so when you describe the Atrium closed as having the sense of more like being in a room with musicians playing, that sounds to me more akin to listening to my two channel system, not headphones sending the music so directly into your ears, so that aspect as well as the deeper bass than I am used to has me considering the Atrium closed. But I have read on some blogs that people are bothered by a rise in the treble. Any issues you have found, coming off of the Aeolus headphones, in the treble department? I listen to mostly acoustic, singer/songwriter, rock, blues, some jazz (no classical, EDM or heavy metal though). Thanks!
I haven’t had any treble issues, and the Atrium closed is still one of mt favorites of the lineup. The Atrium open is amazing as well, and is more balanced in my opinion, than the Atrium Closed. Both are fantastic options… I’d go closed if you want that extra bass, and open if you want more balanced sound. Both are fantastic with the genres of music you listed :) Both are a big step up in performance from the Aeolus, which might be off putting at first, but more likely will have you listening to all your favorite tracks again finding all the different things you’re hearing differently with the Atrium’s
Just tested on my MacBook M1 Max laptop and it worked pretty dang good actually… not the best I’ve heard them… but definitely not the worst… powered them sufficiently enough for me for general listening enjoyment
@@TylersEclectic Nice! Thanks for letting me know! I think there is a portable amp called Dragonfly, it might give it some extra oump will look if it is compatible, but sounds really great, tbh I am such a novice that I would think it is plenty enough for me. Just on a closing is the Atrium closed still the best ZMF headphones in your opinion?
@ it’s still my most used… the Bokeh’s have been getting a lot of headtime as well… I’d say they are excellent but not on the same level as the Atrium closed
Really enjoy your video reviews, I feel your listening priorities are similar to mine. Anyway, do you think the ZMF Atrium is a significant upgrade to the LCD-2C? I am enjoying the Audeze, 'get lost in the music' presentation, but wondering if the Atrium would give more details and a cleaner sound. Would hate to spend all that money for an 'upgrade' only to find they are just a fancy wood version of the LCD-2C without a significant improvement in sound. Thanks.
That’s tough… as it’s a dynamic vs a planar … I personally prefer the Atrium Closed and think it has better overall sound signature…though it is t perfect. It has the classic closed back problems of midrange pulled back a bit… but, I’m not bothered by it with the Atrium Closed. I’d say best bet is to try before buying, if you can’t try before buying, and you are confident in preference similarities between you and I (it can never be 1:1 with this kind of thing), then I can personally vouch for it being better to me. Atrium Closed is my most used headphones since getting them
Wow, considering your love of the Verite Closed, to have this Atrium Closed become your new number #1 of all of the ZMF's you have is saying something.
Thanks for the impressions on these - in your opinion, would the Atrium Closed or Verite Closed be a better companion to someone with just the Auteur Classic? I've been leaning VC to get something a bit more different, as a fun alternative to the more neutral all-rounder in the Classic.
I do think the Atrium is more similar to the classic… but the closed I’d say differentiates enough that it’s a good option. That being said I think the VC would definitely be a larger difference between the two.
Could you try those problematic tracks (like the Vivienne Chi one) with the suede pads and let us know in the comments if anything changes? Thanks. (And thanks for the great comprehensive review.)
Yeah! The suedes tone down the low end but still highlights any odd mastering choices. So the fuzzy bass line is still there but slightly not as in your face, or “highlighted” … suedes are a more balanced sound overall while still having a nice bass bump
I think the Atrium closed would be more of a change… but either would be a good compliment to Caldera. The Caldera is the most non-ZMF sounding ZMF and very neutral, while I’d say the Atriums are very ZMF house sound. If you like more low end go closed… if you like more balanced go open :)
@@TylersEclecticI did the opposite and took home the Caldera. It’s faster and has a more up front presentation. The Atrium Closed pulls the stage back a bit and sounds very similar to the Atrium Open. What surprises is how open they sound.
There was some concerns brought to my attention by some community members… and I didn’t want to be part of it. I think SJY audio is going places though and I’m excited to see what they bring to the table in the future.
@@nicktan4530 I had a career and worked hard made some investments and what not… be positive bud! Keep working improve and with hard work and time you will be where you want to be …
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Excited to hear how they compare with the VCs. Thanks for the review!
I've been demoing the AC and VC the past week and they're both insanely good. Been looking at a closed back to complement the AO, and they both would be an excellent complement imo. The bass on the AC is so addictive, but I found the highs to be slightly splashy with some music but for the most part it's really controlled and balanced. I ended up preferring the VC, it has such a rich and lush sound. I really enjoyed them both. If someone is a basshead I think you'd prefer the AC.
I can agree with this… the VC is faster and punchier in my opinion with more detail. Both are fantastic headphones!
@@TylersEclectic I guess this is why Zach is so good at designing headphones. None are necessarily better than the other. It depends on what you're looking for! VC just ticks a lot of boxes for me and I could easily see someone owning both.
@@kingstoler 💯 my thoughts! And why I own so many lol 😆
Absolutely agree with you. I purchased AC just for its bass. I love AC.
This is the way!
@@TylersEclectic Most of new headphones are just neutral. I love AO and I still have them. But I always wanted more bass. AC has maybe the best bass on the market.
Fantastic video! Zach killed it with the Atrium Closed!
Zach already had quite a few stabilized sets ready to go at CanJam NYC. I picked up my stabilized Caldera there. Absolutely gorgeous!
The AC sounded so good that I was almost tempted to forgo my purchase of the Caldera! The presentations are different though.
Agreed! Very different signatures! Both are excellent though in their own ways :)
One hell of a deep dive video about a product... coming from an audio nerd. RESPECT
Those are beauties. Heard a rumor that there's going to be a Stabilized/Resin event in June with Caldera and Atriums 🤞
Sheeeeesh those are insane !! Great take my braddah
You’re always making me hungry bro! Looking forward to what you cook up next with the homies!
Awesome video man, great explanation. What do you think makes more sense to compliment a VO and an AC: a Caldera or an Atrium Open? Im thinking of getting one this ZMF November, but having trouble deciding on if the AO is different enough from the AC (also use these headphones for non-competitive gaming as well)
I’d say the Caldera would be the biggest difference or complement to the VO and Atrium Closed … at least in my opinion:)
@@TylersEclecticAppreciate your input 🙏have a nice rest of your Sunday
@@PantsaBear enjoy your Sunday as well! Cheers!
Since this is an older review, not sure if you are still looking at and responding to comments but I'll give it a try! I am using a pair of ZMF Aeolus headphones which I love. No issues with its' presentation out of a Woo Audio WA3 OTL amp with some nice tubes, and an Audio Note transport and dac as front end. Been considering going for one of Zachs' TOTL headphones but am so wary of any treble issues that I am not sure which would be suitable. I am most used to my two channel stereo system for decades now, so when you describe the Atrium closed as having the sense of more like being in a room with musicians playing, that sounds to me more akin to listening to my two channel system, not headphones sending the music so directly into your ears, so that aspect as well as the deeper bass than I am used to has me considering the Atrium closed. But I have read on some blogs that people are bothered by a rise in the treble. Any issues you have found, coming off of the Aeolus headphones, in the treble department? I listen to mostly acoustic, singer/songwriter, rock, blues, some jazz (no classical, EDM or heavy metal though). Thanks!
I haven’t had any treble issues, and the Atrium closed is still one of mt favorites of the lineup. The Atrium open is amazing as well, and is more balanced in my opinion, than the Atrium Closed. Both are fantastic options… I’d go closed if you want that extra bass, and open if you want more balanced sound. Both are fantastic with the genres of music you listed :)
Both are a big step up in performance from the Aeolus, which might be off putting at first, but more likely will have you listening to all your favorite tracks again finding all the different things you’re hearing differently with the Atrium’s
Dear Tyler, would you know if these are able to be driven suffeciently on a Macbook Pro M4?
Just tested on my MacBook M1 Max laptop and it worked pretty dang good actually… not the best I’ve heard them… but definitely not the worst… powered them sufficiently enough for me for general listening enjoyment
@@TylersEclectic Nice! Thanks for letting me know! I think there is a portable amp called Dragonfly, it might give it some extra oump will look if it is compatible, but sounds really great, tbh I am such a novice that I would think it is plenty enough for me. Just on a closing is the Atrium closed still the best ZMF headphones in your opinion?
@ it’s still my most used… the Bokeh’s have been getting a lot of headtime as well… I’d say they are excellent but not on the same level as the Atrium closed
Fantastic review! Would love to see comparison with verite closed.
Really enjoy your video reviews, I feel your listening priorities are similar to mine. Anyway, do you think the ZMF Atrium is a significant upgrade to the LCD-2C? I am enjoying the Audeze, 'get lost in the music' presentation, but wondering if the Atrium would give more details and a cleaner sound. Would hate to spend all that money for an 'upgrade' only to find they are just a fancy wood version of the LCD-2C without a significant improvement in sound. Thanks.
That’s tough… as it’s a dynamic vs a planar … I personally prefer the Atrium Closed and think it has better overall sound signature…though it is t perfect. It has the classic closed back problems of midrange pulled back a bit… but, I’m not bothered by it with the Atrium Closed. I’d say best bet is to try before buying, if you can’t try before buying, and you are confident in preference similarities between you and I (it can never be 1:1 with this kind of thing), then I can personally vouch for it being better to me. Atrium Closed is my most used headphones since getting them
Thanks for the reply, looking forward to trying ZMF stuff at CanJam
Wow, considering your love of the Verite Closed, to have this Atrium Closed become your new number #1 of all of the ZMF's you have is saying something.
Yeah! I’m really loving these a lot!
Have you compared these the DCA E3?
I have not, I might try an borrow a DCA E3 at some point:)
I would describe this as the Micheal bay film of headphones.
Lots of reflective surfaces 😆
Thanks for the impressions on these - in your opinion, would the Atrium Closed or Verite Closed be a better companion to someone with just the Auteur Classic? I've been leaning VC to get something a bit more different, as a fun alternative to the more neutral all-rounder in the Classic.
I do think the Atrium is more similar to the classic… but the closed I’d say differentiates enough that it’s a good option. That being said I think the VC would definitely be a larger difference between the two.
i came here for the sexy broll! Good work again mate
Ha! My best broll of these is on Instagram 😅
Could you try those problematic tracks (like the Vivienne Chi one) with the suede pads and let us know in the comments if anything changes? Thanks. (And thanks for the great comprehensive review.)
Yeah! The suedes tone down the low end but still highlights any odd mastering choices. So the fuzzy bass line is still there but slightly not as in your face, or “highlighted” … suedes are a more balanced sound overall while still having a nice bass bump
Here’s a little something to enjoy the bass of the AC:
Steel pulse : steppin’ out
Nice! I’ll check it out! Thank you!
Atrium or Atrium Closed if the only other hp you had was Caldera and the closed-back factor wouldn't matter?
I think the Atrium closed would be more of a change… but either would be a good compliment to Caldera. The Caldera is the most non-ZMF sounding ZMF and very neutral, while I’d say the Atriums are very ZMF house sound. If you like more low end go closed… if you like more balanced go open :)
I was about to buy the VC at Canjam until I heard these. Took AC home instead!
Both are amazing headphones! I am looking forward to doing the comparison of the two. I haven’t really listened to my VC since getting these in.
@@TylersEclecticI did the opposite and took home the Caldera. It’s faster and has a more up front presentation. The Atrium Closed pulls the stage back a bit and sounds very similar to the Atrium Open. What surprises is how open they sound.
@@arthurhaywood2184 concur! Atrium Closed is a beautiful sounding and looking set! Caldera is a technical marvel!
is the low end as exciting like the TH900MK2 ?
Almost, I’d say the 900mk2 is a bit more energy. But the Atrium closed is almost there and way more balanced and gets along with more genres
@@TylersEclectic That is good to know, thank you!
BOOM
Why did you take down the Starry Night video?
There was some concerns brought to my attention by some community members… and I didn’t want to be part of it. I think SJY audio is going places though and I’m excited to see what they bring to the table in the future.
I own the atrium opens now I wish I had these instead
Opens are still stupid good, one of the most balanced sounding headphones I’ve heard, I’ll do a comparison of the two down the road
@@TylersEclectic Apprecite that!
I think the increase in bass is drawing me towards these
Like how rich are you ?
I’m a stay at home dad, and a semi-pro photographer. Wouldn’t say I’m rich
@@TylersEclectic Makes no sense. Maybe like retired ? I think am the only guy in the audio realm who is poor.
@@nicktan4530 I’m early retired from military/government then did corporate for a couple years.
@@TylersEclectic So you retired rich perhaps. Envy. Am extremely unfortunate.
@@nicktan4530 I had a career and worked hard made some investments and what not… be positive bud! Keep working improve and with hard work and time you will be where you want to be …
Is your favorite word is these ? Just say vc ,lol
It’s a very versatile word “these” is