Finally! A GREAT closed back headphone for YOU! ZMF Atrium Closed

[@alenotta]

I love the AC with my Cayin HA-300mk ii. These respond well to high impedance outputs too. I agree about them sounding a little bright on that upper V section on some setups. When you get that combo dialed it they are fantastic. I’d say the same thing with the VC. They change a lot with your gear. I actually prefer the tuning to the VC. They are both great. One big positive is that the increased bass makes these sound good at lower volumes than a lot of my other headphones. You don’t have to turn them up to feel the music. Thanks for the review.

[@PassionforSound]

Great point about the lower volume listening. The HA300 would be a nice pairing for sure!

[@alenotta]

​@@PassionforSound I just tried my Auteur Solid pads from my VC. It is a really nice combo with the AC. Elevated mid bass, but a looser hit to the bass. Nice warm vibe with more reverb. Pushes the upper mids back in the mix. This would definitely help tame it on a bright system. Now I need to go through some of my other ZMF pads. I did really like the Caldera Thick on it as well....but that one lives on my Caldera permanently. Thanks for that suggestion.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad I could help! Enjoy the pad journey 🙂

[@amaya897]

Just placed the order for my stabilized resin. And here you come with a video haha. Hope it compliments my VC and Caldera well

[@PassionforSound]

It's a lovely balance between those two - I think you'll be very happy!

[@lb3537]

The pad rolling segment is awesome…this was very helpful… i wish more people did it…I bought the auteur solid hybrid… and boom everything was tightened up in the bass and the mids came a little Forward and everything seemed a little clearer… thanks I would have never tried these pads otherwise ! Plus I love the fit versus the calderas

[@tiffanyflanagan1892]

The Focal stellia are wonderful. I’m very happy with the pair I have. Especially running them through the Burson Soloist GT :)

[@PassionforSound]

Sadly, I'm yet to try the Stellia or Radiance. Thanks for sharing your experiences

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I have VC with an LTA MZ3. Treble has never been an issue. Amp synergy is absolutely a thing.

[@PassionforSound]

Absolutely! I think ZMF headphones are almost all better on tubes. Not that they can't sound great on solid state, but tubes seem to always bring out their best.

[@vsimaginationplanet5065]

I really didn’t think that the treble was aggressive at all. The beats my Z1R in all aspects. The AC has that rich full sound that the Z1R but less V shaped. The Z1R is more spicy on top and has less impact/dynamics. Bass are good on both but present it differently. Overall, they are similar but the AC is better overall

[@PassionforSound]

We all have slightly different treble sensitivity due to varying ear anatomy so it depends on where the peaks are and where our sensitivities are. I'm glad you like the ACs so much!

[@reflection1119]

I absolutely love the Atrium open. I've pad rolled them to death with Uni, auteur, BE2s and even trying the Verite perforated leather and the Caldera perforated leather pads with them... In the end I always end up going back to either the stock leather Universe or the Universe suede perforated depending on my mood. All that to say... The best closed back I have heard to date is the Focal Radiance. Unfortunately I don't own one. I do own the Elegia which I use with Dekoni Stella pads which makes the Elegía a great value headphone, just a little veiled in the mids. But the Radiance just sounded fantastic to me across the entire frequency range. And I preferred them significantly over the Focal Stellia. Given our shared appreciation for the Atrium Open, you may like the Focal Radiance. I'd be interested to hear your opinion on them.

[@kingstoler]

Interesting. What's different with the Caldera pads compared to the Universe pads? Universe suede is on my list of pads to try as well as Caldera perforated and Verité lamb. I really like the stock Universe pads but I think I prefer Auteur lamb or Auteur hybrid just for that bit of warmth (at least on my system). I've tried a number of pads and can't say I dislike any of them. They all bring a different flavor.

[@reflection1119]

@Kingstoler I agree that they all bring a different flavour and at different times I could be in the mood for any one of the 10 sets I have floating around, but the Uni Lambs and Suedes get the most love because they offer the most spacious sound, lamb the most, suede a close second. The uni suedes soften the sound across the frequency spectrum probably because they reflect less sound but they keep the tonal balance of the Uni lamb. If i were to place the pads in order of warmth it would be (from most warm to least) BE2>Verite>Caldera>Auteur>Universe The Caldera Pads are very interesting - not as spacious as the Uni or Auteurs, the sound feeling more like a ball around my head. Everything is closer but well defined in the small space.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd love to try the Radiance, but getting access to review units from Focal is basically impossible unless I can buy them and the channel can't afford the expense ☹️

[@arthurhaywood2184]

I don’t recall having any issues with the treble during a relatively brief listen under show conditions. I listened to them on a tube setup and was impressed by them. One thing that I would suggest doing is to try ZMF’s Acoustic Titan Mesh filters. They manage to pull back the treble a touch without any negative artifacts. They work well with other headphones as well and are relatively cheap.

[@ZMFheadphones]

The titan mesh will definitely dull down the treble - as well as 200-300 hrs burn in as these really settle down a lot after burn in with the physical characteristics of the driver. Consensus from owners so far has generally been that the AC is a smoother sounding headphone than the open variant, partly due to the treble peak being pushed up into the higher range.

[@PassionforSound]

I think using tubes definitely helps and, as Zach or Bevin (I'm guessing) have posted above, the higher treble peak will mean that some people will find them smoother. We all have different points of treble sensitivity due to the shape and length of our ear canals so that can play a part too.

[@vaneast411]

the sound quality in your reviews has really come a long way :) I've got some Atrium opens arriving in 2 days 🤞 this will be my first ZMF listen I will pair the Atriums with my Fokvangr... based on your 'passion for sound' he he he thx for you content!! (will also try them with the MZ3 and Bakoon HPA-21)

[@PassionforSound]

You're going to love them! Congratulations. Drop back and let me know what your favourite amp pairing is. Also, thanks for the feedback on the sound. Ever since I stopped trying to keep the mic out of shot, it's made things MUCH easier.

[@vaneast411]

@@PassionforSound really enjoying your content! You really put a lot of effort into your descriptions along with context. eg. amp or dac pairings. I will definitely let you know what I think of the Atriums as you are my inspiration in pulling the trigger on these. thx!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you!

[@soulfulfool]

Interesting point of view. From what you said I still would prefer my VC and yes I use them with auteur solid hybrid pads. For my taste more of a competition for my VC is Stellia. When I bought my VC I knew that masterpiece like this would be hard to beat even by Zach himself 😅

[@PassionforSound]

Yes VC is still amazing!

[@SonGokuhSSJ]

Damn, Passion your views always coincide with mine 😂. I feel the same way about the AC and AO as you do. AC is a good headphone but AO is a GREAT headphone, truly one that stands out among the crowd.

[@PassionforSound]

Well said! I'm glad I can provide impressions that you resonate with. 🙂🙂

[@eschultzz]

Would love a comparison to the new Bokeh! I'd be curious to know how close you can get to high-end ZMF closed-backs with something under 1200.

[@PassionforSound]

I've sent the Atrium Closed back, but hope to review the Bokeh soon... 🤞🤞

[@asplmn]

I wish you had a pair of harderwood AC's like the Olive LTD to compare against. Based on what I've heard from others who have heard both, it sounds like it actually makes a notable difference, and that you'd enjoy the harderwood more than the stock cherry. Great review once again. I love large-scale, symphonic movements and video game soundtracks. Sounds like these will be awesome with that. However, part of why I pulled the trigger on the Olive AC, despite already owning a VC and AO, was because it sounded like the AC would be an amazing pair for EDM and other bass-heavy genres. Would you agree with this assumption?

[@PassionforSound]

I'd definitely agree that they're the best choice for genres needing deep bass extension. Thanks for the info about the harder woods. I might ask Zach if they can get me a harder version to compare before I send these home.

[@chronometa]

Have you tried the zr1's yet? I tried atrium closed at AXPONA and i preferred them as an all rounder and to compliment my aeon noire. The suede pads hit it on the head for the genres that are mostly important to me. Distorted guitars, bass and drums in extreme metal and rap. So i can bounce back and forth depending on genre im feeling that day. To sum up ZMF i would say it is not t an "audiophile" brand but a musicphile brand.

[@PassionforSound]

Well said, Kwahi! I haven't tried the ZR1, but still plan to

[@rodm1949]

I enjoy this kind of challange, have you tried a felt disc placed on the headphone inline with your ear canal. High frequency is more direct and a faster frequency. By not having it directed into your ear might change reference. This would be a hybrid version of DCA dampening. I would cut a disc, diamond and a tear drop shape to try. And in some cases opening the back - very slightly will reduce pressure build up from driver excietment.

[@PassionforSound]

If I owned these (or if I decide to in the future) then I'd definitely consider that. It's a good idea. That said, just moving to a tube amp with less energetic treble is enough because they're not super aggressive to start with.

[@kingstoler]

Excellent review. I really like the AO and how smooth & rich they sound. These seem like a good complement to them.

[@PassionforSound]

Glad you liked the review. Yes, these are a good compliment in the sense that they sound different. I might have liked them to sound a little more like the open version, but they're still an excellent headphone.

[@daviderb1642]

Thanks!

[@PassionforSound]

Thank you, David!

[@aaronfriedman8201]

That is just what I need, Headphones that BANG 20hz right on my eardrum. A great way to accelerate hearing loss.

[@PassionforSound]

It's about the levels you listen at overall rather than which frequencies have more emphasis. You'll actually find that having more bass can help music sound louder at lower listening levels due to the natural sensitivity of the ear to different frequencies at different volumes.

[@bunnygal23]

Hey Lachlan! I love your reviews and it seems we share similar sound preferences. Just came from your Atrium open review and have been going back and forth debating on which ZMF to get alongside my Meze Elites. I am very treble/ upper mids sensitive so it seems the AO might be more my speed esp since I only use SS amps. For your AO review, do you know which mesh was installed in the review unit? It seems that there is a difference in treble presence depending on the mesh and I want make sure I get the right one. Thanks again and I am also eagerly awaiting to see what you think about the new Empyrean 2!

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Juan. I'm glad you're enjoying my reviews. I think you might be right about the AO suiting you better. I'll have to check which mesh I landed on, but I'm pretty sure it was the spiral mesh. I'll take a look and let you know...

[@bunnygal23]

Awesome thanks! Super cool of you to still be replying to comments btw, not many creators do that

[@PassionforSound]

My pleasure. I'll keep replying for as long as I can. At some point, I might get swamped, but hopefully not. 🙂

[@bunnygal23]

Well with the way the channel is growing that's a possibility but I'm sure I and your other subscribers will totally understand. The great reviews are more than enough for me. Just pulled the trigger on the atriums, I'm sure I'll love them. Thanks again for all you do!

[@PassionforSound]

Congrats on the Atrium purchase!

[@gli7utubeo]

Try a Danacable Lazuli Ref. on the Atrium Closed. Magic midrange and full, sweet highs.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the tip!

[@gli7utubeo]

Also excellent to my ears is ZMF's own hybrid copper-silver cable. It is not bright or shouty at all. Actually, the Danacable could overload the sub-bass, so be a bit careful. The Danacable works very well with the Verite Closed, which benefits from a natural bass bump and a plumper midrange.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for the extra info. I might see about picking up a ZMF cable at some point.

[@bonanzabrandon6877]

I'm sure it's a ways off, but Caldera closed will happen eventually, that's a headphone to watch for.

[@PassionforSound]

Closed planars are notoriously more difficult than closed dynamics based on everything I've read/heard. That would be very cool though.

[@user-ht1gu3qq2l]

Once I have already enough power with small DAC/amp dongle for high impedance headphones but needed to crank up the volume more than 60 percent, do you think adding desktop amp or portable amp like Topping NX7 to that setup would be a fantastic improvement for sound-wise only? For mine, R70x(470Ω, 98dB/mW)

[@PassionforSound]

You'll often get a decent improvement adding a desktop, mains-powered amp in that situation. However, I'd probably recommend going for a mains-powered DAC AND amp because both will perform better than a dongle where it's relying on USB power and is compromised by miniaturization.

[@StevenLee-wz2pr]

Hello, my name is Steven . I have watched a lot of your reviews and I love them. I bought xelento remote 2 and IE900x because of your great reviews.and I really enjoy them . Now i’m considering getting my first ZMF headphones. My current headstones are MDRZ1R, Utopia , AWKT (I mainly listen to classical and jazz, strings and cello , about 70% of my listening .) And the last 30 % are house music, vocals and individual instruments Will you recommend me Atrium open or Atrium closed ? Your answer will be helpful Thank you Appreciate your reviews 👍 👍 .

[@PassionforSound]

Hi Steven, I'm so glad that I've been able to help you. It looks like you have some lovely headphones already. I think the choice between the two Atriums is probably going to come down to which type of sound you like for your music. The AC has a bit more attack, a bit deeper bass, but is a little bit v-shaped. The AO provides more depth in the stage and a richer, smoother sound. The AO is kind of like the Xelento 2. The AC is different to all your other headphones/earphones I think.

[@StevenLee-wz2pr]

Thank you for your reply. I like the sound of Xelento 2, I feel it’s easier with long listening sessions compared to IE900. Because I have to turn up the volume higher on IE900 to hear as many details as compared with Xelento. You have mentioned that in your reviews. IE900 is on a 10-row seat, and Xelento is on a 2-3-row seat, I think that’s why. So I think I will towards to Atrium Open. I use Sony NW-WM1ZM2 DAP as my amplifier because I travel often. I like the warm, tube like, analog sound from this DAP. It is not a powerful DAP but it works very well with all of my current headphones and IEM. I will use this DAP with Atrium Open as well. I have seen another reviewer mention this DAP works very well with Atrium Closed, it will only take 3/4 max volume to make Atrium Closed pretty loud. Hope this DAP will work well with Atrium Open as well. And hope Atrium Open is not much harder to drive compared to Atrium Closed. I will get a tube amp after a couple of months for home use. Will you recommed me any amp that will work very well with Atrium and Utopia? If one tube amp will work well with my different headphones will be awesome. You have mentioned that for your own preference on ZMF headstones . You ranked Atrium Open as your favourite, Verite Closed as your second , Verite Open as your third. Where will you put Atrium Closed on your ZMF ranking ? If I will get a closed back for my second ZMF headphones after my Atrium Open as the first, will you recommend me Atrium closed or Verite Closed ? Thank you

[@PassionforSound]

Your DAP should be fine with the AO if it works with the closed version. They have very similar specs. As for the VC vs AC, that's a tricky one. The VC is a bit more mid-bass and vocal emphasised. The AC is a bit more sub-bass and treble focussed, but both are excellent and hard to split.

[@varbane]

Would you say that Atrium Open/Closed are more resolving and clearer than Empyrean2?

[@PassionforSound]

I've not compared them directly, but I definitely prefer the Atrium Open (and probably Closed) over the Empy 2.

[@lxmcc]

I'm wondering which closed ZMF might be the best complement to the Auteur Classic. Something fun and different enough to warrant having both but I'm having trouble deciding between this and the Verite Closed. Any thoughts having covered all 3?

[@PassionforSound]

I think either the Atrium Closed or Vérité Closed would equally complement the Auteur Classic because they're both different. VC might be slightly less different because it's a bit more mid-focussed (somewhat similar to the AuC) while the AtC's bass emphasis differentiates it more perhaps. Of the VC and AtC, I do slightly favour the AtC in general too.

[@beezlebub3955]

I went from always going back to DT770’s, loved them, then I went to 990’s, both 250 ohm, love them more, but after some time I’m starting to itch for something better, and I’m not sure about where to go from them. Without spending 1k+ of course

[@PassionforSound]

What do you love about those two headphones and what do you want more of or less of?

[@beezlebub3955]

@@PassionforSound I love the wide soundstage, along with what I perceive to be tight and detailed bass and the separation abilities, it’s the most 3D experience I’ve had with headphones basically. And I don’t have any issue with the treble being overwhelming. Things I don’t like, the coiled cable. It’s always yanking my arm hair out.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd suggest maybe a HiFiMan Ananda as something good to try. The DT1990 is also an excellent option.

[@marc8vino]

Caldera closed coming soon for your review?

[@PassionforSound]

I hope so!

[@nickryan6729]

Hi How is it you didn’t know what timber the wooden cups are made of? It’s on the owners certificate, or did,you buy them s/h?

[@PassionforSound]

They are a demo unit on loan. I didn't see the timber card in the case and had put the case in storage so couldn't easily get to it to double-check when the review came around.

[@amaya897]

Judging on the black strap and the wood colour its default none aged cherry. Olive that was offered at the same time as the review ran was much lighter and had olive green strap.

[@PassionforSound]

Yep. They're cherry.

[@frederf69]

they're on sale ATM with 245 quid off 😲!

[@PassionforSound]

Yep - great deal

[@AssafMuller]

Still like the VC better. Way better soundstage.

[@PassionforSound]

That's very true! Hard to beat that soundstage.

[@ewso100]

Atrium's headstage is worse than Vérité's ?

[@AssafMuller]

@@ewso100 In my experience yes.

[@PassionforSound]

I'd say that VC probably has more depth of stage. I haven't tried side-by-side to discuss the subtleties though.

[@TheKent2288]

I watched your review again after listening to the AC for the first time and I concur with your thoughts 100%. My first few test tracks were instrumentals with strings and the AC kills it. The extra body and weight it added to the notes put a smile on my face. Then when the rock tracks came on, I too heard the harsh tremble which I honestly have never heard from my VC that I use daily. The AC also sounded less holographic than the VC. I was lucky enough to be able to compare it with the Abyss 1266 TC in the same listening session as the bass of the Abyss is supposed to be excellent as well. The bass of the 1266 TC is tight and controlled but there is less weight so it didn't bring a smile to my face as much as the AC. On the other hand, it is much more neutral (not V shaped like the AC) and the holographic and detail nature is just as addictive. So I am still on the fence with the AC. I can see myself enjoying the hell out of the bass for instrumentals but may need to use something else for vocals and rock. Then again, as per comment from others, my Cayin 300B might just be the ticket to make the AC an all-rounder like the VC but with addictive bass. FWIW. Thanks for the excellent review btw.

[@PassionforSound]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@stevenichols5708]

Atrium closed OR DCA E3? HMMM

[@PassionforSound]

That's tough! Atrium Closed is more fun. E3 is more technically capable, I think.

[@bpenda94]

How would you say these compare to the Eikon?

[@PassionforSound]

It's a LONG time since I try the Eikon, but I'd say these are more refined and they're definitely also more compact and comfortable.

[@wahidnabi585]

how it differ from audize lcd-xc ?

[@tysontyson1244]

Yeah, Lachlan's conclusion gives a title to the ZMF Atrium as the best closed back headphones he has tried. He further offered two popular hyped recommendations of competitive products the Dan Clark Audio Stealth and the ZMF Verite. I too think that many are wondering what his take is compared to the Audeze LCD-XC since it is one of the most popular and respectable performers among closed headphones.

[@PassionforSound]

I would love to review the Audeze options - especially the XC and X. Unfortunately, the local importer (Busisoft/Addicted to Audio) won't provide loan/demo units and prevents Audeze from sending them to me directly.

[@wahidnabi585]

@@PassionforSound specially high end close back.

[@viencarlodiego8842]

Good day lachlan, are you going to review the new zmf closed back bokeh?

[@PassionforSound]

I believe Zach is sending some down along with the new amp too. Not sure timing yet. I tried them today at the Melbourne HiFi Show and they sounded great (both amp and headphones)

[@viencarlodiego8842]

@@PassionforSound can you briefly describe the aound? And technical chops? I watched your podcast and zach said it has similar tuning to atrium closed?

[@PassionforSound]

I heard it in the show situation so lots of background noise, but I'd say the tuning is dynamic and punchy (like Atrium Closed) with a slight emphasis in the upper mids that provides a nice sense of clarity and texture. Definitely an easy headphone to enjoy, but I can't say much more until I hear them in a proper listening situation.

[@viencarlodiego8842]

@@PassionforSound fair enough. Thank you! Appreciate all your efforts!

[@x32i77]

Did you listen to Warwick acoustics bravura headphone system ?

[@PassionforSound]

No. Still working on getting one on for review

[@kentbergstrom3020]

Why not fix that high peak with EQ ?

[@PassionforSound]

I don't like to use EQ for multiple reasons and I focus on reviewing gear without tweaking it so that people know the base sound of each device. They can then tweak it as needed for their own preferences.

[@nonchalantd]

♥

[@nikolaygramchev]

So, it is not $2.5k headphone since you got a box of pads with it to fix it to your preference. That 'fix' cost money to the normal consumer. Nevertheless, bravo that you show which pad does what.

[@ZMFheadphones]

Hey! Well...that's kind of the idea, is that I spent a lot of time in R/D tuning the AC so that one of our pads works to fit the many different preferences that lie in the audio realm for each person. Treble and bass perception varies so much from human to human, that with many headphones you can't make small tweaks to suit each persons need, and with the stuff we make it's easier because of those options. Often at audio shows I'll watch as the same headphone goes through many configurations in the same day, be it sources, pads, mesh etc to suit each persons taste.

[@PassionforSound]

As Zach said above, there's no perfect headphone because we all hear a little bit differently due to varied anatomy. When you order ZMF headphones, the cost includes two sets of pads (you can choose too) so you can use the info here to select the pads you are most likely to enjoy. To me, that's a great feature.

[@aaronfriedman8201]

Sorry Bass has the most energy. In a closed headphone right near your eardrum is disastrous for your hearing.

[@nicktan4530]

Just exactly how do you afford ? Or every other people afford.

[@PassionforSound]

Lots of work and savings with a dedicated purchase in mind.

[@nicktan4530]

@@PassionforSound but just how you manage to stay so rich

[@PassionforSound]

Lots and lots of work. Plus, I think the countries people live in play a part with income levels, cost of living, etc. all varying. Where do you live, Nick?

[@nicktan4530]

@@PassionforSound yes for sure. Third world country. Its embarrassing.

[@sayacee5813]

was excited reading ur title until i saw the price

[@amaya897]

For hi-fi its a midrange price, infact ZMF offering strikes far above its price point imho.

[@PassionforSound]

Stay tuned, saya cee. There's an affordable closed back from ZMF coming soon apparently (

[@aRc11-11]

Too much money for "little niggles" in performance. You like neutral gear and a more organic phone. Niggles only "amplify" over time.

[@PassionforSound]

Sadly, I'm yet to find a closed back without niggles and the fact that these can be fixed with the right pads and amp combination makes them my best option so far for sure. I still long for the day that I can find the perfect closed back though

[@lb3537]

The pad rolling segment is awesome…this was very helpful… i wish more people did it…I bought the auteur solid hybrid… and boom everything was tightened up in the bass and the mids came a little Forward and everything seemed a little clearer… thanks I would have never tried these pads otherwise ! Plus I love the fit versus the calderas

[@PassionforSound]

I'm so glad I could help and that you've found your ideal pads!