ZMF Atticus Measurements and Review

Ok OK being more specific

I know stage is hard to quantify (I suck at it) but how does it stack up against the HD650 and 800 stagewise? You mentioned the "cup coloration", what's the most audible effect of this?

(Stupid questions are because I'm wondering how much it's a case of "this sounds like a good closed headphone" and how much "this sounds like a good headphone", amongst other things)

 

The Atticus ships with Ori pads, not Eikon pads. Preorders got both Eikon and Ori pads with both the Atticus and Eikon as a promotional offer.

I've asked for clarification, but he said this earlier today. I'll make sure the context is accurate.

 

Can't wait for the Eikon review.

Looks like the new ZMFs would work out really well for people like me who want:
* not as lean sounding as HD800
* overall better than HD 650 without the need for mods.
* to stay off planars until they become more consistent at least.

 

Ah, so that looks like a very recent change then, thanks for the clarification!

 

It's ok, we like mutants.

I think the Eikon pad had slightly different foam, a little more dense. Recall seeing Zach mention that on a HF thread I think.

I might be a little odd, as I preferred the Eikon pads on both the Eikon and Atticus.

@Hands - If we ever get a Corona night at Casa Bonita going, I'll bring mine along if you want. Just gotta kick @jexby in the butt to coordinate it, I think? Anyway... yeah.

 

I believe he told me they were the same 6.5lb foam, but if that's not accurate it could explain some of my issues with the Eikon pads.

 

Found it.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/821782/att...-driver-headphones-from-zmf/945#post_13040364

Really small difference in size.

http://www.head-fi.org/t/821782/att...driver-headphones-from-zmf/2460#post_13312681

I just pulled out my Ori pads and I have a very hard time telling the difference just looking at the two. It's once you compare them mounted to the headphone you see the difference. Ori isn't as big in diameter as the Eikon, which is probably why they are harder to get on the cups. I put the Ori pads on and I really had to stretch them to get it around that last little bit. They felt just a touch softer, but more closed in to me.

 

Very interesting, that could explain quite a bit. Even subtle differences in pad compression could theoretically give me a better anterior seal, but probably would not show up on a flat plate measurement rig.

 

i apologize if this has been discussed elsewhere (searched without reward) but are there any plans for an eikon or atticus loaner? looking forward to your impressions @Hands

 

http://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/zmf-eikon-loaner-eu-and-us.3382/

 

@Marvey, any chance you're going to listen to these on a ZDS? @zach915m I believe was a fan of the pairing.

 

I know it's early days yet but it mostly looks like he's knocked it out of the park on his first attempt and he's basically a one man operation! Unbelievable.

As others have said if the Eikon gets me reasonably close to Utopia while avoiding HD800 leanness I'm in.

Aornic did a 4 headphone shootout between the Eikon, Atticus, Elear and HD800. He did not reveal a pick in the video but I asked him in the comments and he said Eikon if he had to pick one.

 

Now I'm even more hyped to receive my Eikon. Big time thanks to @Marvey for the time and effort he puts in to these measurements and impressions. I've spoken to Zach several times since I ordered via email and I can honestly say that his customer service and passion for his product is second to none. Go, go ZMF!

 

I like the Eikon and think it is the 'better' phone. But if I only had one the Atticus would be my choice. I think many will and have chosen the Eikon over the Atticus. But the Atticus is more fun even with the upper mid dip. It has good timbre like Marv says. Can't wait for him to get the Eikons.

 

I actually like the Atticus' tone and timbre more over the EIkon also, but I went with the opposite choice. I found the Eikon was more flexible with a lot of media, and I find it better as a solo headphone than the Atticus. If I had an HD800, I would probably pick the Atticus in a heartbeat.

That said, I absolutely adore the Atticus and I will probably end up picking it up again one day.

 

Yeah I've been tempted more than once to go ahead and throw an Atticus on my existing Eikon order. The only thing stopping me is the want/need for improved amplification and source gear for the headphones I already have. I wouldn't rule one out at some point in the future though.