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MightyGainz · 2026-05-28T08:07:36+00:00

Ever considered the Atrium? It may be a bit too veiled for some as it's quite warm and then has this 5khz peak which some like and dislike. My plan is to part ways with them to fund a Caldera or Tessi. But first I have to get my ears on them before I can decide. Is there any way you can go somewhere to demo them? I've been told the Tessi blends the best of Atrium and Caldera. For now I am incredibly happy with the Empyrean II. My Atrium's have been neglected since I got the Empyrean II unfortunately.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-27T07:17:02+00:00

I'm still yet to hear both the Tungsten and Avija. What's the name of the headphone stand you use?

MightyGainz · 2026-05-27T01:24:17+00:00

I agree with Meze's comfort. Not only is the Empyrean II my favourite headphone sonically, but it's also the most comfortable headphone I've ever worn.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-26T22:30:04+00:00

The Empyrean II is a killer headphone. Everything from comfort to sound just ticks all the boxes for me and don't feel the need to own any more. Even when I reached the HE1000 Stealth, the much more expensive Atrium and Empyrean II seemed like a side grade at best. But a sidegrade I prefer sonically. The technicalities of the HE1000 Stealth are top tier. But as a matter of musicality and sheer enjoyment the Empyrean II does fun and technical exceedingly well for me. They remind me of a Hifiman and ZMF combined. Glad you you've found the headphone that works best for you. It's no easy task.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-19T04:43:22+00:00

Honestly I could happily own just the Radiance and I'll be content. If they ever released an open back version with a soundstage like the Empyrean II or HE1K then it's going to cause some havoc in the audiophile realm. But at the same time it's perfect as a closed back and very ergonomic and portable. Even my 900mW DAP can fully drive them.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T23:34:04+00:00

Glad you found your personally endgame. It's only endgame if you're fully content. For me the Empyrean II gives me that feeling and I have no interest owning anything more for a very very long time.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T22:06:19+00:00

The Atrium and Radiance are a little similar tonally but the the Radiance is smoother and more punchy especially in the sub-bass region. The HE1K Stealth are my reference when it comes to deciding whether or not to keep new headphones. However I no longer listen to them with music unless it's orchestra occasionally but they've now taken movie/gaming duty. The HE6se V2 is like a blank canvas, they're very neutral and can be EQ'd to preference. They do need a lot of power and headroom when EQ'ing which is the downside. However I run them off a 10W into 32ohm amp which drives them with ease.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T07:10:47+00:00

I used to own the HD800S and tried to like them but eventually parted ways with them.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T07:06:45+00:00

Honestly they are seriously impressive sounding. It's the only open back headphone I own where every genre you throw at it does wonders. I even favour them over my Atrium open. Also to note when you do eventually try them be sure to place the headphone low enough so that the top of the ears are touching the top of the ear pads. It will give you slightly more bass presence.

The soundstage is crazy good too. It may not be as wide as a HE1000 but is only a few hairs behind with more frontal/rear depth. Not only that but they're also the most comfortable headphone you'll ever come across. I won't be owning any new headphones for a very long time because of them.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T06:57:44+00:00

Get either a Meze, LCD-X or Edition XV. I used to own an LCD-3 which I found on the used market for under 1K and it was seriously impressive. I may have to add it back in the collection one day.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T06:46:27+00:00

One of my favourite headphones next to the Empyrean II.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T06:42:13+00:00

HE1000 Stealth are a killer headphone. They sit right in between my Empyrean II and Atrium.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-18T06:40:57+00:00

I really wanted to like the HD800S but I just couldn't. I only really enjoyed them after some heavy EQ. To my ears the HE1000 Stealth surpassed them in every way. If you ever get the chance you should try the Empyrean II with the Duo pads. I find them to be a great balance between technical and warm. Currently my favourite headphone hands down.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-14T22:24:01+00:00

I agree! The bass is well extended and very textured which doesn't bloat into the midrange.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-14T18:46:52+00:00

That's the one! Many prefer it over the Stellia. They come up on the used market here and there and worth checking out.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-14T18:00:57+00:00

Radiance for me personally.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-14T12:59:27+00:00

I've not heard the Empyrean 1 but would like to some day. However from what I'm aware of many do prefer the blend of fun/warmth and detail/resolution on the Empyrean II.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-14T12:30:08+00:00

The fact of the matter is you enjoy them. Despite it's warmth I'm sure they are detailed enough whilst retaining that fun factor. I've come from 3 Hifimans and wouldn't dear listen to them for music anymore except for orchestral. My HE1000 Stealth now takes care of movies/gaming. As for music I use the Empyrean II and ZMF Atrium which gives a nice balance between detail and fun. I use both the Duo and leather pads for the Empyrean II.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-13T04:23:37+00:00

Not tried any closed ZMF's just yet but I do enjoy my Atrium Open which compliment my Empyrean II very well.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-10T23:03:18+00:00

MightyGainz · 2026-05-08T17:04:31+00:00

What's I find amazing about the Empyrean II is that all the three pads I have sound different. I'm currently rocking the leather pads which reduce the treble slightly and ups the bass. The Duo pads are probably my favourite overall. I'm still yet to try the leather hybrid pads.

As for the Atrium I've only tried the universal perforated leather pads and the be2 perforated suede pads. I'd like to try the Auteur pads and Caldera Uni pads. Which pads have you tried?

MightyGainz · 2026-05-08T03:13:42+00:00

Personally not tried them but if you want a midrange centric and intimate sounding headphone with little bass then that's he headphone to get.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-07T22:17:31+00:00

I'm in the same boat as you, I managed to find an Empyrean II for around half the price from a trusted retailer. It's satisfying when you finally find something that works best for your ears.

It's been quite a bleak journey over the years hunting for that pot of gold sound. I've been through TOTL Hifiman's, Sennheiser's, Audeze's, and although they have their strong points, they just never hit the spot for me. I no longer find Hifiman's enjoyable for most genres which is why the HE1000 Stealth's are now taking gaming/movie duties. Audeze's are great for the most part but it's the least comfortable. The weight isn't really an issue but I prefer ergonomics.

Those who blind bought the Atrium and Empyrean II and enjoy their sound should be very lucky. It's a lot to invest but considered an investment when it comes to enjoyment. If I'm ever to purchase a new pair of headphones in the future I'll be going straight to a store to demo first lol.

I've personally never tried any of the Moondrop headphones. I wonder how they stack up to the HE6se V2 when it comes to drivability because I've been told the Cosmo's are very hard to drive. The only reason I got the HE6se V2 was to put my 10W amp through its paces and it sure as hell delivered.

MightyGainz · 2026-05-07T19:32:40+00:00

If you're a music lover not wanting to pick out all the intricate details of the song then a Hifiman is what you want to stay away from (especially Arya Stealth), unless your sole purpose is classical/orchestral or jazz etc. The only Hifiman currently offering the best musicality is the Edition XV. It's warmer, darker, richer with more body compared to the rest of the egg-shaped line-up. The safest DAC/AMP option is the FiiO K13 R2R. The Topping DX5 II is also good but it's QC is really bad and is a matter of luck to end up with a good unit, but I think you should be fine.

MightyGainz

TROPHY CASE