During the testing of the 634ears OBER-AL, I wanted a convenient solution for portable use, so I paired it with the ATOM 2. However, I encountered the awkwardness mentioned earlier. Coincidentally, the original cable of the 1697 Ti needed repair, so this time I switched to an entry-level headphone for desktop use. The "ATOM 3" uses new components, with a slight increase in power. After 20 hours of burn-in, it performs even better. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends giving it some time to fully experience its greatness.

Now, let's get to the point. When connecting the "ATOM 3," you can immediately feel the inherent differences compared to the ATOM 2. The clarity of the sound has significantly improved. The sound lines are clear and smooth, with a clear stream of contours. Combined with the overall soundstage, the perceived brightness of the sound is increased, allowing you to appreciate more crisp details in metal instruments. However, when paired with headphones that have high brightness and slightly thinner sound, although more fine details are revealed, it may feel dry and lacking in character, not to mention imaging.

The characteristic of the "ATOM 3" lies in its ability to handle transients. The recent dynamic enhancement in the ATOM 2 firmware has already made adjustments, so the new product must reach a new level. The upward movement of wind instruments is showcased beautifully, with added layering to the lines, finely delineated like powder, and rich in air when lingering, as vast as a starry curtain. The decay of the sound merges with numerous delicate notes, creating a more splendid and rich texture in the music (Hyolyn-Waka Boom (My Way) [feat. LEE YOUNG JI]). Although the soundstage expands, the resolution improves, and the lines become clearer and longer, resulting in significant improvements in texture and tonality, these characteristics still have issues with headphone compatibility.

For those who enjoy vocals or popular music, if your headphones have a preference for purity, less thickness in vocals, and a lesser sense of low-frequency quantity, then you may experience a refreshing and cleansing feeling in popular music (KARA-WHEN I MOVE), where the overall presentation is cleaner and clearer, with slightly brighter female vocals. However, if you prefer vocals with warmth and a moist feeling, it may disappoint you. Additionally, the increased speed and shorter decay depth of the low frequencies, along with the convergence of quantity perception, may reduce the dynamic atmosphere. However, on the contrary, when listening to ballads, the "ATOM 3" will provide you with a leisurely and dense emotional sound (Gao Runhe-Event Horizon, Yin Que Shi Ting), with a fresh and comfortable feel, and gorgeous and transparent notes that are captivating. For these reasons, if you originally used the ATOM 2 with your headphones for vocals or popular music and enjoyed the slight warmth and creamy feel, it is not recommended to switch to the ATOM 3.

But what if your headphones have sufficient low-frequency quantity? In that case, I highly recommend trying the ATOM 3! It can expand the width of the soundstage, allowing the notes to move more dynamically instead of forming a flat plane in front of you. The low-frequency energy is full and envelops your ears, and the ripples become more tangible. The small "ATOM 3" is a direct upgrade, so I highly recommend purchasing it!

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