Focal Elear and Utopia

Doesn’t seem likely given @Tyll Hertsens story on Utopia, which measured consistently across a wide range of serial numbers (except for his original pair). More likely an isolated defect or bad system synergy.

I listen to mine out of Gungnir Multibit and BW2 which help balance Utopias tendencies.

 

I went from HD800S to Utopia using a ZDS, hd800S sounds ridiculously thin vs Utopia. That's actually one of the main reasons why I kept the Utopia instead. Kinda weird to hear that there's people that went back to HD800S for a fuller sound.

 

Seems like decent reasoning to consider the Utopia at some point. A few thousands on a pair of headphones still doesn't compute to me....yet...

 

Difference is that if you're not the original owner Focal will refuse you service full stop. At least here in the UK, but I think other regions were the same.

Further warranty BS: I couldn't even reterminate the cable on my Utopia without voiding the warranty on the entire headphone. What utter twattery.

 

For a detachable cable? That's insanity. Might as well get an aftermarket cable for daily use and keep the stock cable pristine in case you ever need service...who knows what they might use as an excuse to void the warranty.

Personally, I really like the way Decware does warranties...if you buy something used and want to transfer the warranty, for a (relatively) small fee the seller can ship it to Decware, they'll inspect it and make sure it's working properly, and they'll send it to the new owner. Seems like everybody wins...seller gets to use the possibility of a lifetime warranty as a selling point, Decware gets paid for the servicing & warranty transfer, and the new owner gets their new gear serviced and a lifetime warranty.

 

Maybe it's just my imagination, but I could swear that the utopia I tried at the dealer was a good deal brighter than the one I received. This utopia seems almost dark. Not as dark as an LCD-2, but darker than neutral.

 

Mine was re-terminated. I soldered the the original plug back on and had no problem with warranty

 

I called Focal NA to check this after reading it on another thread and was told that reterminating the cable voided the cable warranty but the headphone warranty would not be affected. I didn’t ask about other territories, so this may only apply to North America/U.S.

 

Another option might be that the Utopia is extremely sensitive to the upstream gear - sounding dark on one rig and bright on another. Only ever heard it on my setup, so I really don't know. Something odd is going on with this headphone, I think.

 

Yeah, it should be mentioned that they use a Neutrik connector so it's easy to remove and re-attach when necessary. If they ever decide to take a peak though it might turn into a major headache.

The dealer was supportive and said just to not send it with the headphones at all.

So after the merger Naim appear to handle all Focal products in the UK. It seems their policies are a little different, more boneheaded. I'd get that in writing though, even just an email confirmation.

 

Has anyone gotten ears on Focal's new Clear headphones? If it's able to split some of the difference between Elear and Utopia it may be a winner... A more balanced Elear with no midrange suckout and improved imaging/soundstage chops would be sweet.

 

Shill vid....$1500, maybe a fixed Elear? Looks like my biggest gripes on elear have been improved upon - 4-5k dip is missing, 10k spike is missing, and less bass(if judes measurements are anywhere close). Maybe worth a shot. Like Elear, looks like a nice quality build, nice-ish case, comes with several cables. Interested to get my ears on a set.

 

THe inclusion of a semi hard case and balanced and SE cables is a trend I hope other manufacturers pick up

 

The Elear is too warm for me, and the utopia is perfect for me. The clear was definitely not as warm as the Elear, but the mids were not as lush as the utopia. Better ears than I will need to listen, but I think focal is on the right track.

 

..or even supply spares to the second buyer. Focal's cunty behaviour totally prevented me even considering Utopia, despite quite liking the sound. I guess I'm spoiled by Sennheiser's excellent spares supply arrangements, too.

I was originally interested in the Elear as an upgrade path from the HD650, but it sounded like death. The Utopia, on the other hand, I could have lived with; it's just Focal themselves that put me off. If they haven't got their shit together at all, this new headphone will be no more appealing.

 

Clear is bright and perhaps a bit glarey to my ears. I think it will be very dac/amp dependent. HD 800 fans may enjoy!

 

true that, Naim was a better match for my ears. Then again Mr Rogers amp makes the 800 sing. Wait Focal has an amp? I saw three non Focal amps to choose?

 

@Hands, given your experience with the Clear, will the some of the usual suspects - EC ZDS, BH Crack with Speedball specifically, play nice? Thanks