Focal Elear and Utopia

Discussion in 'Headphones' started by SingSing, Jun 14, 2016.

  1. Wolfgang

    Wolfgang New

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    6k and 9~10k spikes are not good for ears in the long run (tinnitus!). I'll pass on these.
     
  2. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    I had my Utopia measured at RMAF. Here's the file.
     

    Attached Files:

  3. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    I think you're completely right here, as I tried the Utopia with a Magni 2 and heard a surprisingly different sound signature. Cleaner, more sparkle, more electrostatic razor-like separation than when using it with the MHA150. I don't think one pairing is necessarily better than the other, but they sure are different.

    This now has me wondering just how much untapped potential a Utopia has when paired with a Magni 2. Anyone have experience with the Utopia and the entire Schiit line-up?
     
  4. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    lots. Jot, too harsh. MJ2 with good tubes, nice. DAC matters too, but too a lesser extent (assuming a good DAC).

    The impedance setting on the MHA150 might also matter.
     
  5. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    The MHA150 is set at 40Ω - 150Ω and all DSP is turned off, so I don't think there should be any issues with settings. The DAC is a Yggdrasil over balanced cables. The Magni 2 looks slightly ridiculous sitting on top of it. :)

    Maybe I'll have the chance to try the Utopia with a Mjolnir 2 at a local meet sometime in the future. Thanks for the tip. Is the Magni 3 also too harsh? I might be a closet Grado enthusiast, so I'm still curious about the Jotunheim!
     
  6. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    Just curious. Can you use the McIntosh as stand alone DAC? May you should try a different headphone amp and compare the DAC in the Mc with the Yggdrasil. The Yggdrasil is very revealing, and isn't what many would call a warm DAC. Many prefer the Utopia with warm amp/DAC combo, and you might get that with a more neutral amp and a warmer DAC.

    Note, I wasn't saying the Jot is harsh Amp, I just think the combo of the jot and the utopia might be a cold combination.
     
  7. barelyincollege

    barelyincollege Nice Pit Bull

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    Here's Focal's official response on repairs, if anyone's interested:

     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2017
  8. BenjaminBore

    BenjaminBore Friend

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    This reminded me of something my dealer said about warranty repairs. Rather than have faulty headphones sent back to France to be fixed and returned to the dealer Focal have asked them to just cut the headphones in half at the headband and send them a photo. That’s with the UK only being across the pond from France.

    Maybe there’s a black market for Utopia-halves or Utopia cut-n-shuts we don’t know about.. :p
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2017
  9. cskippy

    cskippy Creamy warmpoo

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    Gorilla glue fixes pretty much anything...
     
  10. Dino

    Dino Friend

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    That doesn't specifically address what occurs when the person having a problem bought their's second-hand. I wonder if that is up to the local distributor.
     
  11. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    The MHA150 DAC unfortunately uses a Sabre chip. After spending some time with it, the digital glare became impossible to unhear, and I've only used the Yggdrasil with all amps for a while now. Schiit's multibit DACs have ruined many other DACs for me.

    I'm curious about the term 'warm' here, especially in comparison to 'dark.' Does warmth imply a solid bass foundation while still letting treble presence shine through?
     
  12. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    To me "warm" means significant rolled off treble. Like when you have tone controls, and your turn the treble down.

    The idea is to pair the Utopia, which may produce a little more treble and resolution up top than desired paired with an amp/DAC that balanced that.
     
  13. bongshanks

    bongshanks New

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    Anyone want to talk me out of buying a used Utopia? I know the phones will not have a warranty, but i'll be saving 1300-1500 which can go to other gear.
    It's either this or an HD800 and Audeze is in a distant 3rd place for a high end headphone purchase.
     
  14. dontfeedphils

    dontfeedphils New

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    I just ordered an open box Utopia from Moon-Audio for $2,500. Although they're now on back-order, and I'm not too sure how that really works for an "open-box" unit (maybe they just need a new knife to open up more that they have sitting around?). Called them this morning to clarify and they said they're waiting for units from RMAF to backfill orders.

    Long story short, you could go with the open-box deal, as it still comes with the 2 year warranty from Focal. If they don't ship within a month, I'll bite the bullet and buy from the local HiFi shop, it was just hard to justify the extra $1,500 at this point.
     
  15. AllanMarcus

    AllanMarcus Friend

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    If you end up a HiFi shop or calling one (like Jason at The Souce AV), bargain with them. I can't say for sure, but you should be able to get a new one for low three thousand, if not high two thousand. If you already have a relationship with a stealer, er dealer, then that's the way to go.

    Another good dealer to call, if you don't have a local one, is http://musictomyear.com - ask for Craig. he's quite active on HF and seems to be very nice.

    If you do call one of these and the transaction goes well, tell them Allan sent you. If the interaction doesn't go well, I was never here.
     
  16. Darren G

    Darren G Friend

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    Quick update -

    The Utopias were pissing me off. The Genelex Gold Lion 6922s, while they added some much needed mid-range attack when listening through the HiFiMan X V2's, grated on my nerves when using the Utopias. Switching to the modern Telefunken Black Diamond 6922's helped a bit, but still, too harsh for my tastes.

    Got some (surprisingly inexpensive) Tesla 6922s, and now the Utopias are it. The only HP I use. The somewhat recessed mid-range, and rolled-off treble of these older tubes pairs well for me. There is still plenty of clarity, and holy cow moments, but that sense that they were punishing me with mid-range and treble overload is gone.
     
  17. dubharmonic

    dubharmonic Friend

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    After much more time with the Utopia it’s becoming clear (no pun intended) where I was going wrong with my earlier interpretations. It wasn’t the amp, DAC, settings or Utopia at fault, it was the poor quality of the recordings I was listening to!

    When the stack lines up perfectly, they seem to break the laws of physics, but it took some trial and error to get there. More than I was expecting.
     
  18. lcmusiclover

    lcmusiclover Friend

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    As others mentioned, there are 'open-box' specials to be had. I got my Utopias for $2300 from Adorama. It was an impulse purchase, but I'm very happy with the sound. They put all my other cans in the rear-view mirror (HE-1000v2, T1g2, HE-560, Ether C). HE-1000 is a reasonable contender, a bit more bass, but not as linear. Sound image on the Utopias is superb.

    So no, don't want to talk you out of Utopia purchase. But do suggest that you wait for a 'new' purchase to get the warranty. JMHO of course.
     
  19. TonyNewman

    TonyNewman Validated by Tyll removing Utopia from WOF

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    Wise words there. There have been quite a few reports of driver failure with the Utopia - not having a warranty might get expensive (then again, the full retail price is kinda nuts too). The Utopia that I sold had a driver failure a couple of months afterwards - not a fun scenario for the new owner.
     
  20. dontfeedphils

    dontfeedphils New

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    Finally got around to making the cable(s) I’ve been wanting for the Utopia.

    Supplies:
    - 24awg OCC wire from Double Helix
    - Eidolic amp connectors
    - Switchcraft mini 4-pin XLR connectors
    - Lemo connectors and splitter pilfered from OEM cable
    - Black paracord

    Cables:
    - Main cable: 16” from headphone to split, 4’ overall. Lemo for headphones, male mini 4-pn XLR at other end
    - At home cable: 6’ (10’ overall when connected to main cable). Female mini 4-pin XLR/Eidolic 1/4” TRS
    - On the go cable: 1’ (5’ overall when connected to main cable). Female mini 4-pin XLR/Eidolic 3.5mm TRRS (common ground, used in unbalanced config since I don’t have any balanced out equipment

    So much lighter and easier to deal with than the OEM cable. Also, I’ll be able to add additional cables down the road if I decide to go the balanced route.


    [​IMG]
     

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