Focal Utopia Review - What do $4000 Headphones Sound Like?
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2024
- Join the Patreon - / joshuavalour
Utopia - amzn.to/2VUSc4V
LCD 2C - amzn.to/2ssWwLc
LCD X - amzn.to/2RTnda6
LCD 4 - amzn.to/2T0RTn9
Liquid Spark - amzn.to/2FGKvcF
Mood Audio - www.moon-audio...
👇🏻 Recommended Headphones 👇🏻
www.amazon.com...
📷Instagram - / joshua.valour
🔔Twitter - / joshvalour
📫Want to send me something to review? Email Me - JoshuaValourYT@gmail.com
#Focal #Utopia #Review
Josh, I have to say that your content quality is insane. Massive respect! Great review BTW.
Thanks man :)
I really like the genre preference section. When I auditioned the Utopias, I came to the same conclusion, but I would also add very minimalist pieces like guitar or cello solo works. They shine in giving the characteristics of the room and of the instrument, almost feeling more real than reality.
Well, they are named the utopias after all.
Great review. My experience is completely different. I find them the best, most complete, headphone I've ever owned. They have the micro-detail of the STAX 009 with more fleshed out mids of dynamic drivers. Deep bass extension is the only limitation. I've owned all the flagship headphones at one point, these are by far my favorite.
Sucks that they have a metallic timbre and congested soundstage and they still get beat by estats with regards to speed,clarity and cleanliness.
Stax 007 is similar in detail to 009(just not as bright), while also not losing out in soundstage, speed, clarity compared to 009. Not to mention, 007 is thick and weighty sounding.
Hd 800 on a totl amp, is also as detailed as 009 and utopia. Although it costs 3000$ less and has a fucked tonality.
Thats because he hooked it basically to crap.
I agree, add 2db at 40hz with Q of about 1 for the deep bass extension, drivers have so much headroom they can take twice as much easily. Thank me later ;)
Nuclear Redfield sound stage similar (maybe a bit wider on Utopia with good source), detail is completely different for me at least, FR / sound sig is also different, Utopia is more analytical and “natural” (?) out of the box (I EQ headphones tho).
It’s not “a better” Clear though, it is different. Different league as well in pretty much all aspects.
After trying a few flagships I have to say, the review is entertaining and nicely produced but my experience is totally different. I struggle to agree with a single point 🤷♂️ I even checked the Daft Punk example on HD800, HEKse and Utopia back to back, and Utopia sounds like I literally had my head next to this gorgeous piano, HEKse wasn’t far off but with a slightly softer presentation and HD800 sounded muffled in comparison 🤷♂️
He's using thx789 amp... for a 4000 flagship headphone. It's not possible for him to know what they're capable of.
I depends on the DAC & Amp you are using; I'm driving my Utopia from a Chord Hugo TT2 and the bass, and up through the spectrum is phenomenal.
For me the Utopia doesnt even need a very expensive DAC to make my Clear and my Arya sounds dead! Btw, I am only using Questyle cma 400 Dac/amp to drive the three cans. I am sure the Hugo TT2 will do a much better job! Could you help to tell us all the exact equipments you using with the Utopia apart from TT2, please?
I'm using pro idsd and thx789 running balanced... Muffled surely isn't the word be used on this headphone unless the recording isn't up up to standard
The Utopia absolutely shine on a good tube amp and good tubes
Genres idea is great. @joshuavalour I think it really helps people to understand the character of the headphones more. Comparing the traditional way talking about treble, mid and low, genres will be an easier way for people to relate and to picture the feeling of the products. Not only headphones review but any audio gear will benefit from this idea IMHO.
I feel like you should have way more than 10k. Your reviews are quality and I am able to get more out of them than most of the other people on youtube. Thank you for your work because I know at this point you can't be making much if anything. I hope it keeps going for you!
*edit
On the Music feedback - i think that would be AMAZING! I think that is a problem with a lot of reviews. Because I listen to mostly EDM have had a hard time finding reviews that reflect that. So I think the more you can talk about music you are reviewing on the better!
Really liking this review format. I appreciate that the video is longer and that you gave yourself room to say what was on your mind without compressing some of your thoughts :) Keep it up
Nice vid Joshua. But when you talk about "muffled", has it ever occurred to you that these headphones perhaps show you exactly what is wrong with the mix in this Daft Punk track you mention. I had this mix once, sounded pretty ok in the car and anywhere else yet I felt something was not entirely right. And then I was invited at this Kii Three with BXT extention demo where anyone could play what they wanted. I played my track and instantly knew the problem with my mix. It was not the Kii's....
The guy who sent you those headphones has sent you an amazing collection. You should be really thankful
Hey Josh, first off, excellent content. I think the addition to Genres is amazing. However, I think you should take it a step further, since many times when you don't like a headphones characteristics, I think it would be nice to go into more detail into what you DO like with other headphones and then compare to other headphones you DONT like relative to this particular headphone despite other people may like them. Don't get me wrong I know you do go into this a bit but just from someone who doesn't care about the Utopia as far as purchasing it, if I was wanting to purchase it you may sway my decision based on your opinion, which may not be the same values of the viewer so just a bit more clarification maybe? So maybe you could just improve a few explanations to sway from this, just trying to help you perfect your job if my opinion is valid at all. Again don't get me wrong you already do this but I feel your channel is becoming bigger and you're gaining my respect for sure so I just want to see you do the best you can possibly do. Also, we tend to have similar tastes. I for instance own LCD-2C's which I love. I then have HD650's for more balanced clinical listening that's affordable, I have my studio monitors, lastly I have a high end SQL (sound quality loud) based fun/weekend car, then in my daily driver I have a full on high end SQ setup...both with DSP's. Also, yes I produce music just as a hobby,, so I do have some background knowledge on sound here coming from studio use, home audio, car audio, and headphones. Cheers man, keep it up!
this was a long time ago, but adding the 'which genres play best' element of your headphone reviews was a fantastic idea - just adds a personal element that helps buying, especially for ppl like me who aren't super familiar with how my ears interact with certain frequency responses and peaks :)
A year later, you have nearly 4 times as many subs as you had when this came out. Fantastic. :D
I only started my journey into true quality audio and I sincerely appreciate your reviews. There are other unique reviewers on premium audio and fantastic advice but I find your channel to be the most down-to-earth, factual, and most well represented from my YT experience. Thank you for these "with all of my heart" and may you continue to create more wonderful content. #subbed
For all of you thinking that this is "not that good" you have to take into account that Josh hooked them to a subpar chain.
What sounded muffled to him is the crap he hooked the headphone to.
These need a system just as good since they are extremely revealing of the chain. Don't even think of buying these if your gear is not up to par.
so the poor are now called "the faint of heart", hahahaha!!! just kidding, Josh!
Try the Utopia with the new Astell & Kern SP3000 DAP, this is the best portable audio will ever sound. Also the Utopia on the DCS Lina stack sounds sublime, it blew the LCD-5’s out of the water in most areas except for detail where it was very close to one another. These are very dynamic and energetic headphones and sound their best with more modern genres like electronica, hip hop, funk and harder rock genres. Anything that requires that punch and bass impact even though it doesn’t pound your head with bass, it’s just enough like the Susvara. A very well rounded and detailed headphone. I love mine even after hearing everything in the 5000.00 range and above.
I like that you touch on your genres for each headphone. I don't think you should get too crazy with it but its nice information! Love the videos, keep up the good work.
Four thousand dollars! Wow! I love my Grado RS2E, It is so dynamic and clear and comfortable, I haven’t used any of my Sennheiser’s since it got it
I really like that you are VERY HONEST in youre perspective on OPINION´S !!!!
I actually disagree with the review of the Utopia, but of course we hear very differently.
Which bits of it do you disagree with?
Partial Black Out To be honest with you. I kind of watched this a year ago. And I don’t own the Utopia for close to that same timeframe. I wouldn’t know how to answer this now. Sorry.
Petestradamus P. Osinski out of curiosity did you replace it with anything or just liquified the funds? Asking because I don’t think there is anything I could replace mine with in that price bracket 🤔
Kris Rudecki I needed the funds. I would still buy the Utopia today if I could. I really want the Abyss TC. That’s end game to me so far.
Petestradamus P. Osinski haven’t heard any Abyss stuff so far, but will check this one when I have a chance 👌
Great review Josh 👍 I should be getting my review unit of the Utopia from Focal soon. Pretty excited to review it but worried that I might be disappointed as well. The Elegia that I reviewed was a little underwhelming for me too.
Yes! Please continue to include genres. Thanks!
For those of you are into focal utopia. Let me tell you I had these for a year now. I love my utopia, I think they are the the best headphone for me. They are very extremely detail headphone its not so clear for some song. They sound like average headphone for some song I don't know why. Listen to me guys save up your money and buy a top notch amp I mean TT or TT2 or even chord dave otherwise don't buy them simple. I also auditioned LCD4 and Stax 009 in my local high fi store. I preferred LCD4 I THOUGHT THEY WERE PUCHNY AND BASSY AND CLEAN DETAIL. LCD4 IS extremely heavy AND THATS WHY THE PRICE IS GOING DOWN ON THEM. NOW ON STAX 009 THEY ARE VERY COMPORTABLE I COUDN'T BELIEVE IT.
ARE THEY GOOD THEY ARE BUT THEY ARE NOT WORTH THAT MUCH.
I like your reviews but I disagree with this one on the Focal Utopia. I think that the gear you used for the review didn’t do justice for the headphones and of course we all hear things differently so that may have also come into play.
True, I tried the Utopia on a Auris audio HA2-SF tube amp and it sounded absolutely amazing
Quality is insane as always and I liked your genre recommendations! Are you going to review the Zmf Aeolus since it got so much praise from Z reviews?
Just to clarify, the Utopia does need a high current amp function normally. Powering it off of smth low in current such as a DAP may cause driver failures
What about off of a Chord Mojo?
1. I agree with Josh. I demoed the Utopia twice...and I wasn't blown away....considering the price.
2. It very difficult to recommend genres for headphones. Nighthawks for me sounds great with Lana Del Rey and Muse - Simulation Theory. The bass midbass are elevated. And they're warm and dark sounding. But I prefer the Denon ah D7200 with Florence and the Machine - High as Hope, because of the resolution and transparency and fantastic subbass.
3. Please if possible...demo headphones before you buy expensive headphones. Create a solid baseline/referencepoint for yourself. And use your own music&gear to try the headphones. If possible.
good advice
Original 10k crew.
Posting for when channel hits 100k
Awesome channel, just found you. Your channel has been much needed in this space!
Enjoy your reviews, but feel you should revisit this again in the future.
It can’t be muffled and clear at the same time. The thing about the Utopia is that it is ruthlessly detailed. It is as close to an electrostatic as possible yet keeping dynamic driver capabilities. Put the best recordings on this headphone and it will shine.
I do agree with you that it isn’t something that you want to listen to all the time. The Utopia is truly reference. Lots of enjoyable sets out there like TH-X00 that are very good value and I would recommend to most people as they aren’t looking for a reference signature.
They sound like a blackhole in my wallet. Jokes aside, how good does it compared to the Hifiman Arya or HE1000V2?
Good question
Had the pleasure to compare Arya, HEKse and Utopia for a week.
Utopia wins for details hands down, HEKse is not far behind but it smooths over some micro details, it still displays them but due to its smooth presentation you have to look for them a bit more, Arya is a step down in details.
HEKse and Arya have huge sound stage and tall sound, both sound impressive in that sense. HEKse has a lot better imaging, Arya is a bit more distant in general, HEKse can do far and near, sound staging is a lot more complete. Utopia has an intimate sound stage and a lot more intense presentation.
Tonality ... each one is different, all of them require EQ to sound their best.
Utopia is the cleanest sounding in general, it’s 100% of intense details all the time. HEKse has the same level of performance but with more relaxed presentation and a large sound stage. Arya is a step down version of HEKse but still an amazing headphone for the price.
Hope that helps.
I tried the Utopia, alongside the Elear, and the Clear - and the high end Audeze, Oppo, AudioQuest, Sennheiser, Sony, AT, and a few others.
The thing the Utopia does is detail, and being incredibly easy to drive. I used a Marantz HD-DAC1 to drive the headphones while testing, and the Clear, especially compared to the Audeze, was very easy to drive on the HD-DAC1's 800 mv @ 32ohm. The Audeze, and the PM-3 were much more difficult to drive, towards the upper end of the DAC1's amp capabilities. Still could, but no high-volume headroom for those.
In comparsion to the AudioQuest's unique/warm signature, and senn's vocal fowards, Sony's more consumer-bassiness, and AT's ... harshness. (and my own DT990's piercing squeeling) I found the Utopia to just be the phenomenal on a technical level. If there was a sound in the recording, the Utopia told you it was there.
That all being said, the Elex is 95% of the Utopia at 1/3-1/4 the price.
How did you like Focal Clear and is Marantz DAC1 a good match for them?
Marantz is basically low end to mid end amp/dac Listen it on a solid dac/amp and it will blow other focals out of the water.
@@20puskinas1992 Can you give me a few examples? How about THX AAA 789 or Qestyle cma400i and would iFi xCAN be enough? Or should i just go straight for Chord Dave (jk)?
@@Draxlar chord dave is overhyped by fanboys. Amp is very generic design with no balanced circuitry and shitty power supply. For that money one can get Denafrips Terminator which is better as a dac and Headamp gsx mini or Headamp gsx mk2 amps.
@@20puskinas1992 Thank you for your help. I was just joking about Dave. Too much money for me. I'll take a look at those amps when I come back home.
Congrats on 10K 🤟🏾 This show’s level of class and polish is on par with the best headphone reviews out there.
Keep on putting out great videos
I shill for Focal all day. I love my Elex almost as much as I love my Utopia. But I’m a detail junky! I love listening deep into the music and discovering new things in the orchestration every time. The Utopia allows me to do that the best. So far.
Phillip, what DAC/AMP combo are you using to push the Utopia?
Alexander Riehl I use a Schiit Yggdrasil for my DAC and a Feliks Euforia for my amp.
I own the Focal Clear's. Words cannot aptly describe the simply sublime sound. I recently compared them to my Sennheiser HD 650's. The difference is startling. The Focal's quality and sound is second to none.
How good quality does the source music have to be for the Focal to hear the detail?
I like the fact that the reviewer says it all comes down to, essentially, emotional involvement. To me, that's what audiophilia is all about- that emotional connection.
So you called the Utopia muffled, boring & veiled?!
You said your beloved DT 1990 Pro offers more clarity & more resolution than the Utopia?!
You even said the Utopia’s bass is clinical?!
Finally you also said the imaging is same as the Elex, the Utopia lack bass response & it offers a generic sound?!
Hysterical!
You were probably listening to the Utopia on your “perfect” Topping A90 amp.
Thanks for the laughs.
You said that they look better in person than they do in video but they do look amazing in this video... You have improved by leaps and bounds in your video production since I last watched you man. Respect 🤝
I cant believe this channel doesnt have more subs! Well done my friend!
Josh - also should mention, you need to use a top end amp and dac with these cans, really matters. Do agree with your cable assessment, don't matter much
A Soekris 1541 and 1-Amp aren’t top end enough?
No, get a Liquid Gold amp.
I would agree the build quality of Focal hp's are very good so is their sound it's their drivers that have issues, I'm on my forth pair because of driver failures..
Thanks for genre comments. Made all the difference since I listen to rock and EDM primarily.
I loved the final section!! Really helps with purchasing decisions.
i believe you are looking for the characteristics more than the music. however, you do a great job at it. you are great on camera with a nice affect. using heavily produced electronic music is not a great reference (even tho' i love Daft Punk).
imho, Focal is designed for a more "lifelike" performance as dynamics are just as much a part of the music as each note played. *you are not supposed to hear* the headphone, you are supposed to hear the music.
looking for a "warm" sound is looking for *coloration*, which is o.k., but it is not the recording.
also...this headphone Does Not Lack Bass Response, you are used to Artificial Bass Boost
I have both the Utopia and the 1990 Pro and the Utopia sounds much much better. The Utopia is the best sounding headphone I ever heard and I’m not judging headphones depending on their price tags.
I therefore completely disagree with you, which is fine.
Can you compare it more. Who have more mids who have more bass and highs?
What about soundstage?
I find a balanced/XLR cable makes a big difference when it comes to clarity and instrument separation
The upcoming Focal Stellia phones look absolutely amazing, I think they are going to be the new Focal flagship.
The new SEALED flagship
Josh, subscribed. You react to Utopia like me when I heard it the first time. Thank you for honesty.
Love to discover just how subjective sound is, and how absolutely useless any reviewer is. Listening back and forth to both the Utopias against the HD800s, LCD X and LCD4, there simply is no comparison for the openness of sound. All other headphones sound very 2 dimensional and flat(er). Moon audio headphone amp, the works boys. Utopia, the only thing that beats it would be dedicated speakers.
thank you for recommending genres... it helped, for me at least. Great vid, just sub'd
Josh, yet another great review. One thing is different about your review is the perspective of a potential buyer, what he can expect in terms of money and performance.
Etymotic ER-4 review please! Great channel BTW :)
Great video as always, and the "jenre" preference section should be a must in any reviewer´s video.
Great review with honest opinions. Thank you very much! Looking forward for more videos!
Fantastic review, Josh. Really, excellent job.
The quality of your videos is amazing you deserve million subscribers
Thank you for the review Josh. Keep up the concise content - your vids are top notch. Genre option/input is a great idea - very helpful BTW, genre - G pronounced like a J.
What are the speakers in the background? Next to your monitor
Leaving this here for research purposes.
Those appear to be Micca MB42-C Center channel speakers sitting vertically rather than horizontally. No doubt he has the crossover addition to them.
I thought it was the Andrew Jones Pioneer's Center.. But i'm not as versed as many in these things.
@@ascalon132 Nah the pioneers dont have that texture on the driver's and the mounts for the grills arent in the corners.
Kenneth Schoen thank you! What does the crossover do?
Great review as always!
Edit: Also like the genre idea
Love your vids!!!
Great job once again!
I usually like your reviews but with the Utopias you really got it wrong....outstanding dynamics, instruments have impact and are alive, and unlike the empyreans the treble is just right. My take but hey, headphone reviews live from difference in opinion.
Not sure if I agree with his take, the Utopia really shines on a tube amp
Only tube amps? That wouldn't be worth it...
@@johenkay1129 go have a try for yourself and you will know what I am talking about
@@Samuell1124 If a headphone only sounds good on a tube amp (heavily distorted), that headphone might be flawed to begin with, wouldn't you think? Just my opinion.
@@johenkay1129 it sounds good on amp such as the TT2, Arche and GSX mini. But I just love the way it sounds on tubes.
After an appropriate burn in time and with good quality OFC, BALANCED cables (GUCraftsman makes a pentaconn option that are less than $200 and are stellar), the Utopia can make any amp shine-they don’t need tubes, they don’t need a $2,000 amp; they aren’t that difficult to drive. A pair of Stax or HifiMan headphones of any kind seriously require a powerhouse amp-but with an impedance of 80 ohms and a sensitivity of 104db, you can drive Utopias with a cheap Loxjie P20 or an iFi Zen CAN and they knock it out of the park without a bit of effort.
Bottom line-if these are brand-new with no burn-in, this critique is baseless. Focal themselves recommend minimum 150 hours to bring out the bottom end and smooth out the highs-and I’ve heard the difference myself.
I auditioned the Sony Z1R, Audeze LCD-4, Sennheiser 800s, Focal Stellia, Focal Clear, Meze Empyrean, and HifiMan Arya and Susvara before I settled on the Utopia without hesitating for a second. Maybe Stax makes some electrostatic cans that would give them a run, but then you’re REALLY looking at a specialized amp that would cost a fortune to make them worthwhile.
One bit of advice that truly provides an alternative sound signature to complement the Utopia’s stock pads is to roll them with Focal Elear pads. More bass, a bigger hit on the bottom end, cooler highs. Not necessarily better, but nice to have both depending on the genre.
Take any of these critical auditions of any headphone on here with a grain of salt-sound is subjective and there are way too many variables involved that can hugely impact the result. The only way to truly evaluate which headphone works for you is to go to a retailer and give a variety a listen-most of the demos on retailer floors have been played enough to give you a much better assessment than the ones that are fresh from the factory. IMHO, of course…
gotta take a HUGE difference with what you said about cables not affecting sound quality. I can tell a massive difference between a premium cable and coming thing that comes from Target.
I'm with Joshy on this one. I'm not the chosen one but I was working in the audiophile sector at the time for a day job and I threw everything at them source-wise and in terms of amplification from the likes of Bryston, Violectric, iFi, Woo Audio, Mytek, Burson Audio to name a few. $5000 Aussie dollars? Keep them Focal. No way. Very much over rated. No one needs concert hall presentation but that soundstage is embarrassingly small for four figures. A serious deficiency given their namesake.
Great great reviews. Superb Production. Cables make a different in a very slightest almost placebo.
I have to disagree with Josh on the Generic sounding on the Focal Line of Headphones for when I first heard them they sounded very loud and sound all over the place but then over time and wear they started sounding amazing and on the 3 that I own every one of them give you the feature of being the singer or the star of whatever your listening to because I feel the words coming out of my mouth like I'm the one singing and the sounds of all the instruments are all around me unless it's an instrument that is the lead it's like I'm playing the instrument it is a very amazing feeling. I haven't had any headphones sound the way these do and that's why I own the Elex, Elegia and the Radiance which is the best sounding of the 3 in my own experiences or I would have sent them back.
But Josh I think your videos are great man keep up the great work and your correct everyone's ears are different and may have different effects from different headphones and I'm glad I bought the Focal line and I do own the Sundara but my daughter kept those because she loved the sound and comfort from them. I'm very poor and only have time to work the most 5 hours a day but I work to buy these for my time and enjoyment of pleasure for self and my kids to experience the most of what we can before we are gone.
Good stuff man. Your red beard grabbed my attention and your content peaked my interest. Keep it up my dude. By chance, will you be possibly reviewing the topping Dx3 pro/mx3 or any other similar dac/amps?
Possibly. I kinda just wait for people to send stuff in. If you have it, consider sending it in to me to review it :)
Not sure how I got to a video on a pair of headphones that cost more than my car, but here I am watching...
Wow, I've been a fan of the channel but I just can't believe your perspective on the Utopia's. I own several high end headphones and the Utopia's are in my top 2. Just goes to show you that this stuff is so subjective and that perhaps our tastes don't match and I shouldn't be taking advice from someone on youtube.
I’ve read it really depends on the DAC/AMP you use with this headphone because it’s very picky. There was one guy on a forum who didn’t like it at all but then was suggested a new DAC/AMP and updated his post saying he was completely wrong and it was the best sounding headphone he’s ever heard.
I learned more in this one video than zeos entire upload history
what camera are you using if I may ask good sir? Edit: Love the genre part of the review as well.
I have to salute you sir…! Nicely explained when others don’t! Great job, keep up the great work Subed!
Thanks, glad to have you here!
@@JoshuaValour Thank you 👍
Interesting; just entering the audiophile world and just got the dt 1990s; enjoying them immensely and glad you like them 😀
Josh! Will you review Focal Elegia??? Also, do you know which is the cheapest replacement calble for elegia?
A true audiophile will not shy away from trying any music genre, as long as it's interesting, diverse, dynamic and overall sounds good. That being said, I don't like the word EDM (electronic dance music), since it implies it's something very mono-phonic, basic and repetitive, made with only random repetitive dance moves in mind. However, I do have some really good, interesting and dynamic electronic music in my collection, but I can't call it "EDM". Just not many though compared to the music I have based on actual instruments and orchestras.
Pop music is another one of those genres that I try a lot to keep an open mind about, but most of them just sound boring and repetitive compared to most of my collection.
Best genre match for each headphone is very valuable information, thanks.
Cables definitely make a difference in sound quality, I'm not sure why. But once I swapped out the cable on my Hifiman he 400i's and it immediately sounded so much clearer. But I feel in most cases the cable doesn't make a difference, just in this one ancidotal situation.
What lighting & camera do you use to shoot your videos? Find it calming.
I have the elears.just wondering if you think from your opinion if it's a worthy investment upgrading to the utopias?
Ty for these nice Vids Joshy :)
the type recommendation part is extremely thankful！
Josh this the very first video I have heard from you and I must say that you seem very knowledgeable and you seem to know your "stuff" but.... and it is a very big "but". But I must say that I disagree with your assessment of these headphones. First any review of headphones must include the associated Amp/DAC used and the source of music. And the the equipment you mentioned is probably good but appears to be middle of the road at best. As we all know in the the audiophile chain of equipment used the ultimate quality of sound is often determined by the weakest link. The Sennheiser HD800 are the perfect example....with the right AMP(tube)/DAC and source material they are amazing but when you pair them with equipment that is not "synergistic" then they are mediocre at best. Anyway best of luck to you but I do not think that I will be following your channel since we have different taste in what sounds good...and that is OK!
TBH, I can't even afford that cable, I swear by cheap in ears. Isn't there like a certain price of headphones beyond which the increase in cost doesn't reflect an increase in quality? You know the "saturation" point?
Absolutely. It’s called the law of diminishing returns.
Best audiophile channel, hands down
'Utropia is generic' said by someone who like the treble cannon called Beyerdynamic DT1990. Interesting.
more natural, more fuller, more detailed, whether the gain significant/worth may differ each person
In French, the word _genre_ is pronounced without a _d_ prefix. _"geonre"_ . And the end of word _e_ is never pronounced.
Ah , Wee wee.
Josh please dont speak in the 3rd person, Taylor does not like it.
Do you think you could review the Focal Stellia anytime soon. I have a pair and would love to hear your thoughts on it....
Joshua, how about a visual chart and rating for each model, all the aspects or features investigated and rated in each review, 'fit and finish', bass quality, midrange, treble, dynamics, sibilance accuracy, cosmetics, efficiency, tamber, each models best and worst performing areas. Thanks.
Well, simply because your device (amp maybe) dosen't fit , this is not an amp friendly headphone . It would be no harsh and no strange frequency. it has the best cleariy and dynamic when well driven. you can try again on a well built tube amp
21:9.. Enjoying the new ratio
Give these a try on some Auralic stuff, these things are absolutely jaw droppingly good with them.
Dire straits - you and you're friend on a good tube amp. Amazing.
Try the bluedio ufo plus with 12 drivers they're amazing in my opinion I own a pair for the past 2 years and mind blowing.
Love your videos✌
Build is premium? Metal, plastic and leather... We are society of sheeps.
the plastic is to make it lighter, if it was heavier it would be very uncomfortable
I like the idea of a genre recommendation
awaiting your he-6 and hd800 review
I'm not sure about the scarcity of the lemo connectors that you mentioned fairly early on. I've had my Utopia for 2-3 years now and have not come across an aftermarket cable manufacturer that didn't have a Utopia option - with the obvious exception of IEM cable manufacturers. It seems like all the main companies have access to them, even if they're an expensive option.
We seem to disagree on sound preferences a lot. I love the Utopia for rock music and it's mainly what I listen to. The intensity of the vocals and guitars is great for giving the music a sense of energy and excitement and it's something I miss when I move to other headphones.
I have the focal clear professionals paired with a Black Dragon cable just playing from a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and I agree that Rock is great like Linkin Park. I don't need all of that extra bass because I want the vocals to stick out more. I know they are probably not nearly as clear as (I see the irony) yours with the Berylium drivers but I'm guessing they have a very similar sound. I posted on Reddit that I might get the Utopias when I get my tax returns but I think unless I can find a good used pair for cheap I wouldn't really see much benefit in upgrading. When you do use a good dac and amp these things really do come alive more though in the lower frequencies. I'm curious as to what kind of cables/Dac'a?amps you like for the Utopia as I think I could do for an upgrade. (I hate my dragonfly Cobalt on the lightning connector and it's alright with USB-C but I was thinking about getting the Mojo 2 or more likely since I just have the Clears something a little cheaper.