I can't comment on different pads because I haven't tried them. However I really enjoy the stock pads. I noticed you have the dekoni stellia pads which I've heard adds midbass. I actually enjoy the unique tonality of Elegia with stock pads. I've kind of worn mine out so seeking replacements...

On the stellaris waitlist. Would appreciate any headphone suggestions to check out that would excel with the amp. I own 2020 Utopia. I’ve heard 800s and atrium (not on stellaris) which have been recommended. Anyone care to make a list of headphones they prefer on it?

Thanks for asking the question I wondered the same. And congrats on the pickup!

So your heart is getting crammed in your cranium? Sorry had to, love Frank/Francis/Charles. I liked your write up as well

That’s a pretty serious mobile setup, nice! Don’t forget to lick that coffee drip off the left pad!

Wasn’t the decware, i don’t think they had it with them at that time, or at least I don’t remember trying it. I know the OTL/SET differences, just wondered if those that had tried dna with atrium liked that pairing.

Glad to hear you prefer them with it. Heard them originally out of an OTL - can't remember which. They had lots of cool amps in that ZMF room.

Good luck with your wait times - I heard these at Chicago CJ and they are definitely worth a wait. Nothing compared to a DNA amp wait time though! Looking for another pair of headphones to go with Stellaris when I get it, anyone used these with that amp? Utopia is the set I already have and...

Took mine out to check, you can definitely hear the noise coming from up higher not the cup. Sounds like what you are experiencing is from something below that. Sorry I couldn’t help more.

Is it the swivel mechanism/base of headband or the cup itself? I’ve owned 2 different 2020 model utopias, both exhibited creaking when swiveling the cups. But no noise coming from the cups themselves.

That would be the 2022 per the picture, yes. They are referring to the original as 1st, 2020 repackaging/revision as 2nd, and 2022 model as 3rd.

I don’t think I would be a great resource as I’m only 5ish years into hobby and have tried a limited amount of gear plus it has been some time since I heard it. If I had to try from memory I would say a very clean spacious punchy resolving sound that was still smooth. I remember liking it but...

Although I agree with others that there is not a substitute for spending time at home with an amp, I would agree that it is more than worth it to listen at a show if you are able. After owning the utopia for a while and becoming familiar with it, I heard the ferrums at canjam Chicago (RIP)...

I sure think these are worth more than the discontinued price indicates. However I do think $100 is a lot to spend on pads in this range. If anyone does have newer original pads I am looking for those and I’m sure others are as well. You could use those funds towards dekoni pads, zmf, etc...

Would like to purchase an unused or like new set of Elegia pads from someone. If you are using aftermarket pads and would consider selling the originals please let me know.