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.

Very appreciative of the info in dms. Would recommend as a seller, thanks!

I have an ovation and drove utopia with it. Thought they sounded amazing together. Sold utopia and just recently bought a pair again as I missed the combo. I don’t have a lot of experience listening to tube headphone amps outiside of canjam so can’t give any good comparisons. You won’t have...

Hope you enjoy them! I know many prefer the aftermarket pads, but I’d encourage you to also try the stock pads. Especially after time goes by. These have a unique tuning and you may find your preference change over time.

FWIW my headband has held up well over 5ish years of almost every day use. I don’t bend the headband to adjust the curve or clamp, so that may be where some breakage issues come from. I have dropped them on concrete several times while traveling and they are ok after that. If you plan to sell...

That’s funny, I did the exact same. Had LCD-X that I thought I loved and just found myself listening to the elegias so much more often.

I’ve had my pair for almost 3 years. I hang them on a 3 inch wide slightly curved hanger. Every time I hang them up I center the hanger on a different part of the headband. I feel like this does a good job of more evenly distributing pressure over time. I’m also in the “take these to my...

I’d put it this way - if the b&w cable was permanently attached I would still happily listen to these headphones. But it is the worst cable I have used. Mine had a loose connector after a few months and I was careful with them. Have had no issues with the solid black cable.

They look cooler, but trust me they are not what you want! Kind of like an old 70s vacuum cleaner cord or old house wiring.

Yes, focal started using that cable you have at some point. I bought mine from a dealer and requested a replacement about a year ago. Ended up with the one you are describing.

@hottyson previously recommended jot highly for use with elegia