Focal Utopia General Discussion
Mar 17, 2024 at 9:59 PM Post #20,371 of 20,962
NewOntech dac7
 
Mar 17, 2024 at 10:00 PM Post #20,372 of 20,962
Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move
Look into the new Flux Labs Mentor. It’s tuned to be more neutral than the other models in their line up and fits within your budget.
 
Mar 17, 2024 at 10:19 PM Post #20,373 of 20,962
Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move
Hugo 2 with Cayin C9 is a great pairing for the U22. I take the U22 or the Abyss Diana MR on my trips with this setup.
 
Mar 17, 2024 at 10:27 PM Post #20,374 of 20,962
Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move
I would recommend a DAC change before diving into another amp
 
Mar 17, 2024 at 11:26 PM Post #20,376 of 20,962
Most of my amps are on the warmer leaning side, I'm looking for something that brings the resolving nature of the Utopias to its fullest extent.

What are some recommendations of a budget 1-2K? I'm thinking a hugo 2 may be the move
Hugo2 valid option for dac/amp or qutest for just a dac at a cheaper price
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:11 AM Post #20,378 of 20,962
Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:18 AM Post #20,379 of 20,962
Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.
I feel like my current set up is that. V226 into a bifrost 2/64. The amp is warm leaning and it makes for a really pleasant listen. Or if I swap to my Cayin-HA3 I get a presentation very similar to the 2022 Utopia.

More or less I want to have an alternate system that is more bright and resolving. I remember hearing the chord Hugo 2 with clear mg a few years ago and that was beautiful pairing. With that I was hoping it could extract similar performance with the utopias.
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 12:24 AM Post #20,380 of 20,962
Is the qutest on the same level of dac as the Hugo 2?
They are the same DAC, but Hugo2 adds the extra functionality. Qutest also has the same filters and the ability to change its output voltage between 1V, 2V and 3V.

For the money you save you lose the 2Go connectivity, volume control, headphone out, and crossfeed.

If you’ve already got an amp and just need the DAC, the Qutest is a cheaper option than Hugo2.
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 8:20 AM Post #20,382 of 20,962
Don’t think you will like Chord dacs with Utopia if you are looking to relax and not get listening fatigue.
Agreed, my fatigue starts around 8 hour mark. 😆
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 9:14 AM Post #20,384 of 20,962
People listen to the Utopia to relax?!
Yes. Listening to Utopia 2022 is like sitting near field in front of small high end speakers. It’s quite musical, warm and relaxing. You won’t get there with Chord, dCS, MSB, Esoteric, or Bricasti.
 
Mar 18, 2024 at 9:15 AM Post #20,385 of 20,962
Agreed, my fatigue starts around 8 hour mark. 😆
You can listen to Utopia on Chord for 8hrs without EQ? What type of music, how loud do you typically listen at and how old are you if you don’t mind me asking?
 

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