After 5 solid months with the HE1000 Stealth, I pulled out the HD800S yesterday and was honestly a little shocked at how wonderful it sounded in comparison . After everything that’s come and gone I think the HD800S is still my overall favorite.

Interesting. Well I'm 60 and mine still has plenty of treble but I don't hear any annoying peaks.

052662 Made In Ireland

Very different from the Grado factory tour!

I’ve owned three HD800S’s. The first I bought immediately when it was first released. The second around 6 years ago. Both of those were made in Germany. I bought my current pair almost 2 months ago, made in Ireland. Going from memory only, the current, Ireland sample seems to sound better than...

The HD700 was my top headphone at the time the HD800S first came out. Even though the HD700 was widely hated on headfi, I really liked it. Once I heard the 800S I preferred it to the HD700 across the board. IMO the HD800S is just better in all areas.

Yes, I had a Clear MG when I got the Utopia. Agree that it is a very nice improvement and worth the extra cost IMO. I liked the MG a lot but in comparison it has a dark treble and more shouty mid range. The Utopia is much less fatiguing and better resolution across the board.

Thank you for pointing that out. Also, the original Utopia didn't include 2 cables. The changes are more than "rinse and repeat". For me, the changes in sound quality made the difference between not keeping the original and considering the 2022 as one of my favorites.

Many hifi brands have rules their dealers have to follow regarding discounts. When a dealer breaks those rules, the brand has every right to revoke the benefits of buying from an authorized dealer.

If it seems too good to be true….

I feel your pain.

I’ve been auditioning a Focal Utopia 2022 for the last couple weeks and am considering returning it as I think I honestly enjoy the HD800S more. I thought the Utopia would be a no brainer but definitely not the case.

A 1.2 mm difference in pad thickness is so small (less than 1/20 of an inch). The production tolerance is probably greater than that. How can you measure a squishy pad and cloth covering with that kind of accuracy?

Yes, in the pouch with the balanced cable.

My current pair is made in Ireland and the build is perfect. The FR graph is on the usb stick.