So then the only difference an amp would provide is a different sound signature that I may or may not like more. And only way to know would be to try it?

So should I be looking for an amp that better matches the focal utopias? The impedance on the Utopia's are 80 ohms. I believe you ideally look for output at 1/8 of the impedance? So maybe something around 8-10(does 10 even exist?). Or is it really just unrealistic to get an improved sound? I...

Yep. The clarity difference was very real. Could it really just be more of a dac thing than amp? The amp should provide plenty of power for the headphones, after all.

I don't believe my setup truly brings out the headphones' clarity. On my previous sennheiser HD 700's I used the current asgard 2 + audioengine, and compared it with my grandfather's amp/dac. And his was far superior. Much cleaner sound for sure. If my sennheiser hd 700's could be improved so...

I have, actually. To be totally honest, there was hardly a difference doing Focal>Asgard 2>audioengine>computer than just Focal > audioengine > computer.

Thanks for the link you sent me, I think I will avoid Chord and try to find a better solution. Im currently looking into the EC Black Widow and the ECP Torpedo III. If people have other suggestions, I would love to hear them.

From what I read, the Chord Hugo 2 functions perfectly well for the Focal Utopia despite it being a portable solution. I have no intention of using it as a portable unit. I have heard that the dac is fantastic inside the Chord Hugo 2, and the amp is plenty good for the Utopia since the impedance...

I recently purchased my end-game, the Focal Utopia's. It is an absolutely lovely headphone, definitely better than anything I have ever had before. But it isn't perfect. The equipment I have simply can't bring out its true form. I am currently using an audioengine d1 dac and a Schiit Asgard 2...