[x RELIC x]

I don't want to contribute to negativity, but #LaunchFail IMO.

Let me re-phrase that. Canadian launch fail. I was told Dec/Jan for the Utopia and can only guess about the same for the Elear. The trouble is simply that I was excited to hear them is all. Plus, they retail for $1499 here when the current currency conversion should make them closer to $1299.

 

[ubs28]

Let me re-phrase that. Canadian launch fail. I was told Dec/Jan for the Utopia and can only guess about the same for the Elear. The trouble is simply that I was excited to hear them is all. Plus, they retail for $1499 here when the current currency conversion should make them closer to $1299.

Focal headphones are also more expensive in Europe since they simply replace the US Dollar sign with an Euro sign. But it seems Apple also does this.
 
I have no idea about the launch over here. A focal distributor said I would receive the Utopia in August, but now I'm not sure if that will happen with the delays.

 

[x RELIC x]

Focal headphones are also more expensive in Europe since they simply replace the US Dollar sign with an Euro sign. But it seems Apple also does this.

You'd think that being manufactured in France would be better for the European customers...

 

[pkcpga]

You'd think that being manufactured in France would be better for the European customers...

It's strange but Europe has a lot of retail and trade taxes within Europe but the US has very low import taxes, the reason most companies don't bother manufacturing in the US anymore. The euro is only about 10 cents on a dollar different and I believe most European country retail import and taxes are higher than that.

 

[TSAVJason]

I cancelled my Elear order. My dealer said it would be in this week, but just informed me he "misread" his invoice. It's a complete mystery when Focal will have a presence in Canada. Bloody shame if you ask me, and a missed opportunity for some good sales for Focal.

If you are in Canada the first dealer is The Headphone Bar in Vancouver BC. They should have them later next week.

 

[TSAVJason]

I

It's strange but Europe has a lot of retail and trade taxes within Europe but the US has very low import taxes, the reason most companies don't bother manufacturing in the US anymore. The euro is only about 10 cents on a dollar different and I believe most European country retail import and taxes are higher than that.

it has to do with markets and how large the market is. The US & Asia are larger markets so as such generally get them first. With Sennheiser it was China that got them first and of course we Americans got a little pissy about that. Hahaha

 

[TSAVJason]

Did anyone confirm if this was possible? I remember seeing that the pads are replaceable, but I haven't seen anyone mention if the pads are compatible between the two models. Obviously this would impact the sound, but I wonder how much of the tuning differences between the models can be attributed to the different pad materials.

Who has access to both and wants to experiment? 

The pads are replaceable and the pads should be available to buy at the end of August to early September

 

[TSAVJason]

Hshah

By the time Focal will release them, you can buy an Orpheus 2 with them taking so long

hahahaha you guys are funny sometimes

 

[TSAVJason]

Add

Focal headphones are also more expensive in Europe since they simply replace the US Dollar sign with an Euro sign. But it seems Apple also does this.

I have no idea about the launch over here. A focal distributor said I would receive the Utopia in August, but now I'm not sure if that will happen with the delays.

add about 2 months to any of the original estimates on timing of delivery and you'll be just about on the money.

 

[dpump]

You guys are so impatient! The Audioquest NightHawk was announced in November of 2014. I finally received my pair from the first shipment to America on July 3, 2015. That was a long wait. Similar thing with the Cavalli Liquid Carbon.
 
If I am remembering correctly, Focal had to recall the first batch of phones due to a possible manufacturing defect on a connector. This has caused some of the delay. It also seems to me, having been on Head-Fi since 2001, that there are a lot more people buying higher quality phones now than even a few years ago, so manufacturers are having to build larger batches to keep up with the demand. I can personally deal with the Elear wait time as I think it won't be more than 4-6 weeks instead of 4-6 months. Those of you in other countries have my sympathy but you might be able to purchase a used pair after they have been in the USA for a little while as it seems that almost everything comes up for sale sooner or later. If I was smart I would wait for a used pair myself and save some money.

 

[x RELIC x]

If you are in Canada the first dealer is The Headphone Bar in Vancouver BC. They should have them later next week.

Probably not because Travis is on holiday. :wink_face:

 

[x RELIC x]

You guys are so impatient! The Audioquest NightHawk was announced in November of 2014. I finally received my pair from the first shipment to America on July 3, 2015. That was a long wait. Similar thing with the Cavalli Liquid Carbon.

If I am remembering correctly, Focal had to recall the first batch of phones due to a possible manufacturing defect on a connector. This has caused some of the delay. It also seems to me, having been on Head-Fi since 2001, that there are a lot more people buying higher quality phones now than even a few years ago, so manufacturers are having to build larger batches to keep up with the demand. I can personally deal with the Elear wait time as I think it won't be more than 4-6 weeks instead of 4-6 months. Those of you in other countries have my sympathy but you might be able to purchase a used pair after they have been in the USA for a little while as it seems that almost everything comes up for sale sooner or later. If I was smart I would wait for a used pair myself and save some money.

I'm just as patient as the rest of them, having waited many months for the Liquid Carbon, Liquid Gold, etc., which I expected, but the retailer specifically promised me on the phone he'd have them in by this week and then said oops no they're not (and no clue as to a timeline), after taking the money. He knew very well about the delays and all. That's what got me cranky. Also, he told me Canada would be allocated 10 Utopia's when they arrive up north. Honestly, I don't know what the correct information is, which would help potential buyers. I don't think they are making concessions for more demand. I've said my piece and I'll wait for stock to be available next time. As far as a used pair of headphones, well, that's just not me.

 

[Mediahound]

  You guys are so impatient! The Audioquest NightHawk was announced in November of 2014. I finally received my pair from the first shipment to America on July 3, 2015. That was a long wait. Similar thing with the Cavalli Liquid Carbon.
 
If I am remembering correctly, Focal had to recall the first batch of phones due to a possible manufacturing defect on a connector. This has caused some of the delay. It also seems to me, having been on Head-Fi since 2001, that there are a lot more people buying higher quality phones now than even a few years ago, so manufacturers are having to build larger batches to keep up with the demand. I can personally deal with the Elear wait time as I think it won't be more than 4-6 weeks instead of 4-6 months. Those of you in other countries have my sympathy but you might be able to purchase a used pair after they have been in the USA for a little while as it seems that almost everything comes up for sale sooner or later. If I was smart I would wait for a used pair myself and save some money.

 
It's not really a matter of patience, it's a matter of Focal over-promising and under-delivering. Originally, they were announced to come out in July. That never happened. If they can't keep to their stated timeline, either they shouldn't state it, or consumers will not trust them enough to want to buy their product. 

 

[ddanois]

I'm not sure I understand this misinformation. Focal delivered the headphones earlier in the summer but discovered a flaw in the assembly and recalled them for replacement. The new ones are incoming but it's not like they are vapor ware.

I had a pair of Utopias and they were amazing! The replacements will just add confidence that the warranty will be solid going forward.

There's no conspiracy! Let's stop confusing that with frustration.

 

[shultzee]

I'm not sure I understand this misinformation. Focal delivered the headphones earlier in the summer but discovered a flaw in the assembly and recalled them for replacement. The new ones are incoming but it's not like they are vapor ware.

I had a pair of Utopias and they were amazing! The replacements will just add confidence that the warranty will be solid going forward.

There's no conspiracy! Let's stop confusing that with frustration.

conspiracy creates more talking points for the forum though