[positively4th]

My RBH HP-2 headphones have beryllium drivers and sound fantastic.

 

[bfreedma]

 
Actually, I think it's fine to discuss the driver materials for the headphones in any headphone threads. You don't have to agree with what is said or like it, in which case you're free to ignore those posts. 

 
If the discussion was about the audio performance of the material, I'd be in total agreement.  Dozens of posts about the imaginary health risks of BE drivers is getting beyond old. To not be hypocritical, this will be my last post on the topic.

 

[Gyp64]

The Be subject has been hashed through ad nauseam three times thus far over the last 148 pages.  If you still feel the need to opine on the subject please start a thread to the effect "The Utopia will lead to a slow, hideous death...at best".  Otherwise, as noted above, don't buy them if they terrify you.

 

[raypin]

Mmm.....lol!

 

[Arcamera]

Hmm. Found it an interesting topic germane to the headphones myself. Well articulated too by those bringing up the concern for discussion. I find it more tedious when there are many posts using snark or loud OUTDOOR VOICE to be quiet about it.
 
Also, not a lot of people have these headphones yet so there isn't a lot of discussion about their sound yet. So why not talk about other facets of them. It's certainly keeping the animated conversation/thread going with more meaningful things to read than just how much many of us want them and don't have them yet. When more people get/when they are more fully released and distributed, then sure, move the metals/health concerns to another thread if need be.  

 

[TSAVJason]

Sorry if this has been discussed. How much burn in time for the Elear's before they take on their final sound signature?

Thanks

70 hours to begin to open up and about 160 to fully opened up

 

[Aegruin]

Beryllium in a open-back HP isn't so dangerous compared to any IEM that is on the market.
Last week, I had to use an IEM for 18 hours straight and when I take the IEM out, I realized that I couldn't hear anything. I went to the doctor and they said IEM affected my ear's pressure and this problem is temporary. It took 12 hours to recover my hearing back. There are risks we take in every step of our lives and some use of beryllium in a place you'll never going to touch in a open-back headphone isn't so big as a problem. 

 
The thing we should talk; how it sounds? I've heard that Utopia is worse than Ether Flow and LCD-4. Is it true? 

 

[TSAVJason]

Th

Beryllium in a open-back HP isn't so dangerous compared to any IEM that is on the market.
Last week, I had to use an IEM for 18 hours straight and when I take the IEM out, I realized that I couldn't hear anything. I went to the doctor and they said IEM affected my ear's pressure and this problem is temporary. It took 12 hours to recover my hearing back. There are risks we take in every step of our lives and some use of beryllium in a place you'll never going to touch in a open-back headphone isn't so big as a problem. :etysmile:

The thing we should talk; how it sounds? I've heard that Utopia is worse than Ether Flow and LCD-4. Is it true? 

there are opinions and there are other opinions. Here we have all of them to compare against. I'd say 8 out of every 10 would totally disagree with what you heard from whomever said that. I'm also sure there are some that might agree.

 

[TWerk]

John2e,
 
How are those elears sounding pre-burn in? Are you impressed with them right out of the box?

 

[x RELIC x]

Beryllium in a open-back HP isn't so dangerous compared to any IEM that is on the market.
Last week, I had to use an IEM for 18 hours straight and when I take the IEM out, I realized that I couldn't hear anything. I went to the doctor and they said IEM affected my ear's pressure and this problem is temporary. It took 12 hours to recover my hearing back. There are risks we take in every step of our lives and some use of beryllium in a place you'll never going to touch in a open-back headphone isn't so big as a problem. :etysmile:

The thing we should talk; how it sounds? I've heard that Utopia is worse than Ether Flow and LCD-4. Is it true? 

Do those people define 'worse' / 'better'? Do they define their preferences? Are they mentioning technical capabilities to render the finest details with very low distortion, or simply tonal balance (which can easily be changed with EQ if so inclined)?

I find it funny when reading broad statements about something being 'better' or 'worse' when there is no established baseline mentioned for preference, and no mention of straight up technical capabilities. These comments are the least helpful for a potential buyer of a headphone. I have a lot to talk about regarding the Utopia that I want to share. Some of it good, some of it not as favourable as I would have liked, some of it extraordinary. Hopefully I can elaborate my preferences and seperate technicality from flavour and preference.

I will say right now that I am floored with the Utopia's dynamics and detail retrieval. Absolutely floored.

 

[dpump]

70 hours to begin to open up and about 160 to fully opened up

Originally Posted by John2e 

Sorry if this has been discussed. How much burn in time for the Elear's before they take on their final sound signature?

Thanks
 
First of all, I do believe that most headphones need some burn in time for the suspension to loosen up. I think 25 hours should be most if not all of the way there for most phones. I've seen Grado recommend 100 hours and Audioquest and AKG recommend 150 hours. All of those phones have drivers with a somewhat stiff suspension.
 
What I can't understand is why the Focal Elear and Utopia would need much time to burn in? In the Head-Fi video they make a point of how thin and compliant the suspension around the driver is. They show that even lightly blowing on the driver will cause it to move. And there is no other suspension except the one around the driver. And the Be diaphragm itself obviously doesn't break in as we want any diaphragm material to be as stiff as possible. So, what am I missing here? Why are people recommending such a long time for the Focal's to break in? 

 

[ufospls2]

  Beryllium in a open-back HP isn't so dangerous compared to any IEM that is on the market.
Last week, I had to use an IEM for 18 hours straight and when I take the IEM out, I realized that I couldn't hear anything. I went to the doctor and they said IEM affected my ear's pressure and this problem is temporary. It took 12 hours to recover my hearing back. There are risks we take in every step of our lives and some use of beryllium in a place you'll never going to touch in a open-back headphone isn't so big as a problem. 

 
The thing we should talk; how it sounds? I've heard that Utopia is worse than Ether Flow and LCD-4. Is it true? 

I haven't heard the Ether Flow sadly, but the Utopia definitely isn't worse than the LCD-4. It is just different. The LCD-4 is warmer, and has a bit more bass, but as I said, I think the quality of bass is "better" on the Utopia. Its punchier and faster if that makes sense. The treble is great on the Utopia too. 

 

[TSAVJason]

Originally Posted by John2e 


Sorry if this has been discussed. How much burn in time for the Elear's before they take on their final sound signature?


Thanks

First of all, I do believe that most headphones need some burn in time for the suspension to loosen up. I think 25 hours should be most if not all of the way there for most phones. I've seen Grado recommend 100 hours and Audioquest and AKG recommend 150 hours. All of those phones have drivers with a somewhat stiff suspension.

What I can't understand is why the Focal Elear and Utopia would need much time to burn in? In the Head-Fi video they make a point of how thin and compliant the suspension around the driver is. They show that even lightly blowing on the driver will cause it to move. And there is no other suspension except the one around the driver. And the Be diaphragm itself obviously doesn't break in as we want any diaphragm material to be as stiff as possible. So, what am I missing here? Why are people recommending such a long time for the Focal's to break in? 

A dynamic driver is a piston and the surround is fresh. These 2 parts need time to make themselves at home in their new environment. We've been monitoring the break in times here on the Elear & Utopia and our experience is telling us these are the approximate time required for partial and full voice development. Why is a fair question but real time monitoring has given the answers to the time required.

 

[TempestX]

Jason let me know if there is anyone in the Dallas, TX area to get a listen. My contact in Dallas for audio, Audio Concepts carries more Wilson, Sonusfaber, McIntosh, Linn, Magnepan ect.
 
 
Sorry about your wallet.
Happy listening!

 

[TSAVJason]

Jason let me know if there is anyone in the Dallas, TX area to get a listen. My contact in Dallas for audio, Audio Concepts carries more Wilson, Sonusfaber, McIntosh, Linn, Magnepan ect.


Sorry about your wallet.
Happy listening!

Good time to ask! The French and North American management is here tomorrow. I'll get the updated list. I only know a few for sure. It seems there are some dealers that are not going to remain dealers and maybe a couple dealers may replace those going away. I don't know who is who until I get the update tomorrow. I'm happy to give out other dealers for you guys to get an opportunity to listen to these great headphones. If there isn't a dealer in the DFW area you can always call in and get set up for an audition through us.