[TMRaven]

The driver of the Utopia has a pure Beryllium diaphragm and stronger magnetic structure. Beryllium has a way higher damping factor as is much, much faster to stop vibrating when stopping, while stronger magnets will drive it with more force.
 
Theoretically that leads to a more refined sound.

 

[TSAVJason]

What's the difference between the Elear and Utopia if both have the same pads (so the frequency response is the same)?

That's been asked and answered. The answer goes 2 ways. One way you would get the sense of loosing bass on the Elear and the other way you get the sense of increased bass on the Utopia.

 

[LepakVT]

I need to stop reading reading this thread, or else I'll find myself ordering the Utopia 

 

[gonzfi]

Has anyone paired the Utopia with a Chord Hugo? Would love to hear some impressions.

 

[jamato8]

There seems to be a consensus that the Utopia stock cable ergonomics are less than desirable. I personally don't have a problem with the length, but is everyone replacing it with an aftermarket? For those that are replacing them, are you choosing silver or copper? I don't want to spark a cable debate, but ergonomic comfort is important for enjoying any headphone. I apologize if this has been addressed earlier in the thread.

I am using a Whiplash Twau cable which is a gold plated silver. It sounds excellent with the Utopia also there is no drag, as with the stock cable, the weight is far less and there are no microphonics from the cable. 

 

[TSAVJason]

I am using a Whiplash Twau cable which is a gold plated silver. It sounds excellent with the Utopia also there is no drag, as with the stock cable, the weight is far less and there are no microphonics from the cable. 

Gold plated? They didn't dull the highs? Gold is a terrible conductor.

 

[snk8699]

I need to stop reading reading this thread, or else I'll find myself ordering the Utopia :veryevil:

The fact that you said that means it's already too late. Prepare to be assimilated!

 

[FLTWS]

 
I am using a Whiplash Twau cable which is a gold plated silver. It sounds excellent with the Utopia also there is no drag, as with the stock cable, the weight is far less and there are no microphonics from the cable. 

 What are cable micro-phonics? Something added to the signal itself by the cable or something to do with the mechanical sound of the cable jacket?

 

[phonomat]

The latter. It's not really the correct term, but it's the one everyone's using.

 

[listen4joy]

Focal Elear and Utopia, Mr Speakers Ether Flow,Sony MDR-Z1R - headphone world is going nuts

. choices become harder .hd800 downfall? future will tell.

 

[figaro69]

Yes, the end of the HD800 empire is near....I wonder what Sennheiser has in store for us; bet you they won't take this sitting down....prepare to be amazed!

 

[lovethatsound]

There seems to be a consensus that the Utopia stock cable ergonomics are less than desirable. I personally don't have a problem with the length, but is everyone replacing it with an aftermarket? For those that are replacing them, are you choosing silver or copper? I don't want to spark a cable debate, but ergonomic comfort is important for enjoying any headphone. I apologize if this has been addressed earlier in the thread.

Don't forget all the utopia reviews are with the stock cable,so the stock cable must be good.Give it time to burn in before you start thinking about changing cable.

 

[pervysage]

Don't forget all the utopia reviews are with the stock cable,so the stock cable must be good.Give it time to burn in before you start thinking about changing cable.

It's an ergonomics issue. No amount of burning in is going to make it lighter, less longer

 

[TSAVJason]

Don't forget all the utopia reviews are with the stock cable,so the stock cable must be good.Give it time to burn in before you start thinking about changing cable.

That is very good advice. I will point out that there are 5 people commenting that are using Nordost Heimdal2 and 2 that are using Kimber Kable Axios. I also noticed a number using DHC and other cables

 

[phonomat]

Yes, the end of the HD800 empire is near....I wonder what Sennheiser has in store for us; bet you they won't take this sitting down....prepare to be amazed!

Well, they already reacted -- with the HD800S, lol.