[musicday]

Focal Utopia vs Mr.Speakers Ether Flow vs Sony MDR-1Z.

 

[Toolman]

Focal Utopia vs Mr.Speakers Ether Flow vs Sony MDR-1Z.

 
+1

 

[BrutalLegend]

Focal Utopia vs Mr.Speakers Ether Flow vs Sony MDR-1Z.

Add Ether C Flow to that list

 

[musicday]

Focal Utopia vs Mr.Speakers Ether Flow vs Sony MDR-1Z.

Add Ether C Flow to that list

I really wanted to add Ether C Flow as i like it most from the one above but is the only one fully closed back, so is a different headphone.

 

[BrutalLegend]

Its open enough. Dan did mention he was unsure at times whether he was listening to the closed or open version, hahaha

Not too mention the Ether C Flow has one thing the others don't, which is isolation. To me, this is key in allowing a person be completely lost in their music.

 

[Arcamera]

Can anyone offer any thoughts on how the Elear and the Stax 007 compare/contrast? Wondering if they're sonically in the same ballpark, or if that's too far off-base. Thanks.

 

[NightPhotograph]

1+

 

[NightPhotograph]

   

This is the dilemma that I am facing now. Actually, I have found a new pair of HD800 for 800$ and I am crazy about sound stage and imaging but ELEAR arrival made me pause. 

 

[NightPhotograph]

  I have the HD800 but replaced the stock cable with a WireWorld OCC Copper cable including the internal wire that connects the connector sockets to the drivers. IMO that fixed the peak on the highs some people talk about and kept the sound stage intact. I listened to the HD800S thinking on upgrading but personally I preferred my HD800. I like the bigger soundstage they present in comparison.
 
Own the HEK and just got the Elear about 3 weeks ago or so. I am seriously thinking on getting the Utopia but If I do that I will probably sell the Elear and keep the HEK and Utopia as my two top open ones. They are so different sounding that will satisfy my listening cravings depending on my mood 

.

How do you compare HD800 and ELEAR with regard to sound stage and imaging?

 

[snk8699]

  I think so. I do admire the Hugo for being what it is and offering great portable sound....but the Hugo TT is simply outstanding! It isn't bright like the Hugo and offers another level of detail retrieval/soundstaging...but certainly isn't my first choice for taking with me on the road. The other issue you might have had with the Hugo with the Utopias is that it can come off as a bit bright and thin...thankfully the TT is what I would classify as natural and ethereal...quite different that way.
 
The differences are quite profound and actually within the first minute of A-Bing them during my Headphone.Guru review I was sucked in by the TT. I certainly was hoping to not be so impressed with it as my wallet didn't want me to sell my current DAC and move onto this one...but one year later, I sure am glad I did!

 
Thanks MacedonianHero.  As someone who is in the market for a desktop DAC and loves the level of detail and soundstage the Hugo provides, I may just have to put it up for sale to help fund the Hugo TT.  From what I gathered, you are only driving the Utopia out of the Hugo TT and not using your GSX Mk II amp?

 

[TSAVJason]

This is the dilemma that I am facing now. Actually, I have found a new pair of HD800 for 800$ and I am crazy about sound stage and imaging but ELEAR arrival made me pause. 

I'd be a little concerned about that deal. That price is way below what we pay as dealers. If it's a private party sale, it's no longer considered new

 

[musicman59]

How do you compare HD800 and ELEAR with regard to sound stage and imaging?

I have not made that comparison but I will try tonight and report back.

 

[SearchOfSub]

Phones at this price range have about same stage +/- a few. I don't think soundstaging really is that important for headphones at all. Imaging is however can be important.

 

[Arcamera]

Also just wondering: anyone have experience with the Utopia and/or the Elear going through a Woo WA22?

 

[heliosphann]

  How do you compare HD800 and ELEAR with regard to sound stage and imaging?

I've been listening to both quite a lot over the last week. Imaging is great on both, with the 800 winning but not by a lot. Soundstage on the 800s is of course quite large and airy. The Elear has more of a natural, realistic sounding soundstage. It's far more intimate than the 800, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Feel that vocals are especially more "in your face" sounding.