[meomap]

Is there a newer version of the Utopias with more bass? And, is the rattle issue fixed when amplified? Bass-wise of course.

I just sent mine to Focal for evaluation due bass rattles. 3rd pair.

 

[Svatopluk]

I just sent mine to Focal for evaluation due bass rattles. 3rd pair.

I think the rattle issue may be due to a combination of excessive sub bass levels in the recording and the amps impedance being to high for the sensitive light weight beryllium driver of the Utopia. Along with human nature in regard to the high listening levels that some folks prefer.

I see no reason to push the Utopia much past 80 db but that's just me.

 

[meomap]

I think the rattle issue is due to a combination of excessive sub bass levels in the recording and the amps impedance being to high for the sensitive light weight beryllium driver of the Utopia. Along with human nature in regard to the high listening levels that some folks prefer.

That's not true.
Used the same SACD to listen and test.
1st pair, right driver, pops and dead.
2nd pair, left driver, dead.
3rd pair, right driver, rattles when 1st received.
AMP is ALO Studio Six. Other hp like hd600, BW P7 are fine. No rattle or pop.

 

[Svatopluk]

That's not true.
Used the same SACD to listen and test.
1st pair, right driver, pops and dead.
2nd pair, left driver, dead.
3rd pair, right driver, rattles when 1st received.
AMP is ALO Studio Six. Other hp like hd600, BW P7 are fine. No rattle or pop.

I'm sure the ALO Studio Six is a fine amp but somethings not right. Or maybe you're just really unlucky.

 

[meomap]

I'm sure the ALO Studio Six is a fine amp but somethings not right. Or maybe you're just really unlucky.

Has to be very unlucky. Thought 3X will be the charm but it's not.
Focal Rep said my hp on their workbench for a week now but could not replicate the rattle sound: maybe, they need human ears to hear the problem. I don't think tool can measure it. I emailed to her back and waiting for further respond because they would not know what to do next.
My other two hp work fine, same music or movies.
Just ordered the MrSpeaker Aeon hp. Should arrive next week.
I am very angry now. The 2nd pair sounded very very very excellent.

 

[echineko]

Spoiler

Has to be very unlucky. Thought 3X will be the charm but it's not.
Focal Rep said my hp on their workbench for a week now but could not replicate the rattle sound: maybe, they need human ears to hear the problem. I don't think tool can measure it. I emailed to her back and waiting for further respond because they would not know what to do next.
My other two hp work fine, same music or movies.
Just ordered the MrSpeaker Aeon hp. Should arrive next week.
I am very angry now. The 2nd pair sounded very very very excellent.

This is unusual. Could you confirm if the "rattle" you mean was apparent even at low volume? Or did it only manifest when you turn it up? Any other description? I'm curious to test it myself, now

 

[Karlg]

I just sent mine to Focal for evaluation due bass rattles. 3rd pair.

Unreliable QC for what audiophiles refer to as the best headphones in the world...
Had the same experience with my 3 replaced copies..consequently I only get to use them sparingly unfortunately!

 

[meomap]

This is unusual. Could you confirm if the "rattle" you mean was apparent even at low volume? Or did it only manifest when you turn it up? Any other description? I'm curious to test it myself, now

Moderate volume with sub bass frequency heard from music or movies, very annoying.
Heard 2 pairs in the past and did not hear rattle at all like this 3rd pair. This is like new defect for me.

 

[marcussmj]

I seek to understand why Focal's warranty period is only 1 year in Malaysia... we pay the same price if not more and this is unfair.

 

[TSAVJason]

I seek to understand why Focal's warranty period is only 1 year in Malaysia... we pay the same price if not more and this is unfair.

That is a decision made by the distributor in your territory. Warranty terms are often made by distributors. Focal only requires they provide a 1 year warranty as part of their distribution requirements.

 

[marcussmj]

That is a decision made by the distributor in your territory. Warranty terms are often made by distributors. Focal only requires they provide a 1 year warranty as part of their distribution requirements.

That is unfortunate for us then. Any idea how much will one have to pay to get the Utopia repaired once it is out of warranty?

 

[TSAVJason]

That is unfortunate for us then. Any idea how much will one have to pay to get the Utopia repaired once it is out of warranty?

Again and I'm sorry that I'm not bringing you good news but that too is determined by the distributor.

 

[marcussmj]

Again and I'm sorry that I'm not bringing you good news but that too is determined by the distributor.

Oh boy. So the drivers etc will be determined by them?

 

[TSAVJason]

Oh boy. So the drivers etc will be determined by them?

Don't shoot the messenger but the answer is yes, those costs are determined by your distributor

 

[marcussmj]

Don't shoot the messenger but the answer is yes, those costs are determined by your distributor

I see. Thanks for helping me out understand how this works.