[animeismylife]

My Utopia No.55X bought on 16 Nov 2016 in Hong Kong. Unlucky the right side of my Utopia did not have any sound on 24 May 2017 and I sent to the agent on the same day. However, up till now (over 2 months time), I still cannot receive my Utopia. Can anyone tell me how long you got back your Utopia as my same case, especially for those in Hong Kong?

I'm so sorry to hear this! First meomap and now you I really don't get how the returns process is taking so long! Especially in a place like Hong Kong! If a person can't trust the after sales service of a product this expensive, I don't care how good it sounds, at least I won't buy. I hope others who've got their units replaced can comment on where they are based and how long it took to get a replacement. Also, have you tried contacting Focal directly and letting them know about the poor service you're getting? I'm sure they'll be sorry to learn about your experience and try to get this matter sorted on an urgent basis. Good luck!

 

[jamato8]

Hey Guys,

I've just put up a comparison review between a few headphones, including the Utopia. See my thoughts here:

https://www.head-fi.org/f/threads/totl-headphones-comparison.856079/

I have plenty to compare to but I notice you say that the Utopia have a closed sound. Wow, I have such a large open airy soundstage with mine. I drive them either single ended through my highly modified micro Zotl 2 or the balanced out of the DX200 and it is the best sound of anything I have. I am also using the latest Whiplash Twau V2 in 8 braid, which opens them up even more with a wonderful timbre and naturalness that I have little want for anything else. I listen to a lot of live music as a gauge and the combination of good cable and the Utopia does it for me. The best IMO.

 

[Thaudiophile]

Does tyll still think that Utopia is better than SR 009?I am asking this question because he said that utopia is the best headphone ever and yet he still has 009 on top of his wall of fame for open headphones.

 

[bidn]

Does tyll still think that Utopia is better than SR 009?I am asking this question because he said that utopia is the best headphone ever and yet he still has 009 on top of his wall of fame for open headphones.

 

[bidn]

I understand Tyll's list is ordered according to pricing.

 

[purk]

Does tyll still think that Utopia is better than SR 009?I am asking this question because he said that utopia is the best headphone ever and yet he still has 009 on top of his wall of fame for open headphones.

I don't think the SR009 has anything to worry about the Utopia. I have both and I clearly prefer the SR009 in my ultimate setup. Due to the SR009 utmost transparency, it can scale with greater height compared to the Utopia. The Utopia's weakest link is its soundstage, thus, the SR009 will always sound a little bit better if both headphones are paired with best amplification. The SR009 OTOH will never match the Utopia in term of portability or easy to power. IMO, the Utopia is the best sounding headphones that can be powered straight out of a DAP.

 

[Whitigir]

I don't think the SR009 has anything to worry about the Utopia. I have both and I clearly prefer the SR009 in my ultimate setup. Due to the SR009 utmost transparency, it can scale with greater height compared to the Utopia. The Utopia's weakest link is its soundstage, thus, the SR009 will always sound a little bit better if both headphones are paired with best amplification. The SR009 OTOH will never match the Utopia in term of portability or easy to power. IMO, the Utopia is the best sounding headphones that can be powered straight out of a DAP.

I totally agree with Purk, and hence I say both Utopia and 009 are worth it to be in your collection. Not only carrying different signatures, but also have different practicalities, and most of all, both perform ways too well and fully deserve the titles of High-end.

I am not one to collect stuff, but it is hard to let either of them go in place for anything else out there ATM

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I totally agree with Purk, and hence I say both Utopia and 009 are worth it to be in your collection. Not only carrying different signatures, but also have different practicalities, and most of all, both perform ways too well and fully deserve the titles of High-end.

I am not one to collect stuff, but it is hard to let either of them go in place for anything else out there ATM

+1. The huge advantage of the Utopia is that it doesn't take a super powerful amp to drive it well. So even the Chord Mojo can give you enough juice to sound good. Granted it scales like a boss with higher gear...

 

[guitardave]

For me the most amazing thing about the Utopias is how they make even mediocre sources sound their best. An iPhone sounds incredible with Utopias, to the point you might wonder if you need anything else!

 

[purk]

Yup, I am glad others are feeling the same way and I think that's where most reviewers have failed to state in their review. The easy amplifier nature of this headphone can not be stated enough. U can't listen to the HEK, Susvara, Abyse, and to a lesser degree the HD800 out of an iPhone or entry level DAP when the Utopia does sound great from just about everything.

 

[Gyp64]

I see Todd the Vinyl Junkie is offering $1,000 off the Utopia and $300 off the Elear with the trade in of any used, clean, working headphone for the month of September. OK, just saw the Cable Company is as well. Apparently this is a Focal promotional offer.

 

[BunnyNamedCraig]

I see Todd the Vinyl Junkie is offering $1,000 off the Utopia and $300 off the Elear with the trade in of any used, clean, working headphone for the month of September. OK, just saw the Cable Company is as well. Apparently this is a Focal promotional offer.

Correct. All Authorized dealers for Focal are participating in it (to my knowledge).

 

[MoonAudio]

Focal Headphones Savings with Trade in of your old headphones.

Save up to $1000 on Focal Utopia and Focal Elear during September!

Level up and Save $1000 on Focal Utopia and $300 on Focal Elear.

1. Buy a NEW Focal Utopia or Focal Elear.
2. Receive $1000 off Focal Utopia Headphones or $300 off Focal Elear headphones at checkout. (**Instant savings from Headphone Trade-in are automatically applied at checkout.)
3. Receive an RMA via email upon purchase to send in your old headphones
4. Send your headphones to Moon Audio with the RMA. Focal will donate to the needy.
5. Enjoy your new headphones and feel great about your donation.

 

[Joseph Lin]

Adorama do not need to trade in to shave $1,000

 

[TSAVJason]

Adorama do not need to trade in to shave $1,000

Read this;

it is not their sale. It is a Focal factory sale. Also know their warranty is 2 years. If you buy from TSAV, Music to my Ear or Moon Audio your warranty is 5 years. It's good to have all the facts to make good decisions. Agree?