[pkcpga]

I
it has to do with markets and how large the market is. The US & Asia are larger markets so as such generally get them first. With Sennheiser it was China that got them first and of course we Americans got a little pissy about that. Hahaha

I was talking about pricing being the same.

 

[dpump]

I meant the patience thing as a bit of a joke so I put an exclamation point after it. I'm a pretty impatient person myself!​
 
In my personal experience, having to wait an extra 2 months isn't too bad-from July to September. In the past a number of manufacturers have announced products at RAM or CES and then not delivered for many months. In some cases they were sending out loaners and getting feedback before committing to the final design. That's all well and good if they state upfront some sort of timeline as to when the product will be released. A lot of times they imply that the product will be available soon when they know it won't be. I assume they are hoping to generate interest and hoping people will continue waiting. That kind of thing bothers me and makes me less likely to buy from them, especially if they do it more than once.
 
Sennheiser seems to be one of the best at having a product to sell soon after it is announced. I think Beyer is also good at this. I can grant more leeway to a smaller company for a wait time. Of course Focal is one of the biggest manufacturers so they should probably have been more on top of things. I did find it interesting that I read in this thread earlier, if I am remembering correctly, that there were only 2 employees at Focal building the Elear and Utopia. One builds the drivers and the other assembles the phones. If that is true it might explain why there is more of a delay. I wonder how many 2 people can produce in one day? Maybe Focal is having to get more employees involved to try to meet initial demand and this could be contributing to the delay. Or maybe Focal didn't think there would be such a large initial demand for the phones, especially the Utopia. Hopefully all will be rectified soon.

 

[TSAVJason]

I'm just as patient as the rest of them, having waited many months for the Liquid Carbon, Liquid Gold, etc., which I expected, but the retailer specifically promised me on the phone he'd have them in by this week and then said oops no they're not (and no clue as to a timeline), after taking the money. He knew very well about the delays and all. That's what got me cranky. Also, he told me Canada would be allocated 10 Utopia's when they arrive up north. Honestly, I don't know what the correct information is, which would help potential buyers. I don't think they are making concessions for more demand. I've said my piece and I'll wait for stock to be available next time. As far as a used pair of headphones, well, that's just not me.

I've been posting the delays and the one issue with the Elear since June. I know many chose to ignore my posts thinking I was just trying to keep all the business to myself. Now, you're learning I was just giving all of you more accurate updates and where you buy is unimportant to me. In your case I can't sell into Canada but I've always told clearly identified Canadians that their launch point is The Headphone Bar in Vancouver BC. I will say that I'm not real impressed with the management in the west of Canada. It wouldn't surprise me if your dealers in west Canada have not been kept up to speed. Now if you said that the US management and dealers are giving you bad updates, I would strongly disagree with management but very much agree with dealers giving bad information even though I know for sure they've been given proper updates, albeit vague at times. People have trashed me for being in direct contact with the CEO of Focal but my intention has always been goodwill and good updates. Because I am a real Focal partner and not an opportunist like most Focal headphone dealers, I will make myself available for questions and updates. You do not have to purchase from us to have this level of customer service. Enjoy the music!

 

[x RELIC x]

Hold on Jason. I've said my piece and was done, but since you've dredged it up again...

I've read every one of your updates and have been well aware of the delays, which I thank you for your continuous information. I was not aware that you have any further information regarding Canadian distribution and I am clearly aware you are not able to sell outside your region. I communicate with Travis from time to time when I'm interested in gear he carries, and was aware early on (as I've posted much earlier) he was the Canadian launch point. I ignored this when, in my excitement, I searched around and I was told I could get them elsewhere. I was venting at the Canadian dealer (not Headphone Bar) because they specifically said the shipment would arrive this week. Actually, two different dealers said this (not Headphone Bar). Obviously not the case, and I was mildly miffed. Mea culpa. I should have kept it to myself but to be honest I was excited to purchase them. Hey, I'm human. I was told blatant misinformation and I could have perhaps reached out to you, but again, had no idea if you have accurate information about distribution outside your region. If you can divulge more information about the release timeline (at least an estimate) in Canada that would be much appreciated.

IMO, this is an exciting release and many like myself are more than happy to wait given the unplanned delays, which is understandable, it happens. Especially exciting after the good reviews and Tyll's glowing comments. Human nature is what it is and I understand not all regions are as fortunate as The Source AV. The one point I will make is that if someone does vent because of being disappointed you really don't need to feel defensive, which is how your post reads. By the way, HeadphoneBar has zero information readily available regarding the Focals. None, zero, zip. I feel the dealers in Canada REALLY should step it up. I also feel Focal should step it up because, to be honest, releasing the Utopia in Canada in Dec/Jan, as I've been told, seems like a ridiculous delay.

As a side note I could have someone I trust purchase the Utopia or Elear from your store directly and have them ship it to me, but I haven't gone that route for obvious warranty and import charges, etc..

 

[Mediahound]

I myself (in the USA) even reached out to TheSourceAV myself via PM here and via email, and was ignored on both after I inquired about these headphones. I don't think they have any more info. than any other dealer quite frankly. 

 

[x RELIC x]

To be clear, I'm not trying to paint Focal or Jason and The Source AV in a bad light. No. I just had a moment and I'm over it. These are just headphones. I was very excited and now I'm back in waiting mode. Just eager for more solid info for the Canadian release.

 

[Tylerhk]

Anyone knows about the release plan for Elear and utopia in Australia? I registered my interest in focal's website but there has been no response at all. Can I order from US directly? Thanks in advance for the answers

 

[TSAVJason]

Anyone knows about the release plan for Elear and utopia in Australia? I registered my interest in focal's website but there has been no response at all. Can I order from US directly? Thanks in advance for the answers

I don't know the delivery to Australia but I can check and get back to you. I'm sure there will be dealers that will do that deal with you but you probably shouldn't do it. Your local distribution won't honor the warranty be cause they don't get credit for the parts if something does happen. You would be the owner of an American serial number so to get warranty you'd have to hope your American dealer would support your sale. I've heard horror stories on this topic. Being that you'd likely be buying from an online dealer I'd caution you strenuously and suggest you should wait until it comes to your massive island! I believe there are a few posts here about a Questyle QP1R deal sold by an American online dealer that went south. It isn't pretty. I've been to Australia ...love it!

 

[Iron-Buddha]

Are you guys serious about being forced do buy from the local dealer or the warranty is void?!
 
I travel to the US all the time and was hoping to pick it up there, but live in Canada.  

 

[TSAVJason]

Are you guys serious about being forced do buy from the local dealer or the warranty is void?!

I travel to the US all the time and was hoping to pick it up there, but live in Canada.  

Not void but only in force in the country of origin. If you buy it while you are here in the US from a brick & mortar store, your warranty will be honored in Canada with a valid receipt of purchase by an authorized dealer. No dealer in Canada is obligated to service you but FocalNA is in Edmonton. Your purchase must be a face to face purchase.

 

[Yugo]

Anyone knows about the release plan for Elear and utopia in Australia? I registered my interest in focal's website but there has been no response at all. Can I order from US directly? Thanks in advance for the answers

A2A will distribute. Elear soon, Utopia much later this year. You better contact them directly.

 

[Tylerhk]

Hi Jason,
 
Thanks for your honest advice regarding the warranty if buying overseas. Definitely will go to you if I become impatient to get hold of it after reading more reviews when people get it. 
 
I have moved from Hong Kong to Australia not for long and still trying to get familiar with this place. It is a very nice country (love the environment and the food!) but not so nice when one is into hifi/head-fi hobby. The import tax and GST already made the price more expensive (when comparing to Hong Kong) and somehow it is difficult to get hold of new products. Maybe the market is "small" here or maybe I still don't know the shops well. For example, I was interested at getting the technics SL1200 gae turntable but opanasonic australia didn't even know this product exist and there is no proper channel to buy one at all.
 
I think I should stop reading this thread...

 

[Tylerhk]

Hi Yugo,
 
Are you referring to "Addicted to Sound"? I shall try to contact them if this is the case and thanks for the info. I did receive a email when I "preorder" in focal's website but too bad there is no further response and it didn't mention who the distributor is.

 

[Yugo]

Hi Yugo,

Are you referring to "Addicted to Sound"? I shall try to contact them if this is the case and thanks for the info. I did receive a email when I "preorder" in focal's website but too bad there is no further response and it didn't mention who the distributor is.

Addicted to Audio to be exact. They are the official distributor of almost all of the major headphone brands. And they have 2 awesome shops in Melbourne and Sydney for demo purposes.

 

[bmichels]

At SF meet, I heard both CDM and WA8. Both are very good. Did see anyone brought the Chord to test. I know my mobile setup will be, CDM.

you prefered the CDM to the WA8 ?  for which reasons ?  SQ or battery life ?