I simply can't contain the excitement, especially considering I initially thought it would be Dec/Jan before I could grab a pair in Canada! Here are my very first unpacking thoughts about the Focal Utopia headphone within 10 minutes of receiving them (100% new toy syndrome included)..
I now have the first Utopia sold in Canada and let me tell you guys, the build quality is amazing. If I were to guess I'd say that 90% of the weight comes from the drivers themselves (complete guess here, but that's how it seems). Focal has done an amazing job with the fit and finish and the materials are perfectly chosen in my opinion. Beautiful, especially in person.
The Utopia comes in a well padded shipping box and I have no concerns about
product damage from shipping.
The presentation box is solid and the headphones are very secure inside.
There's a small flapped area for the mile long cable that won't bang on the
headphones during shipping.
Between the headphones themselves is a small package of reading material
that includes the instructions, warranty info, Focal marketing pamphlet, and
information about the use of Beryllium in the driver (please, let's not endlessly
debate the safety of these headphones).
The headphones!! Did I mention they are gorgeous in person? They feel solidly built
and the creaks reported from Tyll are
very minor, and only really heard if wiggling
the cups back and forth. Who does that, lol! I don't hear any creaking at all when on
the head, or when handling normally. I have to listen very closely to hear it. Everything
is just solid! IMO, they stand up to their price point very well with regard to build quality.
One of the main reasons I purchase from Headphone Bar! Thanks Travis!!
On the head they feel very comfortable. They aren't ETHER C light, and I do think the headphone would slide on my head a little if I were to tie my shoes with them on, but I could easily see using them for long sessions. Time will tell though.
More impressions to come after I've actually listened to them...
Apologies for the cel phone pics. SLR shots forthcoming.