Focal Elear and Utopia Review / Preview With Measurements - Head-Fi TV

[dannybgoode]

I received my Focal Utopia headphones 6 wks ago. At first I thought the sound quality was not sufficiently better than my HD800, but after 500 hrs music burn-in the increased performance was without a doubt the best I've ever heard. I am really enjoying listening to my favorite music for the first time again!

I would like to replace the stock cable. After lots of searching, this thread seems to contain the most comments about aftermarket cables for the Utopia. I've seen references to the Moon Audio Black Dragon, Nordost Heimdal, Whiplash TWau Litz, and Dana Lazuli Reference. One listener uses DIY silver-gold cables.

I would appreciate very much any further comments on re-cabling the Focal Utopia. Thanks in advance.

Lavricables Master Utopia. Brilliant cable for the money and beautifully crafted.

 

[Kukua]

Lavricables Master Utopia. Brilliant cable for the money and beautifully crafted.

i couldn't agree with you more

 

[phaeton70]

If you're in EU, you may want to consider Forza http://forzaaudioworks.com/en/
 
Both the Hybrid and HPC MK2 are good options for Utopia.
 
I have an HPC MK2 and it complementa my Utopia very well for my taste.

 

[boomtube]

I received my Focal Utopia headphones 6 wks ago. At first I thought the sound quality was not sufficiently better than my HD800, but after 500 hrs music burn-in the increased performance was without a doubt the best I've ever heard. I am really enjoying listening to my favorite music for the first time again!

I would like to replace the stock cable. After lots of searching, this thread seems to contain the most comments about aftermarket cables for the Utopia. I've seen references to the Moon Audio Black Dragon, Nordost Heimdal, Whiplash TWau Litz, and Dana Lazuli Reference. One listener uses DIY silver-gold cables.

I would appreciate very much any further comments on re-cabling the Focal Utopia. Thanks in advance.

+1

 

[TSAVJason]

+1

If you pose this question to most at Focal they will say Kimber Axios Copper or Nordost Heimdal2 are your best options to consider for most significant quality of listening improvement. If you ask TSAV the answer would be the same with the addition of WireWorld which many people are beginning to realize is great bang for the buck. These 3 wire options tend to be the best of the best in the $400 - $1100 price ranges. Of course there are many opinions and loyalties here on headfi so it's difficult without actually being able to audition them which to choose.

 

[buzzlulu]

If you pose this question to most at Focal they will say Kimber Axios Copper 

 
That is what they also told me at NY CanJam
 
Hey Jason (its Gregg "the British are coming" - hopefully you make the connection with the HeadFi moniker)

 

[TSAVJason]

That is what they also told me at NY CanJam

Hey Jason (its Gregg "the British are coming" - hopefully you make the connection with the HeadFi moniker)

Hahaha I got it now.

 

[buzzlulu]

OK - speak to you tomorrow re my Axios termination and Moon Neo
 
 
Might as well throw it out to the public - who is using a Moon Neo amp with Utopia?

 

[Khragon]

Lavricables Master Utopia. Brilliant cable for the money and beautifully crafted.

If copper is your preference, Norne Draug 2C. The cable added soul to the music IMHO.

I got Lavricable on order, the ultimate line for my ZMF headphones. If I like them, I'll order one for Utopia as well.

 

[xxx1313]

Does anybody already have experience with the Toxic Silver Widow 22 in combination with the Utopia?

 

[MacedonianHero]

  I received my Focal Utopia headphones 6 wks ago. At first I thought the sound quality was not sufficiently better than my HD800, but after 500 hrs music burn-in the increased performance was without a doubt the best I've ever heard. I am really enjoying listening to my favorite music for the first time again!
 
I would like to replace the stock cable. After lots of searching, this thread seems to contain the most comments about aftermarket cables for the Utopia. I've seen references to the Moon Audio Black Dragon, Nordost Heimdal, Whiplash TWau Litz, and Dana Lazuli Reference. One listener uses DIY silver-gold cables.
 
I would appreciate very much any further comments on re-cabling the Focal Utopia. Thanks in advance.

 
I'm using the Moon Audio Silver Dragon V3 (balanced) with them and just loving what I'm hearing with my GS-X Mk2. Completely clean, balanced with outstanding ergonomics and detail retrieval.

 

[jlbrach]

   
I'm using the Moon Audio Silver Dragon V3 (balanced) with them and just loving what I'm hearing with my GS-X Mk2. Completely clean, balanced with outstanding ergonomics and detail retrieval.

i have the silver dragon as well balanced with a converter so i can listen straight out of the Dave...i agree it is a good combo

 

[MacedonianHero]

  i have the silver dragon as well balanced with a converter so i can listen straight out of the Dave...i agree it is a good combo

 
Great minds think alike. 

 

[gndixon]

i couldn't agree with you more

 
Likewise -- the Lavricables Master Silver are very very good. I had the Moon Audio Silver Dragons on the Utopias and put the Lavricables set on when they arrived and haven't taken then off.
 
I keep meaning to go back and do some comparisons but there is just so much music to listen too and this combination (Utopia + Lavricables Master + Hugo TT) is spectacular...

 

[Kukua]

Likewise -- the Lavricables Master Silver are very very good. I had the Moon Audio Silver Dragons on the Utopias and put the Lavricables set on when they arrived and haven't taken then off.

I keep meaning to go back and do some comparisons but there is just so much music to listen too and this combination (Utopia + Lavricables Master + Hugo TT) is spectacular...

lavricable V Moon audio silver cable is comparing a Bentley to a Mustang..not in the same league at all.
I own both, done a thorough evaluation and in my experience just shouldn't be spoken in the same breath respectfully.