[Godbluffer]

New utopia is warmer, fuller, richer. Reminds me of Bose or Beats or even AirPods Pro. But as a result might be a tad dark and too much for tubes.

It’s the tuning synergy (or lack thereof) I suspect

Yeah, with a tube-like amp such as the Naim Uniti Atom HE I find the Utopia 2022 a tad too dark, or rather, it feels like timbre reproduction is in fact pretty much perfect, except it seems like any actual sparkle (the good kind) is oddly amputated from the sound picture. The OG otoh matches perfectly, though, at least to my ears. On more neutral and bright leaning DAC/amp combo’s the 2022 may well be a better match than the OG.

 

[Rhodey]

Yeah, with a tube-like amp such as the Naim Uniti Atom HE I find the Utopia 2022 a tad too dark, or rather, it feels like timbre reproduction is in fact pretty much perfect, except it seems like any actual sparkle (the good kind) is oddly amputated from the sound picture. The OG otoh matches perfectly, though, at least to my ears. On more neutral and bright leaning DAC/amp combo’s the 2022 may well be a better match than the OG.

I primarily use the Nutopia off the stratus and I don’t have any issues with it being too thick. I don’t have a problem hearing the upper FR either. It has just enough in that area without coming off as harsh. Same experience off the mojo2, though it’s leaner.
And with the Bryston BHA1 it’s good too. Though you lose some of that tube magic, but it’s still enjoyable.

 

[joshnor713]

Been thinking about the Nutopia since my main source is the Hugo 2. The neutral-neutral pairing with my OG Utopia hasn't always been the best. I don't mind it, as I put SQ/detail above all else. But I do have a darker headphone that pairs sweetly with the H2, so it has me thinking that the Nutopia + H2 would be a great match. Anyone with experience with these two?

The unfortunate thing is that I personally don't favor the new look. I haven't actually seen it in person but pretty sure it'll be a downgrade in looks to me.

 

[Atriya]

Been thinking about the Nutopia since my main source is the Hugo 2. The neutral-neutral pairing with my OG Utopia hasn't always been the best. I don't mind it, as I put SQ/detail above all else. But I do have a darker headphone that pairs sweetly with the H2, so it has me thinking that the Nutopia + H2 would be a great match. Anyone with experience with these two?

The unfortunate thing is that I personally don't favor the new look. I haven't actually seen it in person but pretty sure it'll be a downgrade in looks to me.

I'm driving it directly out the RCA outputs of a Qutest, and it's very enjoyable.

 

[Atriya]

Those who have tried the new Utopia...have they fixed the creaking in the headband?

I actually do have headband creaking with the 2022 Utopia. It can't be just me? I never had the older Utopia so I don't know if it's better or worse than that.

 

[Tanalasta]

Been thinking about the Nutopia since my main source is the Hugo 2. The neutral-neutral pairing with my OG Utopia hasn't always been the best. I don't mind it, as I put SQ/detail above all else. But I do have a darker headphone that pairs sweetly with the H2, so it has me thinking that the Nutopia + H2 would be a great match. Anyone with experience with these two?

the new look is fine in person. It’s stealth but apart from the chrome accents on the OG, there’s not a lot in it.

I auditioned the utopia out of the SP3000. Owning a Hugo2 I suspect the synergy will work just fine. It’s on my to do for a more extensive listen.

 

[ra990]

I actually do have headband creaking with the 2022 Utopia. It can't be just me? I never had the older Utopia so I don't know if it's better or worse than that.

I guess I lucked out. No creaking on my 2022 nor the previous model I had in my hands right before getting the 2022. My OG Utopias had a lot of creaking and I had to use silicon lubricant to get it under control.

 

[jlbrach]

New utopia is warmer, fuller, richer. Reminds me of Bose or Beats or even AirPods Pro. But as a result might be a tad dark and too much for tubes.

It’s the tuning synergy (or lack thereof) I suspect

gee, airpods pro lol...not exactly the kind of comparison people looking to plunk down 5k want to hear

 

[Tanalasta]

gee, airpods pro lol...not exactly the kind of comparison people looking to plunk down 5k want to hear

lol yes. I was thinking of an analogy people could relate to. It’s an (intentional) over call although the difference between the Gen1 and Gen2 AirPods Pro are not that dissimilar.

 

[Godbluffer]

lol yes. I was thinking of an analogy people could relate to. It’s an (intentional) over call although the difference between the Gen1 and Gen2 AirPods Pro are not that dissimilar.

I see no problem in overcalling it. I feel some people are *under*calling the difference in sound between the two. Perhaps on certain equipment the difference is marginal, but on my Naim and on a DCS Lina stack I heard the OG and the 2022 versions on, I found the difference/overall impression not marginal at all!

 

[samr33]

New utopia is warmer, fuller, richer. Reminds me of Bose or Beats or even AirPods Pro. But as a result might be a tad dark and too much for tubes.

It’s the tuning synergy (or lack thereof) I suspect

Yes, I think the nutopia needs a neutral amp to pair with regardless of SS or Tubes.

 

[ttdang]

Has anyone tried using the new Utopia with SoundID "Studio Reference "flat" profile, and hearing crackling sound at the end of a heavy bass note? I'm trying to EQ the bass to bit a bit more punchy, and listening to Even Heaven by Aimer, right at the start bass note, the crackling sound will appear as each bass note end. A bit puzzling why it is the case (or if something is wrong with my set) - currently using it with Cayin N8ii with P+ / Tube / AB

 

[Rhodey]

Has anyone tried using the new Utopia with SoundID "Studio Reference "flat" profile, and hearing crackling sound at the end of a heavy bass note? I'm trying to EQ the bass to bit a bit more punchy, and listening to Even Heaven by Aimer, right at the start bass note, the crackling sound will appear as each bass note end. A bit puzzling why it is the case (or if something is wrong with my set) - currently using it with Cayin N8ii with P+ / Tube / AB

I don’t really EQ but have messed around with it in Roon just to see. Have you lowered the gain? How many db are you boosting the bass? Whatever it is, lower the overall db level to match.

For example, If you boost the bass to 3db, then lower gain to 3db. Should fix it.

But don’t EQ, it’s great as is

 

[meomap]

Has anyone tried using the new Utopia with SoundID "Studio Reference "flat" profile, and hearing crackling sound at the end of a heavy bass note? I'm trying to EQ the bass to bit a bit more punchy, and listening to Even Heaven by Aimer, right at the start bass note, the crackling sound will appear as each bass note end. A bit puzzling why it is the case (or if something is wrong with my set) - currently using it with Cayin N8ii with P+ / Tube / AB

For my 2nd OG Utopia, this is exactly what I heard the crackling sound from from heavy bass or explosion sound then the driver dead the next day.....

 

[iDesign]

Has anyone tried using the new Utopia with SoundID "Studio Reference "flat" profile, and hearing crackling sound at the end of a heavy bass note? I'm trying to EQ the bass to bit a bit more punchy, and listening to Even Heaven by Aimer, right at the start bass note, the crackling sound will appear as each bass note end. A bit puzzling why it is the case (or if something is wrong with my set) - currently using it with Cayin N8ii with P+ / Tube / AB

It’s possibly clipping. Will be interesting to see if more early owners report the issue.