Why people waste money on amplifiers for headphones?
The Focal Utopia easily runs straight out of my laptop no problem. Heck, even the Sennheiser HD 800S and HD 650 runs straight out of my 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro without problems.
I’m sure the new MacBook pros can drive headphones adequately. Apple specifically designed them to do so. But they also msrp $2k and higher. Not exactly on the same level as a $200 Chromebook.
So yeah, your post comes across as trolling. You could’ve just said the new MBP has an excellent headphone amp built in and you think it sounds excellent.
You’ve been around long enough to know better than to post such a controversial opinion.
Apple has always been great for music. The headphone outputs will run easy to drive headphones surprisingly well. I always found Mac’s better for music. That’s why I made the switch. Why do you think the vast majority of DJs and Music producers have a Mac in their system.
But I will have to admit when you add an external DAC/Amp to the MacBook Pro. It takes your music experience to another level. So to say that it’s a waste is not accurate.
My travel setup includes MBP 16”/iPad Pro 12.0”9” connected wired or Bluetooth depending on location to a Chord Hugo 2/Cayin C9 combo. Use the C9 when I feel I need more power.
But all you really need is something like the Chord Mojo/Mojo 2 and a poly if you want to stream or wireless. Something like the mojo will be adequate for most people.
I have had the same laptop for over a year now and I would just have to respectfully disagree with your assessment of the dac/amp in the MBP. It’s fine but nothing to get excited about. APP2 running from the MBP is surprising good and fit for a midfi system.
Also, MBP usb output even after going through USB conditioner/isolation cannot even come close to a dedicated high quality network bridge. MBP again is fine for what it is and probably better than your typical windows machine.
between the 2? Utopia 100%. VC sounds broken to me. Just be sure you are prepared to shell out an additional $1500+shipping if a driver ever goes bad (someone correct me if the driver replacement cost has gone down in the last few years).
between the 2? Utopia 100%. VC sounds broken to me. Just be sure you are prepared to shell out an additional $1500+shipping if a driver ever goes bad (someone correct me if the driver replacement cost has gone down in the last few years).
First of all it's closed back vs open back. In my opinion open backs are always more enjoyable so unless you specifically need a closed back I'd always go for the open option.
Furthermore this is a Utopia thread, hence you will get biased answers. Better make a separate thread in order to receive some more objective impressions.
Last but not least my two cents: Utopia sounds better but the customer service & build quality of Zmf headphones in general is leagues above Focal stuff.
Verite is warmer and has that aesthetic "X factor", but as someone who owns both I can tell you Utopia runs rings around Verite sonically. There are *certain times* when I'm in the mood, or listening to something that is particularly suited to Verite, but in general Utopia is still peerless among DD headphones.
Okay that would seem to imply a strong vote against the VC, but in the name of balanced reporting, I would also disclose that my brand new Utopia 2022's left driver died ... after four just days. And apparently the RMA is very slow in materializing due to the holidays. So that's a big strike against Focal in my book, but oh well. I guess I got lucky the first two times I had the Utopia, problem-free, aside from the goop.
Okay that would seem to imply a strong vote against the VC, but in the name of balanced reporting, I would also disclose that my brand new Utopia 2022's left driver died ... after four just days. And apparently the RMA is very slow in materializing due to the holidays. So that's a big strike against Focal in my book, but oh well. I guess I got lucky the first two times I had the Utopia, problem-free, aside from the goop.
Okay that would seem to imply a strong vote against the VC, but in the name of balanced reporting, I would also disclose that my brand new Utopia 2022's left driver died ... after four just days. And apparently the RMA is very slow in materializing due to the holidays. So that's a big strike against Focal in my book, but oh well. I guess I got lucky the first two times I had the Utopia, problem-free, aside from the goop.
There you go everybody, 2022 Netopia LEFT driver Dead.
Well, a lot earlier adopter like me back in 2016....
Feeling like rip off yet?
Sorry Buddy for your newest toy.......
Design Flaw Again....
Fixed Issue??????
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