Focal Utopia General Discussion

Feb 24, 2024 at 7:42 PM Post #20,297 of 21,114
Here's a brief clip of the cup creaking noise I was referring to earlier. Notice how little I'm actually pressing down on the ear cup...

https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/916305320
If that noise is coming from where you are pressing, then that doesn’t sound right.

have you taken the ear pads off?
that might show the issue on the ear cups or earpads. You do need to give them a bit of a yank to do so.
 
Feb 24, 2024 at 8:03 PM Post #20,298 of 21,114
If that noise is coming from where you are pressing, then that doesn’t sound right.

have you taken the ear pads off?
that might show the issue on the ear cups or earpads. You do need to give them a bit of a yank to do so.
Yeah, it’s coming from that spot, and all around the earcup (so I could be pressing from the opposite side and getting that same sound there). Kind of feels like if you press on the back of a tv remote where the batteries are.

Didn’t think to just remove the pad and take a look, maybe I’ll give that a try. I just get worried about damaging something lol. Wonder if maybe the pad isn’t seated properly, even though it feels secure…end of the day I still don’t really think it’s a huge problem but it does seem like it’s not normal, and that’s what worries me.
 
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Feb 25, 2024 at 12:20 AM Post #20,299 of 21,114
Now I own a pair of 2022 Utopias coming from the Abyss 1266 prior. Quite enjoying them, especially due to them being easy to drive... using them off a DAP! Anyone else use Utopias off a DAP?
 
Feb 25, 2024 at 4:01 AM Post #20,300 of 21,114
Now I own a pair of 2022 Utopias coming from the Abyss 1266 prior. Quite enjoying them, especially due to them being easy to drive... using them off a DAP! Anyone else use Utopias off a DAP?
Yes and absolutely loving it.
The Cayin N30LE is making these incredible headphones sound even more incredible..
I use the DAP more than my Naim HE due to the versatility of having 3 sound signatures, ssd, modern and classic tubes and also different power abilities.
It’s mind blowingly good.
It’s not cheap at £3999/$4999 but man it’s blown my mind.
If you ever get the chance to listen to it, you must…
IMG_0007.jpeg
 
Feb 25, 2024 at 9:38 AM Post #20,301 of 21,114
Now I own a pair of 2022 Utopias coming from the Abyss 1266 prior. Quite enjoying them, especially due to them being easy to drive... using them off a DAP! Anyone else use Utopias off a DAP?
you haven’t heard nothing yet. Wait til you connect the cans to MPD8 (just use whatever amp you have lying around) :L3000:
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 10:16 AM Post #20,302 of 21,114
Haha, likely going to use the headphones as a semi portable option.

The stock cable it comes with is using a 3.5mm plug that is not balanced correct?

Does this mean when using most DAPS, the power is quite limited? When using it on the sony gold brick, even with high gain I need to use 95 percent volume to be satisfied.
 
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Feb 26, 2024 at 10:28 AM Post #20,303 of 21,114
Haha, likely going to use the headphones as a semi portable option.

The stock cable it comes with is using a 3.5mm plug that is not balanced correct?

Does this mean when using most DAPS, the power is quite limited? When using it on the sony gold brick, even with high gain I need to use 95 percent volume to be satisfied.
Utopia 22 comes with 3.5 unbalanced and XLR balanced cables.

I have found them extremely easy to drive, but harder to drive well.

The Mojo 2 drives them very well as a portable option. Highly recommended.
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 12:39 PM Post #20,304 of 21,114
Utopia 22 comes with 3.5 unbalanced and XLR balanced cables.

I have found them extremely easy to drive, but harder to drive well.

The Mojo 2 drives them very well as a portable option. Highly recommended.
What the...I do not see a balanced XLR cable with mine. Mine is brand new also.

EDIT: I am an idiot, the cable was inside the box, this is great news, all I need now is the XLR to 4.4 adapter and I can use the 4.4mm socket in the DAP!
 
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Feb 26, 2024 at 3:16 PM Post #20,305 of 21,114
The balanced stock XLR is going to be too long to use for the DAP.

Anyone have recommendations for aftermarket cables for use with DAPs (4.4mm termination)

I know the Lazuli was quite popular with the focal while back but that thing is expensive ouch.
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 5:02 PM Post #20,306 of 21,114
The balanced stock XLR is going to be too long to use for the DAP.

Anyone have recommendations for aftermarket cables for use with DAPs (4.4mm termination)

I know the Lazuli was quite popular with the focal while back but that thing is expensive ouch.
Get the Lavricables Grand or Master cable. It’s still not cheap but much cheaper than the Lazuli and others, while still sounding amazing.
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 11:27 PM Post #20,309 of 21,114
ETA mimiC for portable. Sounds good enough out of everything, closed, foldable, sub $500, looks like $25 DIY - my go to travel cans
 
Feb 26, 2024 at 11:28 PM Post #20,310 of 21,114
ETA mimiC for portable. Sounds good enough out of everything, closed, foldable, sub $500, looks like $25 DIY - my go to travel cans
I'm just exploring some IEMs that can match the Utopia sound. That way Utopia + TT2 is for desktop, and Mojo 2 + IEM can be the portable setup.
 

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