[ShortBtwnHdset]

Hard to tell extent of damage from the photo. Is the crack fully thru the cup gimbal/headband? In other words, will cup fall of or nearly fall off if u place on your head?

 

[chesebert]

Does anyone has any experience with replacing Utopias frame ? Sounds crazy but I accidentally sat on right earcup...Seeing how much focal charges for new earpads I have little hope for a budget fix here...

I think that’s a min of $1k repair. Sorry

 

[hakunamakaka]

I think that’s a min of $1k repair. Sorry

I won't be surprised, but if it's carbon fiber it should be fixable. Maybe I should contact a workshop that fixes carbon fiber frames for bikes...lol

 

[ShortBtwnHdset]

I won't be surprised, but if it's carbon fiber it should be fixable. Maybe I should contact a workshop that fixes carbon fiber frames for bikes...lol

That's a very good thought!

 

[thefitz]

I won't be surprised, but if it's carbon fiber it should be fixable. Maybe I should contact a workshop that fixes carbon fiber frames for bikes...lol

*picks up phone*
hakunamakaka: *mumbles*
Workshop guy: "Headphones!?!? Why don't you just get a new pair?"
hakunamakaka: *mumbles*
Workshop guy: "HOW MUCH!?!?"

:-D

 

[djentbat]

As someone who used to work as a composites manufacturing engineer for spacecraft, if the headband snapped you could get a really strong adhesive like E9394 and bond it back. It won’t look pretty (there will be a grey paste), but it’ll solve your issue

 

[hakunamakaka]

*picks up phone*
hakunamakaka: *mumbles*
Workshop guy: "Headphones!?!? Why don't you just get a new pair?"
hakunamakaka: *mumbles*
Workshop guy: "HOW MUCH!?!?"

:-D

I could imagine...workshop guy would probably think I'm trolling...
Did anyone tried to dissemble Utopia or any other focal. I can't find any videos and sending just a frame would be a better option for me and for bicycle repairman

 

[hakunamakaka]

As someone who used to work as a composites manufacturing engineer for spacecraft, if the headband snapped you could get a really strong adhesive like E9394 and bond it back. It won’t look pretty (there will be a grey paste), but it’ll solve your issue

Thanks I will look into that option. Do i need just rub that paste onto frame and leave it ?

In current times I don't feel attracted to the idea on spending mega buck for a headphone frame. Have a feeling that Focal would come up with some ridiculous number. At least drivers survived my abuse...never again leaving my headphones in bed and covering with bed sheet

 

[djentbat]

Thanks I will look into that option. Do i need just rub that paste onto frame and leave it ?

In current times I don't feel attracted to the idea on spending mega buck for a headphone frame. Have a feeling that Focal would come up with some ridiculous number. At least drivers survived my abuse...never again leaving my headphones in bed and covering with bed sheet

Based on the picture showed, throughly apply it to that area that is cracked, not too much, not too little. But you should have a decent coat. You’ll need to let it sit for about 4 hours or so (ideally 8) but since the only force comes from putting in on your head you may not need to be that stringent.

I do want to be clear though, that if you choose to do this. Understand this a two part adhesive. You have mix it throughly (wooden stick No metal) and once throughly mixed you apply it.

But you could also find a shop and ask them to just apply an adhesive if you feel unsure doing it.

 

[BrainSalat]

delete

 

[JCworld]

I'm looking for this one as my endgame headphone. Do you think this one can cover ochestral genre like movie sound track (Hans zimmer), and classical music?

 

[djentbat]

I'm looking for this one as my endgame headphone. Do you think this one can cover ochestral genre like movie sound track (Hans zimmer), and classical music?

Utopia can definitely do this well, but I think I’d recommend the HD800S more. Stringed instruments of the HD800S sound heavenly.

The Utopia has a small stage and intimate presentation on a SS amp that may feel lacking the grandiose of an orchestral track. The answer depends on if you’re ok with that.

 

[Tanalasta]

Utopia can definitely do this well, but I think I’d recommend the HD800S more. Stringed instruments of the HD800S sound heavenly.

The Utopia has a small stage and intimate presentation on a SS amp that may feel lacking the grandiose of an orchestral track. The answer depends on if you’re ok with that.

Very much source and personal preference dependent. Layering, detail and timbre remain very good. Utopia has always reflected the quality of its source chain.

Worth auditioning before deciding.

 

[JCworld]

Utopia can definitely do this well, but I think I’d recommend the HD800S more. Stringed instruments of the HD800S sound heavenly.

The Utopia has a small stage and intimate presentation on a SS amp that may feel lacking the grandiose of an orchestral track. The answer depends on if you’re ok with that.

Thanks for your advice. I may need testing before making final decision. Btw what does SS amp stand for?

 

[Tanalasta]

Thanks for your advice. I may need testing before making final decision. Btw what does SS amp stand for?

Solid state as opposed to Tube amp.

They have different tonality and imaging with a tube amp being more analogue. Traditionally. There’s a lot of variability etc etc …

I found the 800S with stock cable a little thin, too spacious / wide and bass was superior for Utopia. Utopia may also be more of an all rounder. But more expensive! Imaging and placement on 800S a definite strength