[supervisor]

the store at Lavricables is finally open again... just bought a 20 core master grand

 

[up late]

Sorry, I didn't mean to offend. Let me clarify.

I started this thread to get impressions on the Utopia, associated amps, DACs, accessories, and other related stuff. Things like pad rolling, cable rolling, headband mods, cases, music that best (or worse) shows off the headphones, all add value to those thinking about the headphones and those that have them. I just don't think it adds value to the thread for folks to say what they aren't going to try. I'm not gonna try a lot of amps, DAC, cables, cases, and music, but I'm not gonna list them out. I think hearing from those that have tried things, or even speculation of what something might sound like, adds value. If everyone, myself included, could think about what we post and if it adds value to the thread, that would be wonderful.

That said, I made and tried a solid silver core cable (24AWG, 99.99% pure silver) for the Utopia. I could hear a difference between it and my copper cables. The sound from the silver copper cable might have been more detailed, but also more "brittle", is the best way I can describe it. I didn't like it for the Utopia, so I re-terminated it for my HD6xx, which comes this week. The hD650 sounds too warm to me, so I will KISS mod it, and use the silver cable. The utopia still sound best to me with copper cables and a good tube amp. Obviously, but I will say it anyways, YMMV. Oh, the silver cable sounds really good with the TH900mk2. Much less of a difference with the Th900 than with the Utopia.

it's called an impressions and discussion thread allan, which covers a broad area. i'm sure that you didn't intend for folks to raise the potential health hazards of beryllium for discussion or for them to complain incessantly about the utopia's price and warranty when you started this thread, but it did occur. forum threads have a habit of taking on a life of their own regardless of the intentions of the thread starter. this thread is no different from what i've seen and i've been following it from the beginning.

"back on topic" - my only bugbear with the utopia at this early stage of ownership is the cable, and that's purely because of its bulk and length. i can understand why folks would want to change it.

 

[Ekul61]

Where is the best price for the elear and utopia?

 

[LCMusicLover]

Where is the best price for the elear and utopia?

I got my Utopias from Adorama during the 'open box' special. Only way I could swing it. I've seen some show up used for < $2500. But keep in mind that Focal doesn't honor warranties for 2nd and subsequent owners AFAIK.

 

[Ekul61]

I got my Utopias from Adorama during the 'open box' special. Only way I could swing it. I've seen some show up used for < $2500. But keep in mind that Focal doesn't honor warranties for 2nd and subsequent owners AFAIK.

So they would warrant any open box products. or reduced price from any vendor? What about a demo pair from a vendor?

 

[Wraith.]

I just picked up a new pair for $2500 shipped, they arrive tomorrow.

 

[Ekul61]

I just picked up a new pair for $2500 shipped, they arrive tomorrow.

Where did you get them?

 

[Wraith.]

Where did you get them?

PM'd

 

[Svatopluk]

I may have missed something but I thought the $2500 one's were open box or refurbished.

 

[TSAVJason]

I may have missed something but I thought the $2500 one's were open box or refurbished.

Didn’t he say it was an audiomart or Audiogon purchase or something like that? I can’t remember exactly but his would be without warranty if that’s where he bought it from. Authorized dealers are not allowed to use services like that to sell current model Focal headphones.

 

[Ekul61]

Didn’t he say it was an audiomart or Audiogon purchase or something like that? I can’t remember exactly but his would be without warranty if that’s where he bought it from. Authorized dealers are not allowed to use services like that to sell current model Focal headphones.

Why can a company not warrant their ultra expensive headphone. No matter where you buy it from.

 

[TSAVJason]

So they would warrant any open box products. or reduced price from any vendor? What about a demo pair from a vendor?

An open box not previously owned would have a full warranty. A demo again not previously owned would have a full warranty. A factory reconditioned would have a reduced warranty but it would still have a warranty for the first owner.

Where you purchase from and who you purchase from might be a cause for not having a warranty. If you want the warranty buy from an authorized dealer. There are dealers that are not authorized selling Focal products. Be a little careful Enjoy the Music

 

[TSAVJason]

Why can a company not warrant their ultra expensive headphone. No matter where you buy it from.

Simple, the manufacture cannot certify the product if you don’t purchase from an authorized dealer

 

[Ekul61]

Simple, the manufacture cannot certify the product if you don’t purchase from an authorized dealer

thx for the response . So basically if I buy a pair

Simple, the manufacture cannot certify the product if you don’t purchase from an authorized dealer

Thx for the response . im guessing resale value is extremely low, since warranties are not transferable ?

 

[kk728]

Just got on the Utopia train! It is seriously an amazing headphone and I’m super happy with it.

I just have a question about amp pairing. I was wondering what characteristics of an amp I should be looking for. I understand it’s a lot of personal preference but in general should I be looking for something warmer since the utopia is already somewhat bright or should I look for clarity to enhance even more what’s already great about it. Would love some feedback!