[mulveling]

I've run Utopia with HeadAmp Gilmore Balanced Reference - predecessor to the GS-X II, and actually a touch more bright that it. It sounds great if your digital source is on the warmer/smoother/analog side of the spectrum. It sounds much better yet, with a good vinyl rig. And it also sounded great with a Headroom Balanced Home/Max, which is a touch warmer than the GS-X.

Of course you can always get an OTL tube amp and turn its sound into a warm bowl of oatmeal; some people really like that but maybe at that point go for a simple HD650/HD800 instead and invest in a really "beautiful" sounding tube amp.

 

[ra990]

I find the Woo Audio WA8 and Utopia to be a sublime pairing. The WA8 opens up the Utopia's sound stage, tames the highs just a bit, and adds some texture to the low end, making them sound fantastic, even compared to the Hugo 2.

 

[llamaluv]

I feel compelled to plug the Pavane + GS-X Mk2 + Utopia combo. As we know, the GSX brings out what's behind it, and what's behind it in this case is smooth, analog-ish, un-harsh, and revealing. Also, bigger soundstage than I've heard with most tube amp combos I've tried with the Utopia (really).

 

[jwbrent]

I find the Woo Audio WA8 and Utopia to be a sublime pairing. The WA8 opens up the Utopia's sound stage, tames the highs just a bit, and adds some texture to the low end, making them sound fantastic, even compared to the Hugo 2.

Are you using the built in DAC on the WA8?

I’ve been intrigued by this component, even put an order in once, but I like simplicity and the built in DAC seemed to be a weak point in the chain requiring an external DAC for the best performance.

 

[ra990]

Are you using the built in DAC on the WA8?

I’ve been intrigued by this component, even put an order in once, but I like simplicity and the built in DAC seemed to be a weak point in the chain requiring an external DAC for the best performance.

You'd be surprised, it's not bad at all. I used to hook up the Hugo 2 to it, but the built-in DAC is a really good match with the tube amp. Woo Audio is using the same DAC with the upcoming WA11. I now just use the WA8 as DAC/AMP for the Utopia and I'm very happy with it.

 

[TSAVJason]

Are you using the built in DAC on the WA8?

I’ve been intrigued by this component, even put an order in once, but I like simplicity and the built in DAC seemed to be a weak point in the chain requiring an external DAC for the best performance.

That’s a fair question. Excuse my interjecting. The onboard dac definitly doesn’t suck but it’s also fair to say it is the WA8’s weakest link.

 

[ra990]

It does have a line in, so you can use your own DAC when at home and use it's built-in when you're not. I found it pleasing enough that I didn't need to keep using the Hugo 2 with it.

 

[jwbrent]

That’s a fair question. Excuse my interjecting. The onboard dac definitly doesn’t suck but it’s also fair to say it is the WA8’s weakest link.

Hi Jason,

I guess I could use the Qutest I bought from you. My other thought was getting a WA3 or WA4. I presume the latter would be a better match for the Utopia.

 

[emrelights1973]

I’ll tackle both of these- I really like the moon audio 430HAD with the Utopia. Sounded pretty neutral to me, but still engaging (the Utopia does a good job of that by its self.) I liked the Cavalli Liquid Gold a little more but sadly that is no more :/

Budget also matters in the equation I know ha

V280/v281? Spl phonitor? Any opinion?

 

[TSAVJason]

Hi Jason,

I guess I could use the Qutest I bought from you. My other thought was getting a WA3 or WA4. I presume the latter would be a better match for the Utopia.

I’m stumped! I’ve not heard the WA4. I’ve been told with the right set of tubes it’s pretty sweet.

 

[TSAVJason]

V280/v281? Spl phonitor? Any opinion?

Hmmm that’s a great question. Are you freeing to the phonetor x?

 

[jwbrent]

I’m stumped! I’ve not heard the WA4. I’ve been told with the right set of tubes it’s pretty sweet.

I only mention the WA4 might work better than the OTL WA3. I’m wondering if the impedance of the Utopia is too low for an OTL amp although I do like the simpler design.

 

[TheMiddleSky]

Just want to throw some photos:

Personally, what I like the most about Utopia's sound is most of other headphones out there amaze listener with their capabilities. While Utopia will amaze listener (me) by showing how great the singer is. Perfect blend between musicality and technicality.

 

[Mrstump5]

Just want to throw some photos:





Personally, what I like the most about Utopia's sound is most of other headphones out there amaze listener with their capabilities. While Utopia will amaze listener (me) by showing how great the singer is. Perfect blend between musicality and technicality.

My God they are beautiful

 

[twsmith]

I would add the new Benchmark HPA4 to the list of highly recommended amps for the Focal Utopia. The Utopia/HPA4 pairing is magic - easily equal to the GSX MkII, which I have also owned at one time. In fact sometimes I feel that the HPA4 may slightly improve on the SQ of the GSX, but this is hard to prove since I'm relying on auditory memory. I do favor the "footprint" of the HPA4 over GSX - it takes much less space (1 unit vs 2), and it has the best stepped attenuator available (which sometimes drove me nuts with the GSX).