So, here are my views on comparing the Utopia vs the Stellia … and they are pretty clear (I own the Utopia and I just got my Stellia). In short, the Utopia is the better headphone if 1. you mostly listen to classical music and 2. you have a powerful amp and DAC combo. In this case, the Utopia creates a “spatial surrounding” where you can locate each instrument in your head. It also makes each instrument vivid (e.g. with a violin, you feel the bow touching the strings). One has the feeling of space between each instrument. The Stellia simply cannot match this, the feeling of being able to listen between is there but only two a lesser degree, and the highlighting of instruments is weaker.
However, with non-classical music – I listened to metal and rock for this review – the differences turn into an advantage for the Stellia which has a less bright and more v-shaped signature. This matches better with rock/metal and also low-quality recordings – the sound is fuller in the bass region, obviously, and also less bright. The Utopia can be overly bright with electric guitars, no doubt about it.
Another advantage is with DAPs and less expensive amps – the Stellia performs BY FAR better with the Q2PR and also the ifi micro BL. Both of them can drive the Utopia, but it stays below its potential, and in the case of the Questyle it IS too bright. With the Stellia, they are a perfect and enjoyable match.
Throw in the need for a closed headphone, the Stellia is a clear winner. But yes, the Utopia WILL BE MISSED for classical music.
However, with non-classical music – I listened to metal and rock for this review – the differences turn into an advantage for the Stellia which has a less bright and more v-shaped signature. This matches better with rock/metal and also low-quality recordings – the sound is fuller in the bass region, obviously, and also less bright. The Utopia can be overly bright with electric guitars, no doubt about it.
Another advantage is with DAPs and less expensive amps – the Stellia performs BY FAR better with the Q2PR and also the ifi micro BL. Both of them can drive the Utopia, but it stays below its potential, and in the case of the Questyle it IS too bright. With the Stellia, they are a perfect and enjoyable match.
Throw in the need for a closed headphone, the Stellia is a clear winner. But yes, the Utopia WILL BE MISSED for classical music.
) otherwise my god, double-conversion UPS's are really expensive. And it's not like its advertised as being a "audiophile" UPS or anything like that... those are probably even more pricey.