[mixman]

But how does that have an effect on sound, or better still frequencies of 20 - 20,000 Hz? I think you're forgetting dielectric type, thickness, metal purity, etc...

Yes you are right there are many other factors like purity how the individual wires are wrapped......I did mention thickness, see above, AWG is thickness. Anyway, I didn’t want to get too deep since this is the Utopia thread. I too am trying to learn more about the science behind this.......as there is science behind this stuff, not hocus pocus.

 

[Arcabonne]

I was listening to some music through my Utopia and all of a sudden there is this extremely loud and sudden thunder crack sound from my right driver. Gave me massive shock.

Following that, music still played through the headphones.

What in the hell just happened???

Woo Audio 22 amp.
WE421A power tubes
Tung Sol 6sn7 gtb drivers
RCA 5u4g smooth black plate (just received this and trying it out for the first time)

I had a similar experience: a huge crash from the headphones, fortunately I had not worn them. The cause? I have no certainties, but I suspect it is a sudden absence of electricity. Shortly thereafter, my valve preamplifier had to be repaired and the technician told me of a big electric shock.

 

[TSAVJason]

Sounds like a tube went off.

I would first try your Utopias on another amp...even your mobile phone to make sure the headphones are ok. If they are, then switch your tubes from left to right and see if the right driver (on a much cheaper pair of headphones and NOT your Utopia) has this same crack. If so then you have a tube issue.

+1 I agree it’s more likely a tube issue

 

[Progisus]

But how does that have an effect on sound, or better still frequencies of 20 - 20,000 Hz? I think you're forgetting dielectric type, thickness, metal purity, etc...

Capacitance is the culprit in most cable sound changes. That’s what filters are made out of along with resistance and inductance. The resistance of most headphone cables is negligible but the capacitance can be changed by the use of different dielectrics, spacing and on and on. Filters change the frequency curve and also skin effect. One wants low resistance with high dielectric and good shielding. IMHO and working with VFD’s and short, long cable lengths to the motor.

 

[Roasty]

+1 I agree it’s more likely a tube issue

I had a similar experience: a huge crash from the headphones, fortunately I had not worn them. The cause? I have no certainties, but I suspect it is a sudden absence of electricity. Shortly thereafter, my valve preamplifier had to be repaired and the technician told me of a big electric shock.

Thanks guys. Will test out the setup again tonight. Have moved the power tubes from left to right and will see what happens from there..

 

[Roasty]

So I swapped the left and right WE421A power tubes. Have been listening for the past 3 hrs. And no crack/pop sound at all.

Oddly.. I had a persistent faint and slight echoey hollow humming sound on the right side before the incident last night, which has since disappeared since the crack and left/right swap...

 

[MacedonianHero]

Capacitance is the culprit in most cable sound changes. That’s what filters are made out of along with resistance and inductance. The resistance of most headphone cables is negligible but the capacitance can be changed by the use of different dielectrics, spacing and on and on. Filters change the frequency curve and also skin effect. One wants low resistance with high dielectric and good shielding. IMHO and working with VFD’s and short, long cable lengths to the motor.

I think you missed my point as well. Have a look at my profile, I'm quite up to speed on capacitance and all of the other factors when it comes to data transmission.... what I was commenting on is how this affects sound quality and more specifically, for frequencies between 20 -20,000Hz. But that's ok, it's rather off topic.

 

[Progisus]

I think you missed my point as well. Have a look at my profile, I'm quite up to speed on capacitance and all of the other factors when it comes to data transmission.... what I was commenting on is how this affects sound quality and more specifically, for frequencies between 20 -20,000Hz. But that's ok, it's rather off topic.

Sorry. I’m just a lowly CET and as Wayne says “We’re not worthy”. Lol. But I am fairly certain capacitance can have effect on 20-20k.

 

[MacedonianHero]

Sorry. I’m just a lowly CET and as Wayne says “We’re not worthy”. Lol. But I am fairly certain capacitance can have effect on 20-20k.

Lol, sorry, I didn't mean that...it's just that several folks have already tried to explain basic electronics to me already and if they looked at my profile, they'd realize that I wasn't looking for clarification on that topic.

 

[musicman59]

A well designed silver cable, in my mind, sounds a bit warmer than copper. The Danacable has lots of fans on this thread.

I’ve been using the Norne Audio Draug Silver with mine to good effect.

I agree 100%
I have the Kimber Axios AG with my Utopia and they sound awesome! No brightness and very deep extended and controlled bass.

 

[ewhere]

Hey guys, does anyone know what is the maximum power the utopias can take? can't seem to find it anywhere........

 

[triggsviola]

Hey guys, does anyone know what is the maximum power the utopias can take? can't seem to find it anywhere........

I can't find it anywhere either, but I imagine you'll ruin your hearing before you ruin the headphones. If you have to listen to music that loud, you have bigger problems. Are you trying to use them as loudspeakers or something? I do not recommend using your Utopia headphones as home theater speakers. That's what the Elear are for!

 

[ewhere]

I can't find it anywhere either, but I imagine you'll ruin your hearing before you ruin the headphones. If you have to listen to music that loud, you have bigger problems. Are you trying to use them as loudspeakers or something? I do not recommend using your Utopia headphones as home theater speakers. That's what the Elear are for!

Oh nothing like that! was just curious to check it out and was surprised that no information was given.

 

[ubs28]

A well designed silver cable, in my mind, sounds a bit warmer than copper. The Danacable has lots of fans on this thread.

I’ve been using the Norne Audio Draug Silver with mine to good effect.

I agree. Silver cables sounds amazing with the Focal Utopia and the Campfire Andromeda. Both went to an other level.

I took a bit of a risk but I got a silver cable on order for the Focal Stellia without demo’ing it. But I am confident based on the Utopia that it will be good

 

[Arniesb]

I agree. Silver cables sounds amazing with the Focal Utopia and the Campfire Andromeda. Both went to an other level.

I took a bit of a risk but I got a silver cable on order for the Focal Stellia without demo’ing it. But I am confident based on the Utopia that it will be good

Silver is just more transparent. It just highlights Strong and weak points more than copper. So if you like those u will probably like them even more.