[BassicScience]

@BassicScience
Being you had the original ear pads for 4yrs, I would think that the new ear pads would've made the most noticeable change to what you're hearing and the way they feel to your Utopia now.

Possibly, although I did press inward on the Utopia ear cups while listening tonight and the soundstage got smaller, so I think the clamping force is a definite factor. The original ear pads were not returned to me, so I can't test out your theory.

 

[Tobes]

Possibly, although I did press inward on the Utopia ear cups while listening tonight and the soundstage got smaller, so I think the clamping force is a definite factor. The original ear pads were not returned to me, so I can't test out your theory.

I can't speak to the changes in Utopia pads, my Utopia pads developed that sticky breakdown on the inside surface that contacts the headphones.
I've replaced them for the moment with the $60 Elex pads being offered at Drop. I actually like the sound of the Elex pads more than the leather Utopia pads - better balanced and more engaging (even though they measure very close to each other).
Just now I checked with the old Utopia pads and the new Elex pads are a little firmer in the cushion.
Not sure if dealers in Australia honour the extended 5yr warranty for sticky pad syndrome, but think I'll contact my dealer to find out.

 

[puppypatrol]

As mentioned above, I will be checking with Focal and/or Source AV at CanJam, if not sooner. Just wanted to see if anyone on HeadFi had any pertinent information in the meantime. The fact that I got complimentary ear pads did make me wonder if they were updated at some point to modify the sound of the headphones. Or perhaps it was just a goodwill gesture on the part of Focal. I'll definitely report back with whatever info I do receive.

I have had the same experience with my pair of Utopias after purchasing new pads from Focal. The soundstage got a bit larger, bass increased slightly etc. My old pads got pretty soft and flabby so I decided to buy new ones from Focal. I've never had any driver issues and the headphones don't feel like they will fall off if I lean my head back or forward but the new pads are stiffer and sit a bit farther from my ears so that could be what is making the sound different to you.

 

[rsbrsvp]

I already own a Susvara and TC.

Would the Utopia bring anything different to the table?

 

[vonBaron]

Best dynamic HP

 

[rsbrsvp]

Does the dynamic driver offer something that the planner does not in SOUND?

 

[Roasty]

I already own a Susvara and TC.

Would the Utopia bring anything different to the table?

Yep. A fuss free (in terms of amplification), comfortable headphone with an overall enjoyable and generally agreeable, detailed yet inoffensive presentation. I find the imaging, placement and layering easier to appreciate than my susvara and TC.

 

[joseph69]

Possibly, although I did press inward on the Utopia ear cups while listening tonight and the soundstage got smaller, so I think the clamping force is a definite factor. The original ear pads were not returned to me, so I can't test out your theory.

Pressing in on the cups would make the pads flatter, so this is exactly why I believe the pads have everything to do with your new experience.
I should actually change my pads because they're almost as old as yours and I feel that my Utopia used to have more authoritative bass slam as well as a wider and higher sound staging.

 

[meomap]

Pressing in on the cups would make the pads flatter, so this is exactly why I believe the pads have everything to do with your new experience.
I should actually change my pads because they're almost as old as yours and I feel that my Utopia used to have more authoritative bass slam as well as a wider and higher sound staging.

Cost of new pads now?

 

[joseph69]

Cost of new pads now?

Not too sure , but I remember reading a post mentioning they were $200.00

 

[DJJEZ]

I already own a Susvara and TC.

Would the Utopia bring anything different to the table?

I'm in the same situation and thinking to add the utopia next as well

 

[Slim1970]

I'm in the same situation and thinking to add the utopia next as well

You should, they are a totally different listening experience from the TC's and Susvara's. Best part is you can listen to them straight out of the Dave.

 

[DJJEZ]

You should, they are a totally different listening experience from the TC's and Susvara's. Best part is you can listen to them straight out of the Dave.

This is one of the reasons why I want them. Heard the pairing is amazing

 

[Slim1970]

This is one of the reasons why I want them. Heard the pairing is amazing

It is. The Utopia's along with the LCD-4z's are spectacular out of the Dave.

 

[BassicScience]

I can't speak to the changes in Utopia pads, my Utopia pads developed that sticky breakdown on the inside surface that contacts the headphones.
I've replaced them for the moment with the $60 Elex pads being offered at Drop. I actually like the sound of the Elex pads more than the leather Utopia pads - better balanced and more engaging (even though they measure very close to each other).
Just now I checked with the old Utopia pads and the new Elex pads are a little firmer in the cushion.
Not sure if dealers in Australia honour the extended 5yr warranty for sticky pad syndrome, but think I'll contact my dealer to find out.

Thanks for the info, as you may have solved the mystery of why I got new ear pads. Before I sent the Utopias back for service, I decided to remove the ear pad (for the first time ever) over the faulty driver just to see if there was any obvious problem like a loose wire, etc. I didn't see any visual evidence of a problem, but there was a fair amount of clear, sticky "gunk" between the ear pad and the ear cup frame. I (naively) assumed this was applied by Focal, possibly to prevent acoustic leakage or keep the ear pad firmly installed. But I guess it is just a compound that seeps out of the ear pad over time based on your comment?