Nope - that's just the seam as well as the photo.
Nothing sticky going on around here.
Focal Utopia General Discussion
- Thread starter Allanmarcus
- Start date
Nothing sticky going on around here.
r343
100+ Head-Fier
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When I first read about the glue issues with the Utopia pads I was very suspicious of this causing the driver failures.Stickiness has caught me few times so always on guard
I had massive glue goop but no driver fail. 
Aura
Can Jam '10 Organizer
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- Jan 16, 2008
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happy to report my 2020 Utopia is back to working!
no indication of whether they replaced both drivers or just the left channel. sound is effectively as i remember, though maybe slightly tight-sounding which could be less actual driver break-in and more my brain reconditioning.
helljudgement
500+ Head-Fier
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I'm not a fan of the original Ares. Many label it as analog sounding but I just find it a bit too soft sounding, lacking in dynamics at least for my taste. The soekris fares much better and I recommend it over the Ares for anyone looking for an analog-ish sounding dac. Been a while since I heard both and Denafrips have updated their lineup since I've last heard so best to take it with a pinch.
I must say old Utopia scales amazing, I listen them briefly with WA33 and HeadTrip II and im shocked how great them sound.
They scale amazingly with the WA33 -- unfortunately, never had the opportunity to hear any Well's Audio products.
gerelmx1986
Headphoneus Supremus
I tried the utopia on my portable (sony NW-WM1A OG) and while it sounds amazing... it doesn't have that holographic and superior traits like on my DMP-Z1
Kiats
Headphoneus Supremus
Not surprisingly cos DMP has much more power,
dfiled
500+ Head-Fier
Can anyone comment on the synergy DNA Stellaris vs the DSHA-3FN performance for the Utopia? I know they are two totally different beasts, different price points, etc. but I'd still be interested.
Thinking about selling my Utopia (a second time now, lol), if someone wants an OG check my signature (EU). I'm not using it that often anymore, it's 70% Susvara since i got the Envy and it seems that i value soundstage more nowadays (which the Utopia lacks).
On the other hand it's a fantastic headphone, neutral (which i don't have otherwise), aggressive, the synergy with the Envy is there. I don't want to let it go for an absurdly cheap price, especially because i got a new very nice cable for it...
On the other hand it's a fantastic headphone, neutral (which i don't have otherwise), aggressive, the synergy with the Envy is there. I don't want to let it go for an absurdly cheap price, especially because i got a new very nice cable for it...
kkrazik2008
100+ Head-Fier
I can speak on the original DSHA-3F, which the 3N is based on. If you like the Stellaris and Utopia pairing already, the DSHA-3F is the yin to the DNA yang. Not as resolving, it can make up for it with its speed, more intimate, a touch on the warm side depending on what tubes you are using in the DNA. You could pay a lot more to get a solid state amp with the DSHA characteristics, or something closer to Stellaris level.
I am a relatively new Utopia 2022 owner to complement my Susvara and Atrium Closed. I got it because I wanted a TOTL I can easily take to travels and drive with a small device.
I have enjoyed it with the iFi Gryphon (it benefits from XBass/XSpace) but I know there’s plenty room for improvement. I liked it with Woo Tube Mini (waiting for stocks to arrive at the store). What have been you guys’ favorite portables to pair with?
I have enjoyed it with the iFi Gryphon (it benefits from XBass/XSpace) but I know there’s plenty room for improvement. I liked it with Woo Tube Mini (waiting for stocks to arrive at the store). What have been you guys’ favorite portables to pair with?
