There is a feature of this forum I really appreciate they have and like to use. "Search this thread". Searching within this thread for 'Utopia' narrows down the posts. It's even available on the mobile site.
I used that for this list:
http://www.head-fi.org/newsearch?output=posts&containingthread%5B%5D=814156&search=Utopia
Hoping that helps. Some posts are short comments. But I read some pretty informative posts right from the 1st page's results. See posts by x RELIC x as he owns both.
If you can afford the Utopias may I suggest you find a dealer that carries them all and have a listen on your equipment?
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be a wize as but rather, the Utopias are very expensive and these are just expensive. At this level dealers should be very supportive and the buyer very picky.
I thought the Utopias were better than the Ether Flows but not enough to justify the added expense. I also was listening to the Flows through my equipment and music and the Utopias through a very nice Questyle headphone amp wth other music. I wasn't really serious about purchasing the Utopias but I wanted to see how the sound signatures compared. So for instance I felt the Flows had more in common with the Utopias than with the Elears. Just my 5 cents.
On a side note I just spoke with a buddy who decided to go for it and get the Utopias, he has a vast amount of experience and decided that he may not keep them, partly because they do not pair well with his tube amp and partly because they are not that light and day different to other less expensive cans he likes. So may I suggest that you need fantastic upstream gear and great ears as well as a set of Utopias to get your money's worth.
Finally I suggest reading pro reviews. I think Tyll on Innerfidelity did a great piece comparing these headphones.
If you can afford the Utopias may I suggest you find a dealer that carries them all and have a listen on your equipment?
Don't get me wrong I'm not trying to be a wize as but rather, the Utopias are very expensive and these are just expensive. At this level dealers should be very supportive and the buyer very picky.
I thought the Utopias were better than the Ether Flows but not enough to justify the added expense. I also was listening to the Flows through my equipment and music and the Utopias through a very nice Questyle headphone amp wth other music. I wasn't really serious about purchasing the Utopias but I wanted to see how the sound signatures compared. So for instance I felt the Flows had more in common with the Utopias than with the Elears. Just my 5 cents.
On a side note I just spoke with a buddy who decided to go for it and get the Utopias, he has a vast amount of experience and decided that he may not keep them, partly because they do not pair well with his tube amp and partly because they are not that light and day different to other less expensive cans he likes. So may I suggest that you need fantastic upstream gear and great ears as well as a set of Utopias to get your money's worth.
Finally I suggest reading pro reviews. I think Tyll on Innerfidelity did a great piece comparing these headphones.
I should be able to get hold of the Utopias as we have a focal dealer here. The Flows will be harder to get unfortunately, being in the UK. And massively overpriced compared to the U.S. (£1700)
That sucks about the great added expense when buying products made in SOME other countries. Here in the states certain countries can sell their products here at a great advantage over locally based companies, while we pay a premium for items and shipping from other countries. It all seems pretty random.
These 2 lovely owners are sponsoring a mini headfi meet in Milton Keynes in April. . I booked a night in the hotel the wife gets a day out shopping..
But thier shop is meant to be out of this world for trying kit as they have more than RMAF....
http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/
I am looking forward to my first meet.
Mark Dolbear from electromod should fill it with Schitt gear.... I can wait to hear the Ether flow closed
These 2 lovely owners are sponsoring a mini headfi meet in Milton Keynes in April. . I booked a night in the hotel the wife gets a day out shopping..
But thier shop is meant to be out of this world for trying kit as they have more than RMAF....
http://www.highendheadphones.co.uk/
I am looking forward to my first meet.
Mark Dolbear from electromod should fill it with Schitt gear.... I can wait to hear the Ether flow closed
It still amazes me how badly we get ripped off in the Uk for prices on just about everything. I'm a Brit living in the US currently and have bought all my hifi gear over here. I'm heading back to the UK at the end of next year...maybe I should bring a container load of headphones back?!
It still amazes me how badly we get ripped off in the Uk for prices on just about everything. I'm a Brit living in the US currently and have bought all my hifi gear over here. I'm heading back to the UK at the end of next year...maybe I should bring a container load of headphones back?!
The problem with the UK and EU is VAT. It adds 23% to imports from the US, where imports from the EU get a nominal tax entering the US. We've worked very, very hard to try to make EU price = US + VAT + Shipping (as we can, which if very hard given currency fluctuations to boot) to keep it as low as possible, while allowing dealers to make enough margin to want to carry the product. Please keep in mind that the "rip off" is UK taxes...
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The price in the UK seems fair to me when you consider shipping and tax to be honest, I was on the fence myself to begin with but when you calculate the figures it works out pretty much bang on.
Regarding ripoff taxes in the UK I agree that they are high but I am more than happy to pay if it means things like access to the NHS for everyone. Seems much better than a system where if you can't pay you are essential left to die but I digress probably best to not talk about politics.
The problem with the UK and EU is VAT. It adds 23% to imports from the US, where imports from the EU get a nominal tax entering the US. We've worked very, very hard to try to make EU price = US + VAT + Shipping (as we can, which if very hard given currency fluctuations to boot) to keep it as low as possible, while allowing dealers to make enough margin to want to carry the product. Please keep in mind that the "rip off" is UK taxes...
The problem with the UK and EU is VAT. It adds 23% to imports from the US, where imports from the EU get a nominal tax entering the US. We've worked very, very hard to try to make EU price = US + VAT + Shipping (as we can, which if very hard given currency fluctuations to boot) to keep it as low as possible, while allowing dealers to make enough margin to want to carry the product. Please keep in mind that the "rip off" is UK taxes...
I wasn't implying that mrspeakers was in any way responsible for marking up on price. It's the uk unfortunately with it's ridiculous tax system. We always hear that it pays for our NHS etc. etc....but last time I looked, it was in a mess, so where is all the money going? My view is that it's going to the usual 0.1% of those who own most of the wealth, and will continue to do so. Anyway....off topic I know. Just wanted to set the record straight that I do not blame mrspeakers for the situation!
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