Yeah first impressions with the utopias were I wish it had a bit more bass presence and warmth like the clears, so I decided to try swapping them on a whim and really liked the more balanced sound. Also just in terms of comfort, I find that the clear pads are just a tad more plush than the utopia pads, which provide just enough clearance so the inner cups don't touch my ears.
I can definitely see that being a case. I hear the Utopia as neutral, tilted just a tad bright. Clear is also neutral, but titled a touch warm. This is why Marv mentioned the Utopia needs careful upstream matching (or maybe a pad roll in this case).
I used to be a curious type, but since I've put together some ZMFs, Utopia, and bought a Starlett I haven't really been curious or wanting. I just switch headphones to whatever I want to listen to.
Yeah, that's truly the ultimate joy of the hobby right: stop caring about components and just enjoy more music, and appreciate the slight differences each headphone you may have may bring.
The only reason I got the Utopia was I was just to curious to hear how it sounds with the 3F, given the Clears already sound so exceptional. Balanced cable arrives tomorrow so can't wait to hear how it is.
Full disclosure update: I actually reverted back to regular utopia pads. The added bass and warmth was nice, but I ended up finding the 6khz peak too fatiguing/grating after a longer time listening.
Read these "rules" AND introduce
yourself before your first post
Being true to what the artists intended
(opinion / entertainment piece)
Comments on Profile Post by pure5152