Focal Utopia Review (collective stream of consciousness)

SBAF approval isn't an official thing. It happens when members tend to agree on something being good, The pricetag is typical Focal or big-boy audio company strategy. I'd wait a bit. Also, since these go through dealers, there might be wiggle room. A lot of wiggle room for those who have a existing relationship with dealers. The Utopia should be nominated for the Golden Schlong award. Also, keep in mind that the Utopia is new and hasn't been around as long as the HD800 where people have developed mods to ameliorate deficiencies.

Nope, that thought hasn't crossed my mind. I used a set of familiar recordings (some good, some marginal) to evaluate on two systems in my home. Under such ideal conditions, where I know the recordings down to the master, and the gear, I've never changed my mind. I know some people like to have more time, but extra days has never done anything for me. Also, this isn't the first time I've heard the Utopia.

 

I will be keeping them around for two weekends. Will be having a micro or mini meet the weekend after this weekend to get some of the SoCal crowd together. There's been some interest, so this would be a good opportunity for local people to get a shot at it. If anything, this will reduce the number of people signing up on the loaner program list. I'd bring it to the SchittShow, but I've got family in town.

 

You gonna swap the Elear pads on them at any point?

 

Not really. I think the other way around might be interesting with Utopia pads on the Elear. Although the Utopia could use a reduction in the mid bump, it doesn't need any more mid or upper bass, unless you are a basshead. The pad swapping is just trading one problem with another. I kind of understand Focal's voicing for these two models and would prefer to leave it at that. It's not too much different from Focal's introductory Performance line and K2 line of car speakers. The Performance line is more bassy and relaxed. The K2 is less bassy and more mid-forward.

 

Let me ask Jason @ Source AV for Utopia pads. He did offer them.

 

Day 5 Update: Been burning it in with low level pink noise / white noise / Michael Jackson for how many hours now? Since Thursday midnight...

• Originally I said the Utopia was almost, but still not quite as dynamic as the Elear. I now take that back. The dynamism of the Utopia is equal. Don't know if this is because of burn-in, brain burn-in, or because I'm not exploring a lot more different tracks. I had the volume turned up a bit, and I jumped a bit off my seat when I started a Chickfoot track. God I hate Joe Satriani.
• I used digital PEQ to reduce 1.3kHz by 4db on the computer rig. This did wonders and actually made the bass seem stronger. The Vali 2 + Modi 4490 is definitely a warmer more laid back combination that takes some of the upper mid edge off. I prefer the more neutral and faster, snappier, crisper presentation of the 4x45 custom amp + TT though, even though marginal recordings, the bright ones are more difficult.
• Utopia still doesn't draw attention to itself. However, today I found that I actually missed listening to it. To the extent that I actually grabbed it and took a listen. I generally don't do this with headphones much, with the exception of the Andromeda which I used on the go.
• Utopia is really growing on me. I think this is a keeper. Perhaps the best overall headphone. Does on thing extremely well, many others very well, with no showstopper issues and few minor negatives. The HD650 (modded) is the only headphone with fewer negatives, but it also doesn't do as much as well as the Utopia.

 

I probably just reterminate the stock phono jack with a Neutrik 4-pin male XLR connector and build a balanced to SE adapter with the chopped off part.