Guest Benjet Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 I’m sure there are other topics covering this topic. Just thought I’ll start a fresh one. Looking at options to amp my Utopias. I’ve been quite content with the sound from these cans, that was till the HD800 appeared on the scene. In the beginning the Focals were a clear favourite, but after several mods and gear swaps, the HD800 are out in front. I feel that my amp is letting the side down, so I’m looking for some possible options to get the most out of the Focals.
Irek Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 This one looks cool. https://www.focal.com/headphones/arche/ 1
mwhouston Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 OMG, what can you possibly want? You have so many quality HP amps. What in hell’s name could your heart or head desire? You need a new hobby. Ever thought of quilting? 1 2
Rickus Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 I'm listening to my Utopias on a Sony TA-ZH1ES at home and like that combination, but one of these days I need to try them on the amps at the office (Ayon HA-3 and Mjolnir PureBipolar.) 1
Guest Benjet Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 OMG, what can you possibly want? You have so many quality HP amps. What in hell’s name could your heart or head desire? You need a new hobby. Ever thought of quilting? I’ll quit just after the money runs out so any day now
Guest Benjet Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 I’ll always liked the pairing with the Hugo 2, but for some reason haven’t gone down that path. Like I said, I was really happy until the HD800 came along. Maybe I should sell the Utopia and just be happy with the one setup.....
mwhouston Posted July 25, 2019 Posted July 25, 2019 3 hours ago, Benjet said: I’ll quit just after the money runs out so any day now Better than spending your money on drugs.
Bengineer Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 What strengths do you see the Utopia having over the HD800? Ignoring price for now, you are comparing two world class headphones. Essentially the best each has to offer. HD800 is ruthlessly detailed, and has an air and soundstage that is ahead of basically everything else. What do you like about the Utopia that the HD800 doesn't quite match? If you are going to have two world class headphones, they need to be different to justify having two and to ensure you use both. Not convinced HD800 and Utopia are the right two. One of them probably should be something warm, a big warm jazzy bluesy hot chocolate hug of a can. LCD or Empy or something. We listen to music dependent on mood. I can go a whole day with just instrumental prog, then another just laid back vocals. Seems logical to me to have two cans that play to very different moods. tldr: Give me your Utopias. 1
Guest Benjet Posted July 26, 2019 Posted July 26, 2019 What strengths do you see the Utopia having over the HD800? Ignoring price for now, you are comparing two world class headphones. Essentially the best each has to offer. HD800 is ruthlessly detailed, and has an air and soundstage that is ahead of basically everything else. What do you like about the Utopia that the HD800 doesn't quite match? If you are going to have two world class headphones, they need to be different to justify having two and to ensure you use both. Not convinced HD800 and Utopia are the right two. One of them probably should be something warm, a big warm jazzy bluesy hot chocolate hug of a can. LCD or Empy or something. We listen to music dependent on mood. I can go a whole day with just instrumental prog, then another just laid back vocals. Seems logical to me to have two cans that play to very different moods. tldr: Give me your Utopias.It’s not the the Utopias sound bad, far from it, it’s that the HD800 are so good. It’s always liked the HD800 for there soundstage, treble and detail, but now that I’ve nailed the mids and bass they make everything else seem a bit vanilla. I happy with the different presentation that these two cans offer, I just want to unleash the full potential of each. Failing that, I guess I’ve have to give them away...............
Bengineer Posted July 27, 2019 Posted July 27, 2019 No doubt they are both incredible and different. My point is not many of us can justify $4000 headphones sitting there collecting dust, regardless of how enjoyable they are. If I were in the situation, I'd want them different enough that each pair consistently get a good run. Justification for keeping each. Ask @rickus for a Empy demo
Rickus Posted July 27, 2019 Posted July 27, 2019 I can certainly bring the Empys next time @Benjet. As @Bengineer suggests they are quite a contrast to the Utopias.
Suopermanni Posted July 29, 2019 Posted July 29, 2019 If you don't wish to keep the Focals @Benjet, you can always give them to me . Being sarcastic, of course. No way I'd be able to afford it!
Bunno77 Posted July 29, 2019 Posted July 29, 2019 Are Audio Connection still trying to sell their Pass Labs head amp? Bartok?
Bengineer Posted July 29, 2019 Posted July 29, 2019 11 minutes ago, Suopermanni said: If you don't wish to keep the Focals @Benjet, you can always give them to me . Being sarcastic, of course. No way I'd be able to afford it! You joker you! @Benjet I was not joking. You may just hand the Utopias over to me and remove that WEIGHT from your mind. Imagine how freeing that would be not to have worry about amping them all the time. 1
Galactic Soap Posted July 30, 2019 Posted July 30, 2019 The Aries Cerat Genus in the classifieds is apparently one of the best headphone amps in the world...
Bengineer Posted July 30, 2019 Posted July 30, 2019 I think more of the issue will be synergy. So he will need to find the amp that does the right things specifically to make the Utopia shine. Not so much a matter of throwin money at it, more so trial and error, hopefully by someone else, to what just clicks.
Guest Benjet Posted July 30, 2019 Posted July 30, 2019 I’ve got some other options I’ll try before throwing in the towel.
Guest Benjet Posted August 11, 2019 Posted August 11, 2019 I think the HD800 have the Utopias beat IMHO. I think i will have to spend mega bucks to get these sounding as good as the 800’s do to me. Kinda pointless when the 800’s do everything and more for me. Maybe this is the end of the road for my quest for my perfect rig......
Bengineer Posted August 11, 2019 Posted August 11, 2019 Don't question it any further, embrace it! Love the comfort on the HD800 too. So that's a win.
rand129678 Posted August 11, 2019 Posted August 11, 2019 If anyone's looking for a great amp for Utopia's, I'll be listing my Chord Hugo2 (DAC & Amp) for sale soon.
Bengineer Posted August 14, 2019 Posted August 14, 2019 Your serious @Benjet ! Selling all your amps you spent so long on. Awesome work. Can't say I've had a set up where I've thought this is perfect, must be good feeling I was thoroughly impressed with my short time with the HD800. If it wasn't for a need of isolation, I'd have kept them for sure.
Guest Benjet Posted August 14, 2019 Posted August 14, 2019 I might even have a few more to release and maybe a PDX DAC
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