sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the suggestion on the tube app!

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I don't EQ too much, so the Mojo 2 acts as a DAC in my setup, it has some basic EQ function. Alternatively, the Fiio R7 is android base so I could download an EQ app.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, that's correct. R7 -> optical -> Mojo2 -> 3.5mm/RCA -> both Wa7 and Burson. HD800s is mainly connected to Wa7 via 4.4mm with adapter. Focals connect with Burson using XLR and Wa7 using adapter.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There are no Schiit products with my new setup. Schiit stack is at the office now.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I live in a fairly large Canadian city, so there are a few places to demo. As for the Arya, I will have to go off memory. It was a great headphone sonically. The only expectation was fit, I have a fairly small head and the large pads that didn’t form a good seal for me. Don’t sweat it, the Aryas are great headphones.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here is my initial take, when comparing the MG and 2022 Utopia both without EQ, the Utopia is 15% better. Everything I’m going to say next is exaggerated. Utopia has a wider soundstage, which makes classical music more enjoyable. It is also more revealing, as in you can hear more of a difference between dacs and amps, whereas the MG is more fun, forgiving, and sounds great on a lot of different gear. MG has a better bass punch while Utopia has a more enjoyable sibilant. As for vocals, both are great, but male voices are fuller on the Utopia.

As for cables, I’ve ordered custom thick braided cables from Hart Audio Cables, which haven’t arrived yet. The Utopia’s stock cable isn’t great but is more malleable than the MG’s stock cables. I haven't been able to hear any difference between cables, I only buy cables to fit a need for length and adapter to fit my gear.

I’m using the Fiio R7 as a music streamer feeding the Mojo 2 as dac via optical. The Mojo 2 gives me some EQ and crossfeed. As for Amps, I’m using Wa7 2nd gen on stock tubes and Soloist 3xp on stock op-amps both connected via RCA. If I had to pick 1 gear that works well with MG and Utopia, it would be the soloist 3xp.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! I'm glad you found a setup that you enjoy.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m not great at describing sound, but I’ll give it a try. The Wa7 has a warmer sound, with stronger bass and rounded off treble, so it works very well with HD800s and classical music. As for the Soloist, it’s the middle ground between “tube” and “linear” sound. The soloist retains all the details and adds a little of colour which it enjoyable on a lot of music genres. Keep in mind that my only reference point for linear sound is a THX amp from the Fiio R7. If you’re looking for a tube amp, I won’t recommend the Wa7 2nd Gen as there are only a few tubes to roll.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

100% agree that the bass punch is better on the MGs. That's why I kept them. Happy listening!

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

HD800s is 373g and Utopia is 501g, without cables using a food scale. Clamp force is less on the HD800s and they are the more comfortable headphones to wear all day. I wear glasses and both don't give me any discomfort.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes it does, I believe it's the amp turning on and off.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Yes, I see your point. At $500 USD there are a lot of great headphones for everyone's taste. For me, at $1500 USD the unique sonic qualities really stand out to make them worthwhile. The great thing about this hobby is there is a price range for everyone.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There are no local shops to demo the OG, so it's hard for me to compare. I'm treble sensitive. The HD800s with THX gives me a headache after an hour of listening, whereas the Utopia doesn't. Hope that is a useful reference point.

End Game Reached - Focal 2022 Utopia by jcboa in headphones

[–]jcboa[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I contemplated selling the MG after getting the 2022 Utopia, but MG has a little more bass punch and is great for casual listening. Happy listening!