2/9/2024 0 Comments Rat utopia 2020![]() Our second system is made up of a MacBook Pro loaded with Audirvana software and feeding a Chord Hugo TT DAC/headphone amp. Our main set-up is Naim’s ND555/555 PS DR music streamer plugged straight into Burmester’s 088 preamp, which has a rather fine headphone amplifier circuit with an output that’s inconveniently positioned on the back. ![]() Of course, high-end turntables, CD players and streamers would all be fine sources, but you’ll need a top quality headphone amp at the very least. We suggest at least CD-spec music files, high-res would be preferable, dedicated music playing software such as Audirvana or Roon and a talented outboard DAC. That would be a waste, as you would never know how good they can sound. You also get a screw-on 3.5mm to 6.3mm adaptor.ĭon’t even think about plugging these headphones directly into your phone, laptop or iPad. Both these cables connect to the headphones with a pair of Lemo connectors and are generally good at resisting the transmission of noise when we move. But put the lovely packaging to the side – physically and metaphorically – and the important things are the inclusion of a relatively short 1.5m cable terminated by a conventional 3.5mm jack and a longer 3 metre balanced lead with a four-pin XLR. Unboxing them is every inch the feel-good luxury experience we would hope for. The Utopia come in suitably luxurious packaging as befits a product at this level. There have been cosmetic changes to the sliding yoke that holds the earcups, but it’s still made of carbon fibre and is sensibly shaped. The clamping pressure is nicely judged to hold the Utopia securely without being oppressive over longer listening sessions, and those soft ear pads feel pleasant to the touch, as does the nicely padded, leather-bound headband. Despite a fairly hefty 490g weight these Focals feel wonderfully welcoming.
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