Click on Settings to the left to DAC3, is there the exclusive mode toggle and it’s on? I usually disable volume normalization as I don’t trust these apps to do it properly. To this point also set force volume to max to control it externally.
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Focal Utopia Review (Headphone)
- Thread starter amirm
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That looks better, looks like Tidal defaults to force volume in exclusive mode, I guess it makes sense. With this setup you at least eliminate a possibility Windows sound system interferes with the data. Spend some time listening to your headphones, often sound your brain is not used to is perceived as inferior at first, but once you get accustomed to it you realize it’s actually superior. If that doesn’t work look into EQ solutions next.
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@focalfailure
Yeah, it's very difficult to A/B headphones. They won't be level matched, and the time it takes to change from A to B takes too long.
Just listen to music you know well. Forget about everything else: price, exclusive mode, DACs... After a few days, ask yourself Is it better? Do you like the sound? How is the comfort? Are they The headphones?
If yes..cool! If no, return them.
And remember, with EQ, they will only get better. There are a lot of threads here on how to EQ, and tutorials on YouTube.
The Koss electrostats are good 'phones. I've never been very impressed by any Focal products in terms of performance-per-dollar. Sell the Focals on, or return them and keep the Koss. Maybe have a listen to some of the offerings from Dan Clark.
oleg87
Addicted to Fun and Learning
Yes, louder is usually perceived as better.
I sent the V3 Utopia headphones back. Using my DAC/AMP it was not anywhere near worth $5000+ compared to $600 electrostatics. Talked to Focal, the seller, and the DAC/AMP maker. Totally shocked that $5k headphones that come in a 12lb leather lined box sounded so average.
What is model of this $600 electrostatics?
staticV3
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Massdrop X KOSS ESP/95X Electrostatic Headphone Review
This is review and detailed measurements of Drop's X KOSS ESP/95X electrostatic headphone. It is on kind loan from a member and when it was available, cost US $500. Not sure what is different with it from the original KOSS model which I think cost $1000. Typical of most electrostatic...
www.audiosciencereview.com
Focal4me mentioned that model when his name was still focalfailure. No idea why he deleted all his messages and made a new account.
I cannot even log into this forum from my regular computer. I need to use a chromebook because my IP is blocked. In any case, as I was saying when I was using the FocalFailure account, the $5000 Focal's were disappointing compared to $600 Koss electrostatics with a Benchmark DAC3 HGC. So I ordered some good old Sennheiser HD800S....lets see if these tried and true $2000 headphones can compete and impress me.
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