Recommendation on choosing headphone from Focal utopia 2020 or hd800s

[Jarryshen]

I currently own a Naim Uniti Atom paired with Focal Clear OG, and I mostly listen to pop and classical music. I'm considering an upgrade and would appreciate your recommendations. My budget allows for two options: selling my Focal Clear to upgrade to the Focal Utopia 2020 or keeping the Clear and purchasing the HD800s, as I've heard that the Naim Atom pairs well with them. What do you all think?
Sometimes I still like the bright sound of the Clear lol

 

[Jimbob54]

I currently own a Naim Uniti Atom paired with Focal Clear OG, and I mostly listen to pop and classical music. I'm considering an upgrade and would appreciate your recommendations. My budget allows for two options: selling my Focal Clear to upgrade to the Focal Utopia 2020 or keeping the Clear and purchasing the HD800s, as I've heard that the Naim Atom pairs well with them. What do you all think?
Sometimes I still like the bright sound of the Clear lol

Do you/ have you/ can you apply EQ into that chain ? You would get far bigger improvements in your listening experience from that than changing headphones. Thats not to say they sound the same- but different, not better, and all benefit from EQ

 

[Jarryshen]

Do you/ have you/ can you apply EQ into that chain ? You would get far bigger improvements in your listening experience from that than changing headphones. Thats not to say they sound the same- but different, not better, and all benefit from EQ

Personally, I don't want to mess with the EQ; I prefer to keep the headphones' sound as original as possible. And no, I haven't applied EQ to my listening.

 

[Jimbob54]

Fair enough. Personally I dont see enough difference between Utopia and Clear to make that a good swap (I own the Clear)
I also own the HD800 (non S) and prefer it to the Clear but it and the 800S both need EQ IMO- more than the Clear, but the Senns are a far nicer headphone to wear. Way too much energy at and after 6khz though and not enough bass.

 

[Mr Swing King]

If you fancy trying out the Utopia and already own the Clear, I recommend you get a pair of Utopia pads. The differences between openback Focals are neglible at best and most likely shaped by the different pad designs. They’re certainly not cheap but way cheaper than getting the actual Utopia.

 

[Jarryshen]

Fair enough. Personally I dont see enough difference between Utopia and Clear to make that a good swap (I own the Clear)
I also own the HD800 (non S) and prefer it to the Clear but it and the 800S both need EQ IMO- more than the Clear, but the Senns are a far nicer headphone to wear. Way too much energy at and after 6khz though and not enough bass.
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Wow, that's so professional (I don't know the stats, lol). But yeah, from what I've auditioned, there isn't a significant improvement between the Clear and the Utopia. I want to buy the HD800s purely because the wide soundstage is great for orchestral etc.

 

[Jarryshen]

If you fancy trying out the Utopia and already own the Clear, I recommend you get a pair of Utopia pads. The differences between openback Focals are neglible at best and most likely shaped by the different pad designs. They’re certainly not cheap but way cheaper than getting the actual Utopia.

Thanks for the suggetion, I will look into that. Cause I've heard there will be a improvment to change earpads

 

[zonk]

I like very much the HD800S, it's the only headphone that let me forget wearing a headphone. I eq all my headphones usually with EAPO if source is a computer or with RME DAC FS2.

Link to the measurement of oratory1990:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/ytqt....pdf?rlkey=k0ajx8zzn2x046ausf94tcp5f&e=1&dl=0

To listen to classical music with it is an absolute joy.

 

[Dunring]

I've had several of the HD800S and they're a technical marvel, but do need eq to sound even better. The only one I never wanted to equalize was the Hifiman Arya Stealth for personal preference.

 

[Mr Swing King]

Thanks for the suggetion, I will look into that. Cause I've heard there will be a improvment to change earpads

It’s very much a personal preference matter. I know several folks who prefer the Clear over the Utopia. Personally I’ve always prefered the Elear because it eases off on the ‘electrostatic punch’ around 1k compared to both the Clear and Utopia that both sound a little too forward to me. The Elear sounds more linear and doesn’t irritate my ears when facing less than stellar music productions.
Anyhoo just to say that upgrading via more expensive gear is nonsensical. Upgrading according to personal preference though makes sense.

 

[BZ22]

Based on your descriptions and preferences, it sounds like Hifiman would be a better fit for you

 

[Jimbob54]

Based on your descriptions and preferences, it sounds like Hifiman would be a better fit for you

Which Hifiman. And why?