Focal Utopia: unboxing and initial impressions

After reviewing the HiFiMAN Susvara, I wondered, and I'm sure many readers on this blog wondered, which of the Focal Utopia and the Susvara would be king of the mountain. Unfortunately, during the Susvara review, I didn't have both on hand to compare. Now I do, but I'm not going to tell you the result... Continue Reading →

January 22, 2018 1

Indulgence Show 2017: luscious speakers, hot headphones and cool IEMs. Time to listen. (Part 3)

This was the first show I went to as a member of the press, so I should press on, however slow. Audio Sanctuary and all the other sponsors put on a helluva show and I enjoyed myself, in spite of never feeling like I had enough time to explore everything while having the conversations I... Continue Reading →

December 3, 2017 5

Focal Elear – unboxing and initial impressions

Introduction The Focal Elear is a headphone that should need no introduction to anyone with anything more than a passing interest in over-ear headphones in the current market, making up one half of the French manufacturer's recent assault on the high-end headphone market with its big brother the Utopia. It is a headphone I have... Continue Reading →