Hi
I have Focial Utopia Headphones that I use infrequently and use the headphone jack in my SN3. They are wired with Cadres 15 foot Beyond Clear cable. I am not considering the Atom HE as its streamer would be inferior to my NDX2 and XPSDr combo. I also don’t have added rack shelves. The SN3 routes all my sources when using headphones which makes it convenient. I have a HighcapDr for the SN3.
Would my SN3 be sufficient to drive my Utopia or am I really missing out?
Jaybar
You asked this question multiple times in your previous headphone threads about a year or so ago. The answers were generally positive. Since you don’t have room for a dedicated headphone amp from what you say above and (in other threads) I’m not sure where you are trying to go with this. I am aware you bought the headphones and cable combo without demo. What don’t you like about them?
My take is that the Utopia/Stellia need a really good recording, source and amp to fly, and are very revealing if that isn’t the case. I had the Stellia on home demo and tried them with various kit to reach that conclusion. I didn’t much like them myself, too technical sounding even if impressive at times. Others like them a lot. I have no experience of the SN3. A dedicated high-end headphone amp will obviously outperform it, but is that an option for you?
Bruce
I think you will be missing out. Such expensive quality headphones deserve a dedicated amp. I have HD820’s and the HDV820 amp. The difference between the headphones into my SN3 compared to the dedicated amp (fed from a WiiM pro) is night and day.
@BruceW I like the headphones when I use them. My problem is a lack of rack space. Every shelf is taken. None of the shelves have half size components. I guess I am stuck. I was looking for something else to upgrade after just moving from Spendor A4 to D7.2.
I could reclaim a shelf if I used a streaming PreAmp, but I suspect the streaming part would not equal my NDX2/XPSDr combo. I already have two racks and can’t add a third. I’m stuck.
So just enjoy what you have!
Stop scratching that itch and enjoy the music. Get those new speakers loosened up.
All of us compromise systems around our lives/rooms/budget etc. The trick is to be happy with what is practical and possible.
I suggest you block yourself from the HiFi thread and switch to the Music Room for a bit. Seriously.
Bruce
Hi @Jaybar
Why are you asking this? Only your ears can tell you and nobody else’s can.
If you do not have room for a dedicated headphone amp then leave well alone.
What the ear does not hear the heart does not grieve about.
Be happy with what you have and enjoy it.
@RogerGround Even if I had the room and I don’t, I find I use the Utopia 3-4 times a month if that often. For that frequency I am thinking the SN3 headphone amp is sufficient. Thanks.
Had you thought about a Chord Mojo, or Hugo? They’re tiny. Totally portable, and sound pretty/very good! Their portability means long cabling shouldn’t be an issue, use the original cables your Focals came with. You could buy a used mk 1 Hugo, see if you like it, and sell it on if you don’t get on with it. In the UK you can pick them up for less than £500. I don’t know how readily available they are in the US. If you like either Chord option you might even recoup some of the cost by selling your Beyond Clear cable.
The only issue with be the streaming source. I use my phone onto a Chord Hugo mk1, via USB, and it’s incredibly satisfying. I’m not sure there are easy ways to route your Rega into a Chord DAC though.
Alternatively, I can’t fault this advice either 
The SN headphone output is pretty good, but can be bettered if the headphones are a demanding load. I have the HD800 and added a separate headphone amp to the SN2 when I had it.
If you don’t have space for a seperate headphone amp, your choices are sticking with what you have, or trying other headphones that are a less demanding load.
You already have the SN3 and Utopia headphones, you tell us.
@Mike_S The Utopia in many reviews are noted as fairly easy to drive. I already have two full racks and cannot add a third. The racks are SolidSteel and don’t allow for extra shelves. Also even if I could extend the height, it would interfere with artwork above the racks. I was not kidding about having no more room. Glad you feel the headphone amp in the SN3 is good.musing it to drive the Utopia is the approach with the least hassle. Lastly I don’t listen on headphones more than 3-4 times a month, if that.
I think you might find you use the headphones more often if they sounded better. I owned an SN2 before, tried the headphone out once, that’s all it took to tell it is not very good. I bought a Hugo 1 and it was a revelation , sooo much better sounding.
Why not take your headphones to a dealer that has dedicated headphone amps and give it a try. The mojo 2 is tiny, you could set it on your lap. You mentioned on your past thread that you want to listen to your records, so a dedicated analog amp might be your only choice then…
Alternatively, if space is such an issue, can’t you store a headphone amp elsewhere, bring it out and plug it in when you feel like using it?
@NO-QUARTER I am satisfied with the sound of the Utopia into the SN3. I am sure they would sound better with a better headphone amp. What prevents me from listening more often is not the sound quality but being “tethered”. I prefer listening through speakers. I thought that getting a “top flight” headphone would lead to increased listening. It has not been the case. I purchased the headphones so as to not disturb my husband when he needs quiet for reading it watching TV. I am by no means sorry I purchased the Utopia and Cardas cable.
There is the nuclear box-swap option: 333/332/250 in place of SN3/NDX2/XPS DR…
No advice we can give you will solve this issue for you.
Unless you’re prepared to try wireless headphones!
@Mike_S But if you add in the power supplies I am out of space.
Yes, but they all have on board power supplies.
I say sell the Utopias and use the money towards upgrading the power supply to a 555 DR. Trade in the XPSDR, get some wireless headphones. I love my AirPods Pro, very good value IMO.
Dear Jaybar,
I do not know if I can add anything. I, too, purchased a pair of headphones in order that my wife could have some peace when I listen via the loud speakers. It started off OK, though I, too, prefer music in an open environment instead of through headphones. My headphones are, to me a lovely pair B&W P9 Signature headphones.
I have not used them in years and Shelley and I have come to an understanding that we now shut two doors between us when I have the HIFI on. Not too loud for me as Shelley has a dislike for my music tastes (Dire Straits, PF, Classical and Soul). She is happy to listen to her audio books in bed whilst I tune out with some good music to me.
We have two TV’s, though one is only 4K and this is in the music room and Shelley always has first dibs to the room for her watching preferences.
I can retire to the Ham Radio, Commodore C64 and Amiga Room or the other TV for V8, F1 racing if it is on and we do watch the AFL (Australian Football League) together, for those that follow, GO Collingwood! I am not into her true crime TV preferences. Always joke when we have friends over. That if I wake up one morning with a knife in my chest, they will not have to look far.
Have a lovely time listening to your tunes. My amp is an XS2.
Warm regards,
Mitch in Oz.
I wish I could like this post more than once.
