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Focal Utopia Review | 93 Data compared

Avg. price in UK: ~£4,400
Avg. price in US: ~$5,000
Form factor: over-ear
Connectivity: wired
Battery life: N/A hours
Active noise cancellation (ANC): no

Focal Utopia review. Compare 93 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among headphones and if it is worth buying.

3.6

Poor

3.6

Poor

?

2.1
Gaming
Score components:
35.0%
0.0
Audio latency
25.0%
0.0
Low-latency game mode
20.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
12.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
8.0%
0.0
Battery life
0.5
Travel
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Active noise cancellation (ANC)
24.0%
0.0
Battery life
18.0%
1.0
Weight
16.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
14.0%
0.0
Ambient sound mode
2.7
Calls
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Noise-canceling microphone
24.0%
10
Can be used as a headset
18.0%
0.0
Multipoint support
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
14.0%
0.0
Companion app
2.5
Workout
Score components:
28.0%
1.0
Weight
24.0%
1.0
Water resistance
20.0%
4.0
IP rating
16.0%
0.0
Battery life
12.0%
10
Can be used as a headset

Best prices in UK

N/A~ £4,400

Best rankings

Verdict

The Focal Utopia is a premier open-back circum-aural headphone featuring 40mm pure beryllium 'M'-shaped dome drivers that operate without active or passive correction across a vast 5Hz to 50kHz frequency response. With a sensitivity of 104dB and an 80-ohm impedance, these headphones are built from luxury materials including a forged recycled carbon yoke, a genuine leather headband, and perforated lambskin memory foam ear pads. Its primary characteristics include exceptional transparency, striking realism, and industry-leading dynamic punch, allowing for a highly detailed and neutral-warm sound signature. Main pros include its unmatched detail retrieval, holographic imaging, and superb build quality that distributes its 490g weight comfortably. However, notable cons include an intimate soundstage that lacks the width of some competitors, a high price point, and a tendency for the drivers to 'clip' or rattle at exceptionally high volume levels.

Technical Specifications of Focal Utopia

Overall score

3.6

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?

Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.

When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.

Sound

4.2

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Active noise cancellation (ANC)

What it is: Reduces background noise using active technology

When it matters: When blocking office, travel, or aircraft noise is a priority.

Importance: HIGH

Driver type

What it is: Type of speaker driver technology used

When it matters: When the underlying sound character and driver technology matter to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

dynamic

Driver size

What it is: Diameter of the speaker driver unit

When it matters: When you want extra hardware context behind how the headphones may handle bass weight, scale, or overall presentation.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of drivers

What it is: Total number of speaker drivers per earcup

When it matters: When multi-driver designs are part of your buying criteria.

Importance: LOW

Lowest frequency

What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce

When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=10 Hz

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Calls & Controls

2.8

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Noise-canceling microphone

What it is: Built-in microphone reduces background noise during calls

When it matters: When you take calls in busy spaces and want your voice to stay clearer.

Importance: MEDIUM

Can be used as a headset

What it is: Shows whether the headphones can handle voice chat and calls in addition to normal audio playback.

When it matters: When one pair needs to cover music, calls, meetings, and gaming chat.

Importance: MEDIUM

Number of microphones

What it is: Total number of built-in microphones

When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=2

Boom microphone

What it is: Includes detachable boom microphone for voice clarity

When it matters: When you need stronger voice clarity for gaming, streaming, or work calls.

Importance: LOW

Microphone SNR

What it is: Signal-to-noise ratio of the microphone

When it matters: When call clarity matters and you want your voice picked up more cleanly instead of buried in background hiss.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >80 dB

N/A

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Connectivity

2.9

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Connectivity

What it is: Available connection methods (wired, wireless, Bluetooth, etc.)

When it matters: When the headphones need to match how you listen across wired and wireless devices.

Importance: HIGH

Bluetooth version

What it is: Version of Bluetooth technology supported

When it matters: When wireless stability, efficiency, and feature support matter more than treating Bluetooth as a box-check spec.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=5.0

N/A

Maximum Bluetooth range

What it is: Maximum wireless operating distance from source device

When it matters: When you move around rooms and want fewer dropouts from your source device.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=10 m

N/A

Audio latency

What it is: Delay between audio and video in wireless mode

When it matters: When you watch video or play games and need sound to stay in sync.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: <60 ms

N/A

Multipoint support

What it is: Supports simultaneous connections to multiple devices

When it matters: When you switch often between a phone and a laptop during the day.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

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Features

2.7

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Ambient sound mode

What it is: Allows external sounds to pass through for awareness

When it matters: When you need to stay aware of traffic, voices, or announcements.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

EQ support

What it is: Allows customization of sound profile via equalizer

When it matters: When the stock tuning is not enough and you want to shape bass, mids, or treble to match your taste.

Importance: MEDIUM

Companion app

What it is: Dedicated mobile app for customization and updates

When it matters: When software customization, updates, and extra controls matter.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Adjustable ANC levels

What it is: Allows adjustment of noise cancellation intensity levels

When it matters: When you move between quiet rooms, offices, streets, and public transport and do not want one ANC setting for every situation.

Importance: LOW

Good value: >=4

N/A

Voice assistant support

What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant

When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.

Importance: LOW

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Battery

1.0

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Battery life

What it is: Playback time on a single charge

When it matters: When you commute, travel, or work long shifts and do not want charging breaks to interrupt listening.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >45 hours

N/A

Battery life with ANC

What it is: Playback time with active noise cancellation enabled

When it matters: When you plan to keep noise cancellation on for most of the day.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: >40 hours

N/A

Charging time

What it is: Time required for a full battery charge

When it matters: When you often need the headphones ready again after short breaks.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <=2 hours

N/A

Quick charge

What it is: Provides quick playback time with short charging period

When it matters: When a short top-up needs to deliver useful playback before you leave.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A

Battery capacity

What it is: Total energy storage of the internal battery

When it matters: When you are estimating how much battery headroom the design may have before relying only on the official runtime claim.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: >=720 mAh

N/A

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Design

4.9

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Brand name

What it is: The manufacturer or brand of the product.

When it matters: When you prefer a specific ecosystem, support network, or design philosophy.

Importance: MEDIUM

Focal

Form factor

What it is: Overall design type of the headphones (over-ear, on-ear, in-ear, etc.)

When it matters: When comfort, portability, and isolation depend on the overall headphone style.

Importance: HIGH

over-ear

Weight

What it is: Total weight of the headphones

When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: <150 g

Acoustic design

What it is: Type of acoustic design (open-back, closed-back, semi-open)

When it matters: When you need the right balance of isolation, leakage, and soundstage.

Importance: HIGH

open-back

Clamp force

What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head

When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.

Importance: MEDIUM

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Focal Utopia vs the average headphone

Why is Focal Utopia better than the average headphone?

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Hi-Res Audio certification
Focal Utopia has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
What it is: Certified for high-resolution audio playback
When it matters: When official support for high-resolution playback matters to you.
Importance: LOW
Focal Utopia has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Focal Utopia has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
What it is: Lowest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When deeper bass extension matters for your music or movie listening.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <=10 Hz
Focal Utopia has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.5 Hz vs 18 Hz
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Focal Utopia has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
What it is: Highest audio frequency the headphones can reproduce
When it matters: When treble extension and overall frequency reach matter to you.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=24000 Hz
Focal Utopia has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.50000 Hz vs 20000 Hz
Open-back design
Focal Utopia uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones use an open-back housing that lets air and sound pass through more freely than a closed design.
When it matters: When you listen in quiet places and care more about spacious sound than blocking outside noise or preventing sound leakage.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Utopia uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
8 mm more spacious earcup width
Focal Utopia offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
What it is: Internal width of the earcup cavity
When it matters: When earcup fit affects comfort and pressure around your ears.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Utopia offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.51 mm vs 43 mm
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Focal Utopia has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.
What it is: Sound pressure output level per unit of input power
When it matters: When you plan to use weaker sources like phones, handhelds, or entry-level dongles and still want enough volume.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: >=106 dB/mW
Focal Utopia has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW
Open-back design
Focal Utopia uses an open-back design, while the average headphone does not. 9.3% of headphones have an open-back design.
8 mm more spacious earcup width
Focal Utopia offers more spacious earcup width than the average headphone (51 mm vs 43 mm). The average headphones offer an inner earcup width of 43 mm.
Hi-Res Audio certification
Focal Utopia has Hi-Res Audio certification, the average headphone does not. 22.9% of headphones are Hi-Res Audio certified.
13 Hz lower bass extension
Focal Utopia has a lower lowest frequency than the average headphone (5 Hz vs 18 Hz). The average headphones reach a lowest frequency of 18 Hz.
30,000 Hz higher treble extension
Focal Utopia has a higher highest frequency than the average headphone (50,000 Hz vs 20,000 Hz). The average headphones reach a highest frequency of 20,000 Hz.
2 dB/mW higher sensitivity
Focal Utopia has a higher sensitivity than the average headphone (104 dB/mW vs 102 dB/mW). The average headphones have sensitivity of 102 dB/mW.

Why is Focal Utopia worse than the average headphone?

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2.25x higher weight
Focal Utopia is heavier than the average headphone (490 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
2.4 higher clamp force
Focal Utopia has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
Tangle-prone cable
Focal Utopia uses a tangle-prone cable, while the average headphone is easier to manage. 64.2% of headphones use a tangle-free cable.
No passive noise reduction
Focal Utopia does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
1 fewer microphones
Focal Utopia has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
No voice assistant support
Focal Utopia does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
No passive noise reduction
Focal Utopia does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
What it is: Shows whether the headphones reduce outside noise through physical sealing, fit, and materials rather than active electronics.
When it matters: When you want better isolation from fit and seal alone, even with ANC turned off or not available.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Utopia does not offer passive noise reduction, while the average headphone does. 82.7% of headphones have passive noise reduction.
2.25x higher weight
Focal Utopia is heavier than the average headphone (490 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.
What it is: Total weight of the headphones
When it matters: When long listening sessions make wearing comfort more important.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: <150 g
Focal Utopia is heavier than the average headphone (490 g vs 218 g). The average pair of headphones weighs 218 g.490 g vs 218 g
No voice assistant support
Focal Utopia does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
What it is: Compatible with voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant
When it matters: When hands-free control is part of your daily routine.
Importance: LOW
Focal Utopia does not support voice assistants, the average headphone does. 60.8% of headphones support voice assistants.
2.4 higher clamp force
Focal Utopia has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.
What it is: Amount of clamping pressure applied to the head
When it matters: When comfort and fit security matter during long sessions.
Importance: MEDIUM
Focal Utopia has a higher clamp force than the average headphone (6.7 vs 4.3). The average headphones have a clamp force of 4.3.6.7 vs 4.3
48.89x more expensive
Focal Utopia is more expensive than the average headphone (£4,400 vs £90).
Focal Utopia is more expensive than the average headphone (£4,400 vs £90).£4,400 vs £90
2.38x worse value for money
Focal Utopia has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.83 vs 6.736).
What it is: An indicator that combines the headphones' overall rating with their cost.
When it matters: When you are looking for headphones that offer a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Focal Utopia has worse value for money than the average headphone (2.83 vs 6.736).2.83 vs 6.74
1 fewer microphones
Focal Utopia has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.
What it is: Total number of built-in microphones
When it matters: When call pickup quality and beamforming support matter to you.
Importance: LOW
Good value: >=2
Focal Utopia has fewer microphones than the average headphone (0 vs 1). The average headphones have 1 microphones.0 vs 1
4.65x less popular
Focal Utopia is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the headphones.
When it matters: When you prefer headphones that have already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Focal Utopia is less popular than the average headphone (1.00 vs 4.646).1 vs 4.65

Calls & Controls

Graphic comparison of Focal Utopia and

Attribute category

Attribute

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Focal Utopia?

Exceptional resolution and detail retrieval across all frequencies
Highly tactile and impactful bass performance that avoids bloat
Extremely fast transient response and realistic, liquid tonality
Premium build quality using luxury materials like lambskin leather and carbon fiber
Remarkably easy to drive, performing well even with portable devices and modest amplifiers
Holographic imaging and precise instrument separation
High level of comfort with effective weight distribution for extended listening

What customers dislike about Focal Utopia?

Extremely high price point (approx. £4,699 / $5,000) representing poor value for some
Soundstage depth is relatively intimate compared to other top-tier flagship headphones
Stock cables can be perceived as heavy, stiff, or unwieldy
Proprietary Lemo connectors make third-party cable replacement more expensive
The 2022 revision is seen by some as a minor tuning change rather than a significant technical upgrade over the original
Open-back design offers zero sound isolation, limiting use to quiet environments
Treble peak in some models can lead to fatigue or 'clanginess' on certain recordings

Expert reviews

hifiplus.com

27/03/2024

Focal Utopia 2022 headphones

The Focal Utopia 2022 is an ultra-premium, open-back circumaural headphone that delivers outstanding sonic performance with an emphasis on tonal neutrality and imaging solidity. It retains the original model's 40mm pure beryllium 'M'-shaped dome driver but introduces a new copper and aluminum alloy voice coil designed to provide more powerful bass and mellower treble. Reviewer...Read more

headfonics.com

24/06/2023

Focal Utopia 2022 Review

The Focal Utopia 2022Go is a magnificent flagship dynamic headphone featuring a sleek all-black aesthetic, improved honeycomb grilles, and a durable forged carbon fiber yoke that ensures comfortable weight distribution. While praising its build, Headfonics cites a notable con in the lack of a 1.5m 4.4mm balanced cable for portable use out of the box. Sonically, the 2022 edition...Read more

audioholics.com

18/09/2022

Focal NEW Utopia 2022 Headphone Review: Are These Endgame?

The Focal Utopia 2022 is a luxurious, one-pound, open-back headphone featuring 40mm pure beryllium, inverted "M-shaped" drivers that offer exceptional transient response and comfort. It delivers high-resolution sound with a wide, detailed soundstage, making it ideal for critical listening. However, the $5,000 price point, potential for fatigue with heavily compressed recordings, and...Read more

whathifi.com

16/09/2022

Focal Utopia (2022) review

The What Hi-Fi? review praises the Focal Utopia (2022) as one of the finest pairs of headphones money can buy, delivering exceptional 5-star performance across sound, build, and comfort. A major pro highlighted in the review is the outstanding sound quality, characterized by exceptional detail resolution, dynamic finesse, and a wonderfully articulate, fluid low-end bass response....Read more

audiosciencereview.com

04/04/2021

Focal Utopia Review (Headphone)

The Focal Utopia open-back headphone offers a high-end luxury feel and excellent comfort, despite its noticeable 500-gram weight and an additional 185-gram stock cable. Objectively, the headphone features exceptionally low distortion across higher frequencies that only degrades at very loud volumes (114 dBSPL), efficient power driving capabilities, and highly accurate standardized...Read more

soundstagesolo.com

20/06/2020

SoundStageSolo.com - Focal Utopia Headphones

The Focal Utopia open-back headphones ($3,999 USD) feature an ultra-light, ultra-stiff 40mm beryllium cone driver with an M-shape design suspended in a housing surrounded mostly by air. In terms of performance, the reviewer highly praises their exceptionally natural, neutral tonal balance and outstanding comfort, noting that they excel across a wide range of music genres from pop to...Read more

brianli.com

03/06/2020

Focal Utopia Headphones First Impressions

The Focal Utopia headphones, manufactured in France using premium materials like carbon fiber and lambskin leather, deliver an exceptional, high-fidelity audio experience that the reviewer notes feels like a high-end loudspeaker. Equipped with unique Beryllium full-range drivers for superior acoustics, the headphones excel in clarity, realism, and spatial presentation. Testing the...Read more

themasterswitch.com

27/03/2019

Review: Focal Utopia

The Focal Utopia is a premium pair of dynamic driver headphones that delivers unmatched clarity, detail, and lifelike realism across the treble and midrange frequencies. Handcrafted with high-end materials like carbon fibre hinges and genuine lambskin leather earpads, they provide exceptionally comfortable fit and balanced clamping pressure for hours of fatigue-free listening. While...Read more

whathifi.com

05/04/2017

Focal Utopia review | What Hi-Fi?

The Focal Utopia open-back headphones deliver a superlative, information-packed audio performance that places them among the finest sounding models on the planet. Built beautifully with high-end materials like lambskin leather, carbon fibre, and metal, they use a single 40mm Beryllium drive unit to provide exceptional resolution, transparency, and dynamics without sounding...Read more

businessinsider.com

14/08/2016

Focal Utopia: REVIEW

In a Business Insider review, the $4,000 Focal Utopia is hailed as an elite, open-back headphone offering unmatched sound quality through its rigid beryllium drivers, delivering immense detail and a punchy, balanced audio profile. The device features a premium, comfortable design utilizing carbon fiber and lambskin leather, making it exceptionally lightweight and comfortable for...Read more

stereophile.com

08/08/2016

World's Best Headphone: The Focal Utopia

Tyll Hertsens' Stereophile review hails the original Focal Utopia as a groundbreaking, open-back, high-end headphone utilizing a pure Beryllium "M"-shaped driver to deliver exceptional speed and low distortion. The headphones offer superior resolution, balanced tonality, and strong, lifelike mid-range performance. While lauded for its comfortable design and ease of driving, the...Read more

soundguys.com

31/08/2017

Focal Utopia review - SoundGuys

The Focal Utopia, reviewed by SoundGuys, are flagship open-back beryllium-driver headphones priced at $4,000 that deliver exceptional, immersive sound quality and intricate detail retrieval. Pros include premium comfort with lambskin leather padding, a detailed, non-harsh sound profile, and exceptional build quality, although the design suffers from a squeaky carbon fiber headband....Read more

theabsolutesound.com

01/03/2017

Focal Utopia Headphones - The Absolute Sound

The Absolute Sound review ranks the original Focal UtopiaGo as a top-tier open-back headphone, lauded for its exceptional tonal balance, natural sound, and lack of coloration. Utilizing pure Beryllium "M"-shaped drivers, the design delivers transient speeds and resolution competitive with electrostatic headphones, bolstered by a comfortable carbon-fiber yoke. Conversely, the review...Read more

head-fi.org

29/07/2016

Focal Utopia - Reviews - Head-Fi

The Focal UtopiaGo, as detailed in the Head-Fi showcase, is described as a pinnacle of acoustic engineering, delivering exceptional tonal balance, explosive dynamics, and rapid, precise transients. It is noted for elite midrange separation and superior, punchy bass, providing an engaging listening experience that outclasses many competitors in texture. Conversely, the review...Read more

stereo.de

01/05/2018

Focal Utopia - Test Results in Stereo Magazine

The Focal Utopia reference open-back headphones achieved an exceptional 100% sound quality rating in the Stereo.de review, lauded for their 40mm pure Beryllium drivers, high-speed transient response, and precise spatial imaging. Pros include remarkable midrange purity and sturdy, luxurious construction, while cons center on the intimate soundstage, excessive cable weight, and...Read more

modernhifi.de

26/09/2016

Focal Utopia, Elear, and Listen Reviewed at CanJam

The MODERNHIFI review evaluates Focal’s three-tier headphone line-up debuted at CanJam 2016, highlighting innovative "M-profile" dome driver designs angled specifically to mimic high-end loudspeakers. The top-tier Focal Utopia serves as the open-back flagship featuring a premium, lightweight pure Beryllium membrane. Its main pros include reference-level transient response,...Read more

lowbeats.de

30/11/2016

Focal Utopia – the best headphones in the world?

The LowBeats review hails the Focal Utopia as a top-tier dynamic headphone, highlighting its 40mm pure Beryllium M-shaped drivers for unmatched transparency, speed, and micro-detail. The luxurious build, featuring carbon fiber and lambskin leather, is heavily praised alongside its analytical yet rich sound reproduction, which offers exceptional instrument timbre. However, the...Read more

fidelity-online.de

28/03/2018

Review Focal Utopia Headphones - FIDELITY Online", "Focal Utopia Review: Beryllium Headphones for 4,000 Euros", "Focal Utopia – Headphones under Test"...

The Focal Utopia is an open-back, over-ear headphone that utilizes a unique 40mm pure Beryllium M-shaped dome driver designed to blend the spatial qualities of high-end loudspeakers with headphone immediacy. The reviewer notes that it delivers exceptional performance across all musical genres, providing a balanced, focused sound that places the listener in a privileged "conductor's...Read more

kopfhoerer.de

16/10/2019

Focal Utopia Review at kopfhoerer.de

The reviewed Focal Utopia is an ambitious, high-end open-back over-ear dynamic headphone handcrafted in France. It is designed for demanding audiophiles and studio professionals who require uncompromising detail retrieval. Engineered with high-quality carbon fiber, a memory foam headband, and ultra-thin 40mm pure Beryllium drivers, the headphone achieves exceptional precision,...Read more

lowbeats.de

29/01/2023

Focal Utopia 2022 Review – So Close to Heaven

The Focal Utopia (2022) is hailed by LowBeats as a premier dynamic open-back headphone, featuring a pure Beryllium driver that offers unmatched micro-dynamics, natural vibrancy, and exceptional build quality without mechanical noise. While praised for its, the review highlights the significant price increase to €5,000 and finds the included cable design to be too conventional for a...Read more

homecinema-fr.com

11/09/2019

HCFR Review: Focal Utopia Headphones – Page 6

In this review, Julien_cleriensis outlines an exceptionally positive impression of the Focal Utopia, calling it an "exceptional" flagship headphone that delivers an ultra-dynamic, hyper-realistic, and highly detailed sound profile without requiring any software equalization. Built as a showcase of luxurious French craftsmanship, it excels particularly in classical and jazz music due...Read more

on-mag.fr

08/11/2022

Focal Utopia (2022) Review: The Hi-Fi headphone at the pinnacle of dynamic drivers gets a second wind

The Focal Utopia (2022) is highly praised as a pinnacle of open-back dynamic driver headphones, successfully refining the sonic signature of its 2016 predecessor while offering a more natural and balanced presentation. Architecturally, the review highlights several major pros, including its ultra-premium construction crafted from forged recycled carbon fiber and elegant punctured...Read more

sonomag.fr

31/01/2023

FOCAL Utopia 2022 - SONO Mag

The SONO Mag review highlights the Focal Utopia 2022 as a premium, open-back dynamic headphone that embodies French manufacturing excellence. Designed for both demanding audio professionals and wealthy music lovers, the headphones build upon Focal's previous premium models to fix flaws found in the original 2016 release. Physically, they feature exceptional construction quality...Read more

homecinema-fr.com

28/10/2021

HCFR Review: Zidoo NEO X (Tested with Focal Utopia)

The reviewer, André_ajr, conducted a music-focused evaluation of the Zidoo NEO X multifuntional device, focusing exclusively on its headphone and earphone performance using its 6,35mm unbalanced output and testing its Bluetooth capabilities. The device demonstrated excellent build quality and a sleek, sober design, operating with stable Bluetooth connectivity and remaining cool...Read more

on-mag.fr

26/10/2016

Focal Utopia headphones review - ON-mag.fr

The ON-mag.fr review highlights the Focal UtopiaGo as a highly ambitious, ultra-high-end entry designed to redefine the benchmarks for open-back electrodynamic headphones. Engineered by the French brand Focal, this wired, circum-aural model represents a leap forward in acoustic innovation. It is heavily praised for its cutting-edge design and its ability to achieve exceptional sonic...Read more

capital.fr

14/04/2026

What is the best Hi-Fi headphone on the market? 2026 Comparison

The Focal Clear Mg is selected as the top premium open-back Hi-Fi headphone, praised for its extremely detailed, clean, and balanced sound signature with excellent dynamic reproduction. Built primarily from high-quality metal, it boasts exceptional manufacturing standards and comes generously equipped with premium accessories, including a rigid carrying case and multiple high-end...Read more

leclaireur.fnac.com

13/09/2024

Focal Utopia 2022 high-fidelity headphones: a rare masterpiece of acoustic excellence

The Focal Utopia 2022 is an ultra-premium, open-back circum-aural electro-dynamic headphone manufactured in France, designed to offer an exceptionally natural and detailed acoustic experience. Its standout technical feature is the use of pure Beryllium M-profile dome transducers combined with a matching M-shaped protection grille, which minimizes distortion and delivers a remarkably...Read more

on-mag.fr

17/01/2017

Focal Utopia Review: A Hi-Fi Headphone Setting New Standards

The Focal Utopia is an ultra-high-end, open-back circum-aural headphone handcrafted in France that sets a new benchmark for electrodynamic performance. Priced at €4000, it features unique engineering, including a 40 mm pure beryllium "M"-shaped dome diaphragm, a support-less copper voice coil, a lightweight carbon fibre headband yoke, and lambskin/micro-perforated fabric ear...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

09/08/2017

Focal Utopia Review: The Sound Magician

The Les Numériques review awards the original Focal UtopiaGo a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, celebrating its elite craftsmanship and exceptional realism. On the pros side, the headphone delivers breathtaking, lifelike precision and a wealth of details across the entire audio spectrum. It features a remarkable, natural soundstage that successfully mimics the experience of high-end floor...Read more

lesnumeriques.com

26/11/2022

Focal Utopia joins our guide to the best hi-fi headphones

The Focal UtopiaGo reference open-back headphones achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars rating from Les Numériques. Positioned as an uncompromised quest for acoustic perfection, this flagship model from the Saint-Étienne manufacturer enters the publication’s buying guide as the second-best hi-fi headphone overall, outperforming the legendary Sennheiser HD 650 but sitting just behind...Read more

cronicaglobal.elespanol.com

25/05/2020

We tested the Focal Utopia headphones and here are our impressions

The review highlights the Focal Utopia as a top-tier open-back headphone engineered by the French manufacturer, emphasizing its excellent balance of technology and premium build quality. A major highlight is the integration of a 40mm pure beryllium drive unit capable of covering a massive frequency response from 5Hz to 50kHz. The reviewers praise the design for prioritizing extreme...Read more

hifilivemagazine.com

10/12/2021

Focal Utopia - HiFi Live

The Focal Utopia is an exceptional open-back flagship headphone that stands out for its extraordinary dynamics, class-leading resolution, and highly accurate tonal balance. Built with premium materials like carbon fiber yokes and genuine lambskin leather, it delivers a luxurious design and remarkable ergonomics that make its heavy 490g weight highly manageable for long listening...Read more

hifi.nl

04/02/2018

Focal Elear and Focal Utopia

The Focal Elear ($1,000) and Focal Utopia ($3,500) are high-end, exceptionally well-finished open-back headphones sharing a highly transparent, "M-shaped" driver design. The Elear features aluminum-magnesium drivers that deliver an expansive, universal, and highly detailed soundstage, though it suffers slightly in the sub-bass and lacks a premium carrying case. Additionally, its...Read more

alpha-audio.net

16/05/2017

Focal Utopia Headphones Review

The Focal Utopia is an open-back headphone featuring innovative Beryllium drive units, a frame partially constructed from carbon fibre, and exceptionally soft leather ear padding. The reviewer emphasizes its sublime sound reproduction, highlighting its extraordinary refinement, airiness, and a complete lack of listening fatigue that makes it difficult to take off. It is highly...Read more

hifi.nl

27/01/2023

Focal Utopia 2022 headphones review – Dreaming with music in your ears

The Focal Utopia (2022) is an exceptional open-back headphone that delivers a highly detailed, neutral, and spacious audio experience across all musical genres. Its 40mm pure beryllium drivers produce an impressively balanced sound profile with seamless extension from a deep, non-fatiguing bass to a silky-smooth, intricate high end that completely avoids harshness. Listeners will...Read more

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