Focal has given its Utopia headphones an overhaul with a new design and acoustic enhancements. Available this month for $4,999, the Hi-Fi-grade cans have a new voice coil and ‘M’-shaped grilles inside the earcups. Focal says its headphones are “among the best in the world.”
The Utopia headphones were first introduced in 2016, followed by a 2020 release where new packaging and accessories were added. The 2022 edition includes a voice coil composed of aluminum and copper, providing reliability and lightweight strength. The new ‘M’ shape grille of pure beryllium follows the shape of the dome and driver inside, we are told, so it should reduce the gap between the driver and the grille. This contributes to linearity of the frequency response and clearer music reproduction. The honeycomb styling is not just an aesthetic choice; it should also contribute to a more “open sound.” Focal says the headphones “seem to totally disappear, leaving audio signal reproduction that is unrivalled in its purity.”
The new Utopias also borrow from the looks of Focal’s latest Hi-Fi open-back (Clear Mg) and closed-back (Stellia and Celestee) headphones, according to the company. In addition to black chrome rings now attached from the inside, the new package uses a “Yin & Yang” motif on the outer case to symbolize the balance between design and technology. A real leather headband and perforated memory foam earcups provide extra comfort and softness.
The Utopia package comes in faux-leather box with a black fabric thermoformed carrying case and two Hi-Fi cables (10ft and 5ft / 3m and 1.5m) for use at home with an amplifier, or on the go with Lemo connectors and a jack adapter.
For more information on Utopia, click here.
Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
Post Disclaimer
Some of our content may contain marketing links, which means we will receive a commission for purchases made via those links. In our editorial content, these affiliate links appear automatically, and our editorial teams are not influenced by our affiliate partnerships. We work with several providers (currently Skimlinks and Amazon) to manage our affiliate relationships. You can find out more about their services by visiting their sites.
Similar threads
- Ronald Epstein
- Streaming and Playback Devices
9 10 11 Tags 4k blu-ray sony