Focal introduces the 2022 Utopia: an evolution

Focal introduces the 2022 Utopia: an evolution

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Focal Utopia, audio, audiophile, headphones, hi-fi, high-end, Robert Schryer, PMA Magazine

In 2016, Focal introduced its award-winning flagship headphones.

In 2020, Focal introduced the headphones’ new packaging, including several accessories (two cables and a carrying case), for an improved unboxing experience.

In September 2022, Focal is proud to introduce the new Utopia: an evolution both in terms of acoustics and in design and aesthetics


September 16, 2022 – First launched in 2016, Focal’s Utopia headphones rank amongst the best headphones in the world. Under constant renewal, the French brand with a unique savoir-faire in acoustics, has given its iconic product a new design while adding acoustic enhancements (new voice coil, ‘M’-shaped grilles inside the earcups…). All the exclusive, high-end technologies that make the Utopia headphones so successful are still to be found in this new edition, continuing to bring sensational listening experiences to your home with even more sophistication and elegance. A NEW LOOK, A REWORKED DESIGN.

The design of the new Utopia is a combination of moderation and distinction. Taking the aesthetics of Focal’s latest hi-fi open-back (Clear Mg) and closed-back (Stellia and Celestee) headphones, the honeycomb grille on both the outside and inside of the earcups gives a unique and remarkable look. In addition to its Black Chrome rings—now attached on from the inside for a cleaner appearance—these headphones introduce new design aspects, which will also be used on Focal’s future Utopia products. Among them, the “Yin & Yang” featured on the outer case symbolizes the perfect balance between design and technology, embodied by these high-end French headphones, as well as the black and red double grille on the speaker drivers’ motor unit.

Focal Utopia, audio, audiophile, headphones, hi-fi, high-end, Robert Schryer, PMA Magazine

THE BEST FOCAL TECHNOLOGIES

Always striving for excellence in their creations, and beginning a new chapter in the history of these iconic headphones, Focal’s engineers opted for a new voice coil made of copper to improve reliability, and aluminum, to make it more lightweight. This alloy provides a rejuvenated sound signature, that offers even greater neutrality, with powerful bass and a sweeter treble. What’s more, the grilles inside the earcups are now M-shaped, following the curves of the speaker drivers, to give improved linearity and even more precision.

In addition to these innovations, the new Utopia headphones still include everything that made the first editions such a success, such as full-range speaker drivers with pure Beryllium, ‘M’-shaped dome, and being fully open-backed for strikingly dynamic, transparent, and natural sound. Exclusive to Focal, the patented speaker drivers run with zero active or passive correction, from 5Hz to over 50 kHz. The headphones seem to totally disappear, leaving an audio reproduction that is unrivalled in its purity.

Focal Utopia, audio, audiophile, headphones, hi-fi, high-end, Robert Schryer, PMA Magazine

PREMIUM MATERIALS DEDICATED TO SOUND AND COMFORT

Utopia is made from premium, sophisticated materials. The new yoke, made from forged, recycled carbon, is an elegant touch, while making the headphones more lightweight and their weight more evenly distributed. The genuine leather headband and leather perforated memory-foam earcups provide unparalleled comfort and softness.

Finally, exceptional headphones deserve top of the range accessories: Utopia comes in faux-leather packaging with a black fabric thermoformed carrying case and two high-fidelity cables (10ft and 5ft / 3m and 1.5m) for use with an amplifier or on the go with Lemo® connectors and a jack adapter.

The new Utopia will be available September 2022 for $4999 US.

Purchase links (live at launch):

For more information on the new Utopia: https://www.focal.com/en/headphones-0/headphones/for-home/utopia-2022

2024 PMA Magazine. All rights reserved.


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