Focal Utopia 2022 Review, Measurements

[kumar402]

may be they are launching the new closed back and creating a demand for it, who knows

 

[up late]

Also, a positive news on the warranty service part. I learned that Focal has set up a repair center in NY for just the headphones. Post-sale service and timely repair is very important to me.

we noticed

 

[ra990]

I sent Mitch of AccurateSound.ca my 2022 Utopia to measure and develop some filters for. He also happens to have the 2000 Utopia and a DCA Expanse on hand.

He had this to say about them -

Attached is a preliminary before and after DSP for your Focal Utopia 2022 headphone, I also have a 2020 version here as well. Fantastic headphones. The 2022 sound clearer to me for some reason, both have vanishingly low amounts of distortion. They really have a quality of sound to them that the planars can’t seem to do. I wonder how much is the Beryllium material?

2022 really sounds fantastic. A bit on the bright side with some midrange issues, but the filter smooths them right out. I can’t get over how these sound!

I have a pair of DAC Expanse here as well. While they measure reasonably flat, a filter really linearizes the frequency response. But even though the 2022 Utopia and Expanse have a similar tonal response, the Utopia’s really have something special about them.

 

[pcjustin]

I received my Utopia 2022 on July 25th from Adorama and noticed that the package was unsealed. Moreover, I found some flaws, scratches, and signs of usage (possibly) on the headphones. I didn't pay attention to the clamp force because I don't own other headphones. If anyone else has encountered the same issue, please post here for further notice or action.

 

[ra990]

I received my Utopia 2022 on July 25th and noticed that the package was unsealed. Moreover, I found some flaws, scratches, and signs of usage (possibly) on the headphones. I didn't pay attention to the clamp force because I don't own other headphones. If anyone else has encountered the same issue, please post here for further notice or action.

Is this also from the Adorama batch?

 

[chesebert]

I received my Utopia 2022 on July 25th from Adorama and noticed that the package was unsealed. Moreover, I found some flaws, scratches, and signs of usage (possibly) on the headphones. I didn't pay attention to the clamp force because I don't own other headphones. If anyone else has encountered the same issue, please post here for further notice or action.

Where did you get this from?

 

[pcjustin]

Is this also from the Adorama batch?

Yes, you got it. This is an unpleasant unboxing experience.

 

[chesebert]

I sent Mitch of AccurateSound.ca my 2022 Utopia to measure and develop some filters for. He also happens to have the 2000 Utopia and a DCA Expanse on hand.

He had this to say about them -

Attached is a preliminary before and after DSP for your Focal Utopia 2022 headphone, I also have a 2020 version here as well. Fantastic headphones. The 2022 sound clearer to me for some reason, both have vanishingly low amounts of distortion. They really have a quality of sound to them that the planars can’t seem to do. I wonder how much is the Beryllium material?

2022 really sounds fantastic. A bit on the bright side with some midrange issues, but the filter smooths them right out. I can’t get over how these sound!

I have a pair of DAC Expanse here as well. While they measure reasonably flat, a filter really linearizes the frequency response. But even though the 2022 Utopia and Expanse have a similar tonal response, the Utopia’s really have something special about them.

Do you know if this person has the raw measurement? The measured graph is based on some base compensation curve and it‘s not clear which standard curve this person used.

 

[pcjustin]

Where did you get this from?

Bought from Adorama. $2999

 

[ra990]

Yes, you got it. This is an unpleasant unboxing experience.

I guess this explains the price. I figured they were B-stock or something. They should be up-front about stuff like this.

 

[meomap]

I received my Utopia 2022 on July 25th and noticed that the package was unsealed. Moreover, I found some flaws, scratches, and signs of usage (possibly) on the headphones. I didn't pay attention to the clamp force because I don't own other headphones. If anyone else has encountered the same issue, please post here for further notice or action.

Either B stock or Open Box hp.
That's why they tricked you with cheap price.
Final Sale?

 

[chesebert]

Yes, you got it. This is an unpleasant unboxing experience.

 

[ra990]

Do you know if this person has the raw measurement? The measured graph is based on some base compensation curve and it‘s not clear which standard curve this person used.

I'm not sure about the compensation curve he used on the graph, but he did take the measurements himself so I assume he has the raw measurements. You can read about this filters at https://accuratesound.ca/headphone-calibration. He will create a page for the Utopia and write more about his measurements when they're published here https://accuratesound.ca/store/#_filter

 

[kkrazik2008]

I received my Utopia 2022 on July 25th from Adorama and noticed that the package was unsealed. Moreover, I found some flaws, scratches, and signs of usage (possibly) on the headphones. I didn't pay attention to the clamp force because I don't own other headphones. If anyone else has encountered the same issue, please post here for further notice or action.

These definitely look like a used pair. Though the marks on the carbon fiber headband are normal, it’s a composite of recycled carbon fiber. Also the clamp force on the 2022 seem looser than original Utopia.

On the leather areas you have circled, would you mind explaining what you are seeing?

 

[chesebert]

This is why you need to buy Focal from a dealer you know and trust will back you up and work with Focal when things go wrong - Amazon and Adorama are not that kind of dealer.