[yrstruly]

much improved sub bass and bass performance with even better PRaT and slam. Subbass has clearly higher energy and the right level of sustain. Slightly more natural tonality through the upper mid and treble. Presentation through the mid is bit more liquid. Vocal shows slightly greater intimacy and a slightly better rendition of sound of chest and body. The sound localization within the soundstage is slightly better with greater solidity and weight to the notes. The overall presentation is slightly warmer and slightly more musical (as opposed to “hifi“.

I did use “slight“ a lot because the differences are just that a slight difference (except for sub bass and bass).

One thing is that Utopia is sensitive to amp choices. Soundstage width and the overall size are quite different on different amps, and the difference seems more pronounced on the OG.

Yeah I agree with all of that. The mids are definitely more natural imo and timbre has also improved (was already very good) but now hearing barely a trace of the “metallic” quality people sometimes complain about.

 

[seaharp1]

Does anybody know what the Focal Utopia (3rd edition) is?
Is it the 2022 version or just marketing.
I saw them listed on Crutchfield's website.

 

[Lx3A]

Does anybody know what the Focal Utopia (3rd edition) is?
Is it the 2022 version or just marketing.
I saw them listed on Crutchfield's website.

That would be the 2022 per the picture, yes. They are referring to the original as 1st, 2020 repackaging/revision as 2nd, and 2022 model as 3rd.

 

[HeavenlyD]

Just to update I’m selling my DanaCable Lazuli Reference+ cable for my Utopias if anyone in the UK wants to experience what I feel is certainly one of the best combinations available.
The sad thing is I don’t really want to have to part with it, but I’ve gone down the rabbit hole with Daps and IEM’s so something had to give…

https://www.head-fi.org/classifieds...nce-cable-for-focal-utopia-3m-4pin-xlr.61951/

 

[Echo42987]

Does anybody know what the Focal Utopia (3rd edition) is?
Is it the 2022 version or just marketing.
I saw them listed on Crutchfield's website.

I would assume those are just the newest release which is the (2022) version.

 

[chesebert]

For the 5 people in the world with both Beta 22 and Utopia, I can confirm the combo works really well. It is more natural sounding than Headamp GSX2 with slightly more harmonic richness around each note and harder hitting bass notes, despite my B22 being SE and GSX2 being balanced. Beta 22 is also a much better amp than OOR/Hypo when it comes to Utopia (OOR is better at driving planars IMO; B22 kind of meh in that regard). Glad I pulled out the old amp.

 

[songoku]

OG Utopia with portable.

 

[tjkohli]

Congrats, and good decision. I don't think you will be disappointed.

It's by far the nicest (non-Chord/dCS) sounding DAC/Amp I've heard with the Utopia so far.
But for the price, I think my ears prefer a TT2 or Dave. I know what the Utopia are capable of!

 

[ardilla]

Hi all, just my two cents on the Focal Utopia mk1 and STAX SR-009


https://www.headphoneer.com/stax-sr-009-vs-focal-utopia-review/

 

[muski]

Good write-up. I've owned both—simultaneously for a while. In the end the Utopias won out...

 

[up late]

yes, i enjoyed your take on these former flagships @ardilla. i auditioned the sr-009 and it wasn't for me but when i auditioned the utopia, i knew then and there that i wanted one.

 

[ardilla]

Ok, guys thanks

Here's another one: Focal Utopia Vs STAX SR-007

https://www.headphoneer.com/focal-utopia-vs-stax-sr-007-comparison-review/

 

[up late]

thanks for posting. i can relate to your comparison having heard the sr-007 a couple of times and owning the utopia. i do recall the sr-007's bass sounding loose to my ears - i think it was paired with the srm-727mk2. i preferred the sr-007's sound signature to the sr-009 and it remains one of the most comfortable headphones that i have worn.

 

[chesebert]

Ok, guys thanks

Here's another one: Focal Utopia Vs STAX SR-007

https://www.headphoneer.com/focal-utopia-vs-stax-sr-007-comparison-review/

Your impression reflects your amp choices. They are not in the same league IMO. Even driven by T2 007 does not attain SOTA level technicality. I will say 007 has a laid back and musical sound profile and is generally above average in terms of technical performance (with weak areas being weight of notes, holographic/space rendition and sub bass, all of which are just okay). The only area praise worthy and about equivalent to Utopia is the mid range purity and transparency (Utopia 2022 improves on this aspect and is clearly ahead of 007). It’s a different presentation but quality wise they are equivalent. All other areas 007 lacks behind Utopia (they are about the same in terms of sub bass, but this has been remedied by 2022) and also other TOTL cans (even lagging behind the recently released E3).

The fact that 007 can only reach its true potential on T2 is concerning - that’s a $20k amp. 007 was great back in the days but it’s time to move on.

Edit: FYI 007 was first released over a quarter century ago and mk2 was released 17 yrs ago.

 

[chesebert]

Hi all, just my two cents on the Focal Utopia mk1 and STAX SR-009


https://www.headphoneer.com/stax-sr-009-vs-focal-utopia-review/

I don’t agree with this at all. IMO 009 sounds worse than 007 on T2 with mid range and upper mid/lower treble unevenness. 009 has higher resolution and better sound stage than 007 but that’s it: all other areas 009 lacks behind IMO. The greatest issue with 009 is it was not musical sounding. I don’t think you have heard what Utopia actually sounds like. Your impression tells me your electronics need improving.