Comments on: Focal Utopia 2022 Review

By: Andy Miller

Andy Miller — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 10:24:09 +0000

I drive mine with Pathos Aurium and InEar Hf-amps at my 2 listening spots.
I find that both sound wonderful to my ears and easy to wear. Far more appealing to me than my Grado PS1000.
Both Pathos amps seem to round of any harshness in the highs such that I never heard them on the previous version of the Utopias (which I still own) nor these.
I replaced the stock cables with 84 strand litz copper custom cables made by custom cans – single ended for use with the Aurium and Balanced for use with the In Ear (Ultra-low capacitance cable for connecting Focal Utopia to balanced output – 2 pin LEMO connectors). I also drive them direct from iphone and ipad – at 80Ω they seem easy to drive.
Input Sources – direct from phono stage outputs from multiple vinyl sources; XLR from Auralic G2.1/2.2 streamer/DAC/Clock, Computer and internal SSD; and Resonessence labs Invicta DAC (with DSD/DXD) with digital files from SD-card and CD+SACD transport inputs.
Comparing the sounds direct from the Invicta (via its own headphone amp/out) and via either Pathos amp I find the sound from the Pathos far far far more appealing (less bright and harsh — the tube effect !!!).

By: Marcus

Marcus — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:51:43 +0000

In reply to om. That seems to be what I am hearing also compared to the OG.

By: om

om — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 03:12:33 +0000

As a previous owner of the 2022 Utopia and current owner of the OG version, I can say they didn’t upgrade the OG but made it a bit more widely agreeable with the 2022 version. It also makes it a little less amp picky than the OG.

By: Marcus

Marcus — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:28:24 +0000

In reply to Richard H. Intelligent and accurate comment Richard. Taste is very subjective and with personal preferences and different setups the outcomes can be different. Hopefully people can demo a range of setups and make an informed decision.

By: Richard H

Richard H — Sun, 25 Jun 2023 23:15:30 +0000

It has been a long while since I left feedback for a web view.

I generally agree with what Marcus writes and agree with his qualifications within this review. But,

I would highly encourage a buyer to have an “out” plan if the Focal Utopia 2022 doesn’t work out for you. I paired this and other headphones in this price range with a Questyle CMA Fifteen (not a fan of the DAC but love the amp). Other headphones fit my head and my ears better.

In the end, it is an individual choice. My taste may not be yours. I think Marcus’ review is accurate but also depends on a listener’s music background and matching components. I bought the Focal Utopia 2022 and then got “out”. You may love it, but make sure you are able to recoup your investment if you decide otherwise.