Utopia

The Focal Utopia are open-backed circumaural high-fidelity headphones, manufactured in France. They bring together 35 years of Focal’s work in the development and manufacture of high-end speaker drivers and loudspeakers.

Utopia use totally open-backed, full-range speaker drivers with pure Beryllium ’M’-shaped domes. This is the first audiophile headphone design to use this arrangement. The acoustic performance of the drivers removes the need for a crossover or passive filtering process, giving a frequency response from 5Hz to 50kHz. The result is a neutral presentation with realism, dynamics, clarity and a clean response to the original audio signal.

The design places the equivalent of 2 small loudspeakers over the ears. A carbon fibre yoke and true lambskin leather ear cushions provide the specified materials, while the mechanical construction has been developed around use, comfort and appearance. Focal removed the conventional rotation from the yoke and integrated it into the headband, preserving the design while allowing the headphones to sit naturally.

The constant bend of the headband, even weight distribution, yoke design and memory foam ear-pieces contribute to the wearing comfort. The lambskin cushions also form part of the classically elegant finish. Utopia headphones were applauded by the press and music lovers after their launch.

High-fidelity cable

The supplied cable was selected to preserve the original audio signal. It has a low impedance of < 90 mΩ/metre and a totally symmetrical construction for extremely low crosstalk of < 70 picofarads. Shielding protects the cable from electromagnetic interference and permits its 3m/9 ft. length. A 9.5mm Lemo® connector and a 6.35mm Neutrik® stereo jack allow straightforward customisation.

Accessories supplied

• 1.5m OFC cable, 1 x 6.35mm (1⁄4“) Neutrik® stereo Jack, 2 x shielded 9.5mm (03⁄8“) Lemo® connectors with self-locking bayonet system
• Optional: the stand to install your Utopia headphones in your home.