Focal's updated and enhanced Utopia flagship headphones for 2022 aim to improve on the original 2016 by way of a new design and acoustic enhancements. The French company states, “the design of the new Utopia is a combination of moderation and distinction”. 

The new Utopia headphones borrow aesthetic cues from Focal's latest hi-fi open-back (Clear Mg) and closed-back (Stellia and Celestee) cans, with the honeycomb grille on both the outside and inside the earcups lending the earphones a unique attitude. 

ThankIn addition to its Black Chrome rings – now attached from the inside for a cleaner appearance – these headphones introduce a new design language for the brand, which we're told, will also be used on Focal's “future Utopia products”. This includes what Focal describes as a “Yin & Yang” symbol on the headphones' outer case that “symbolises the perfect balance between design and technology”. Additionally, and arguably easier to spot, is the black and red double grille on the speaker drivers' motor unit.

Thankfully, the new Utopia headphones retain the much-lauded full-range pure Beryllium and 'M’-shaped domed speaker drivers from the originals. This, partnered with the fully open-backed design, has won the Utopia many plaudits for the headphones' neutrality, dynamics and transparency. 

Exclusive to Focal, the patented speaker drivers run with zero active or passive correction throughout its claimed frequency range of 5Hz to over 50 kHz. However, Focal's engineers have replaced the voice coil with a copper and aluminium unit. Copper for improved reliability, married to the lightweight characteristic of aluminium. The result of using this alloy, we're informed, is a rejuvenated sound signature with greater neutrality, powerful bass and a more mellow treble. Furthermore, the grilles inside the earcups are also M-shaped, following the curves of the speaker drivers to give improved linearity and even more precision, says the manufacturer.

The yoke of the new Utopia is made from forged, recycled carbon, while the headband and perforated memory foam earcups are bound in genuine leather to provide unparalleled comfort and softness.

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 using the headphones at home with an amplifier or on the go with Lemo connectors and a jack adapter.

Finally, Focal recommends the Uniti Atom Headphone Edition streaming headphone amplifier from renowned British brand and Focal's Vervent Audio Group partner, Naim. 

The Focal Utopia (2022) headphones are available now for £4,699/ €4999.

Visit Focal for more information