By Billy G. · Founder & Lead EditorVerified May 20 by Billy G.
Focal Utopia 2022
Focal Utopia 2022vs
Meze Elite
Meze Elite
✓VerifiedConfidence: 85%
Verdict: The Meze Elite wins on value, comfort, and tonal neutrality — it costs $999 less, sits more comfortably for marathon sessions, and has a more accurate midrange that reference listeners prefer. The Focal Utopia is technically faster and more dynamic on acoustic recordings, but its elevated treble, heavier build, and $5000 price tag make it a harder recommendation for any listener not prioritizing pure dynamic driver character.
How we scored itSpec verificationOwner sentimentLive pricing (4h refresh)Editorial reviewOur methodology →
Winner: Meze Elite
Focal Utopia 2022: 9/10
Meze Elite: 9/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
Focal Utopia 2022
Meze Elite
driver
40mm pure Beryllium dynamic driver
Rinaro Isodynamic Hybrid Array planar magnetic
frequency_response
5Hz–50kHz
4Hz–92kHz
impedance
80 ohms
32 ohms
sensitivity
104 dB SPL / 1mW
101 dB SPL / 1mW
weight
490g
430g
cable
1.2m OFC copper, 6.35mm + 4-pin XLR balanced
2m silver-plated OFC, 6.35mm + 4-pin XLR
Focal Utopia 2022
What works
Beryllium driver's transient speed produces the fastest attack and decay of any dynamic driver headphone — cymbal decay is unreal
Soundstage depth on acoustic recordings feels three-dimensional in a way planar magnetics rarely match
104 dB/mW sensitivity means it sings on portable DAC/amps — doesn't demand a full desktop chain
What doesn't
Treble energy between 8–12kHz is elevated by 3–4dB — sibilant on bright masterings without EQ
490g over extended sessions causes neck fatigue; the headband padding isn't forgiving for 4+ hour listens
At $4999, the build uses visible glued seams and plastic internals that feel underspec for the price
Meze Elite
What works
Rinaro planar driver has the most neutral and linear midrange of any flagship headphone — vocals sit exactly where they should
430g with superior weight distribution — more comfortable for 6+ hour sessions than the Utopia
$999 less than the Utopia with no meaningful sonic trade-off for most listeners
What doesn't
Planar bass extension is excellent but lacks the physical slam and sub-bass texture of the Utopia's Beryllium dynamic
32 ohm impedance is technically easier to drive but the Rinaro driver rewards upstream chain quality significantly
Soundstage width is class-leading but depth imaging trails the Utopia on well-recorded orchestral material
Bottom line
Our pick: Meze Elite. It edges out the alternative on rinaro planar driver has the most neutral and linear midrange of any flagship headphone — vocals sit exactly where they should. That said, Focal Utopia 2022 still wins on beryllium driver's transient speed produces the fastest attack and decay of any dynamic driver headphone — cymbal decay is unreal — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
People also ask
How does focal utopia 2022 vs hifiman susvara compare?
Focal Utopia 2022 uses a dynamic beryllium driver for faster transient response than the Hifiman Susvara's planar magnetic design. The Susvara delivers wider soundstage and finer detail at the cost of needing more powerful amplification.