Focal Utopia vs Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
Verdict: Focal Utopia excels for critical listening with its 40mm beryllium drivers and 5Hz-50kHz range while Sony WH-1000XM5 delivers practical wireless ANC and 30-hour battery at far lower cost. The $4600 price gap makes Sony the practical daily driver and Focal the specialist tool. Direct comparison shows no overlap in intended use per the 2022 release specs.
Focal Utopia lists at $4,999 while Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones lists at $399 — Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones undercuts Focal Utopia by $4,600 (1153%).
Winner: Focal Utopia
Focal Utopia: 9/10
Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones: 7/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Focal Utopia | Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones | |
|---|---|---|
| driver_size | 40mm | 30mm |
| impedance | 80 Ohm | — |
| frequency_response | 5Hz-50kHz | — |
| battery_life | — | 30 hours |
Focal Utopia
What works
- Open-back design with pure beryllium M-shaped dome drivers
- 80 Ohm impedance and 104dB sensitivity for detailed hi-fi listening
- Wide 5Hz-50kHz frequency response
What doesn't
- MSRP $4999 limits accessibility
- Requires amplification due to 80 Ohm impedance and lacks wireless/ANC features
Sony WH 1000xm5 Premium Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones
What works
- Active noise cancellation with Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity
- Up to 30 hours battery life for extended wireless use
- Portable over-ear design for daily commuting
What doesn't
- Closed-back design and smaller 30mm drivers limit soundstage compared to open hi-fi models
- MSRP $399 but trades fidelity for convenience features
Bottom line
Our pick: Focal Utopia.
People also ask
How does focal utopia vs sennheiser hd 800 s compare?
The Focal Utopia and Sennheiser HD 800 S are both open-back audiophile headphones. Utopia uses beryllium M-shaped dome drivers while the HD 800 S relies on 56 mm ring-radiator transducers.
How does audeze lcd-5 vs focal utopia compare?
The Audeze LCD-5 uses planar magnetic drivers while the Focal Utopia relies on dynamic drivers in an open-back design. Side-by-side tests show the LCD-5 with stronger bass impact and the Utopia with wider soundstage.
How does focal utopia 2022 vs hifiman susvara compare?
Focal Utopia 2022 uses dynamic beryllium drivers in an open-back design while Hifiman Susvara relies on planar magnetic drivers. The two flagships differ mainly in driver technology and amplification needs.
View full comparison on GoodPickr
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