Sennheiser HD 800 S vs Focal Utopia
Verdict: The Sennheiser HD 800 S wins for its class-leading soundstage and neutral tuning, scoring higher in performance and value per RTINGS and Head-Fi comparisons. Focal Utopia delivers more visceral dynamics and bass slam but trails in imaging width. Both are reference-grade open-backs with excellent longevity backed by CNET and Stereophile reviews.
Winner: Sennheiser HD 800 S
Sennheiser HD 800 S: 9/10
Focal Utopia: 8.5/10
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Sennheiser HD 800 S | Focal Utopia | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver Size | 56 mm | 40 mm |
| Impedance | 300 ohms | 80 ohms |
| Frequency Response | 4 Hz - 51 kHz | 5 Hz - 50 kHz |
| Weight | 330 g | 490 g |
Sennheiser HD 800 S
What works
- Exceptional soundstage width and imaging precision
- Neutral frequency response with excellent detail retrieval
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
What doesn't
- Requires powerful amplification due to high impedance
- Bass impact is lighter than closed-back alternatives
Focal Utopia
What works
- Dynamic and energetic bass response with high resolution
- Fast transient response from beryllium drivers
- Premium build with luxurious materials
What doesn't
- Narrower soundstage compared to HD 800 S
- Heavier design may cause fatigue over extended use
Bottom line
Our pick: Sennheiser HD 800 S. It edges out the alternative on exceptional soundstage width and imaging precision. That said, Focal Utopia still wins on dynamic and energetic bass response with high resolution — consider it if that single trade matters most for your use.
People also ask
How does focal utopia vs sennheiser hd 800 s compare?
The Sennheiser HD 800 S uses 300-ohm impedance and 56 mm drivers while the Focal Utopia uses 80-ohm impedance and 40 mm beryllium drivers. In direct comparisons the Utopia delivers tighter bass control and higher resolution than the HD 800 S.
How does audeze lcd-5 vs focal utopia compare?
The Audeze LCD-5 with its 90mm planar drivers weighs 420 grams and provides stronger bass impact than the Focal Utopia. The Utopia uses 40mm beryllium drivers weighing 490 grams and is typically praised for its midrange clarity in comparisons.
How does focal utopia 2022 vs hifiman susvara compare?
The Focal Utopia 2022 uses dynamic drivers with 80 ohm impedance while the Hifiman Susvara employs planar magnetic drivers at 60 ohms with lower sensitivity. Reviews note the Susvara offers wider soundstage and finer detail but needs more powerful amplification than the Utopia.
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