Focal Diva Utopia active speakers less than impressive.


  • Had an opportunity to hear Focal’s new active Utopia Diva speakers at Axpona. Though they hit a few audiophile niches for 40k they were not that impressive. Not something that captures your interest after a while of listening. Trying to wrap everything in one package in my mind doesn’t work. More of a lifestyle speakers than a true high end product.
hiendmmoe

Wswright20- I agree with you. In my 2nd/3rd system, I have an integrated amp that has all the streaming options that anybody would want that cost $4000, plus analog in, and is Roon ready. I have $1000 in cables and $5000 in speakers that blow away the diva’s: sound quality wise, looks wise, and functionality wise, and it only cost me  around $10k. So instead of just 2 speakers, I have an integrated streaming amp plus 2 speakers, and speaker and Ethernet cables. This system is what I will replace with the Kef ls60’s in the future.

Interesting. There is a niche there. I guess the question is if it is large enough for a few companies to profit. At least for now, those trying for the apex of sonic performance, this isn't for them. Over time I'm sure they will get better.

@rick_n 

You say the line is long in the tooth, but I’m curious what you believe can be done to change that? There is precious little innovation in speaker design. Mostly revolving around cone/driver material. If the Utopia line sounds good today then why mess with that with some Audiophile jargon that has very little substance to offer because the technology is rather static at this point (other than styling )? 🤷🏾‍♂️

Going to Axpona for critical listening and evaluation is like watching YouTube cooking videos.... Unfulfilled. WHY DO THAT??