The music market is changing, and so is the speaker market. While younger generations are abandoning classic [abc]Hi-Fi[/abc] systems in favor of amplified and connected speakers with simpler and more intuitive ergonomics, this is also the case for some audiophiles who are increasingly prioritizing design and the easy integration of technology into interiors.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: Utopia speakers above all££££
3-way floorstanding models, the Focal Diva Utopia actives integrate the renowned electronics and streaming solutions from the British sister brand Naim (Focal and Naim are both owned by the Vervent Audio Group). In addition to the technologies of the latter and the acoustic package of the former (see below), the Focal Diva Utopia speakers include a UWB (Ultra Wide Band) module for optimal wireless communication between the two speakers, the primary (grouping the connections) and the secondary. Namely, a high-resolution Ethernet-type cable is provided to connect the speakers together and overcome any connection problems, for example due to an obstacle between the columns (furniture, aquarium, etc.). And this is indeed the challenge of the Focal Diva Utopia speakers, whose primary characteristic is above all to be true speakers from the Utopia series, the brand's ultra-premium spearhead and a showcase of French audio know-how.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: concentrated technical previews££££
To be worthy in terms of sound performance of the Utopia speakers while integrating the amplification of the HP and the network/wireless module, these Diva Utopia integrate many technical previews. The most remarkable lies in the cabinetwork, whose name hides the use of a high-density polymer material molded using RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) technology, which required the patient creation of a mold of unprecedented dimensions to manufacture the complete structure of the speaker in only three parts. This mold also takes care of the internal design of these parts, in particular to break the standing waves and each of the loads linked to the tweeter, the midrange-boomer and the four woofers. As you will have understood, contrary to the very meaning of the term "cabinetwork", no wood here. The electronics have also allowed Focal engineers to reduce the volume of air required for good expression of the woofers, around fifty liters here compared to 120/150 liters usually for such equipment dedicated to low frequencies. This explains the relatively contained size of the Focal Diva Utopia speakers.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: zoom on the acoustic package££££
The Focal Diva Utopia active speakers therefore each have four speakers. First of all, a new 27 mm tweeter in pure beryllium with an M profile inverted dome (covered with a grille enhanced with a red border of the most beautiful effect, new visual signature of the brand, see photos above) to ensure an optimal dispersion of high frequencies. This is accompanied by a 16.5 cm TMD (Tuned Mass Dumper) midrange with a suspension with increased damping without additional mass, allowing to reduce distortions, preserve dynamics and magnify definition. Their W membrane, called sandwich (central foam body encapsulated in two sheets of glass), offers lightness, rigidity and damping for, ultimately, very low distortion and extreme listening transparency. Finally, four 16.5 cm woofers in Push Pull configuration (the movement of the membranes in relation to their magnet goes in opposite directions, the aim being that their non-linearity compensates for each other) complete the picture.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: Naim technologies inside££££
The amplification of the Focal Diva Utopia active speakers, with a total power of 2 x 400 W and Class AB obedience, is signed Naim. The same goes for the network module in charge of streaming offering a resolution of up to 384 MHz/32 bits, the Dac/Adc present, the DSP, the heat sink (with a length of more than a meter), all structured on an anodized aluminum device placed at the rear of the speaker.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: main sound specifications££££
The Focal Diva Utopia actives display a bandwidth of 27 kHz to 40,000 Hz and the wireless mode ensures a 96 kHz/24-bit connection between the two speakers. To go further, i.e. 192 kHz/24 bits, the use of a supplied RJ45 Speaker Link cable is necessary. The latter may also be required in the event of connection problems between the two Focal Diva Utopia columns, due to an obstacle (furniture, aquarium, etc.). Of course, the [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc] certification is required. The management of the codecs [abc]Wav[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]AIFF[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc] is ensured up to 384 kHz/24 bits, [abc]AAC[/abc] and [abc]Ogg[/abc] up to 48 kHz/16 bits, [abc]MP3[/abc] up to 48 kHz/320 kbits. Not forgetting the [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 megahertz.
Namely, a dynamic Loundness function (disengageable of course) is present within the Focal Diva Utopia to enhance the high and low sound frequencies when listening at low levels. As its name suggests, it is therefore different depending on the volume and automatically deactivates as soon as the volume reaches 40% of the total power. Also worth mentioning is an innovative calibration method, without a microphone, based on the listener's ears, operated from the Focal application (update of the latter required). Once the sound has been adjusted according to your wishes and the rendering of the room, the calibration can be modulated from 0% to 100% for more or less influence.
Focal Diva Utopia active, network and wireless: main features and connectivity££££
The Naim multiroom function is included (management of up to 32 Focal & Naim network players). The same goes for [abc]AirPlay 2[/abc], Google Cast, the [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc]) audio gateway function, [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 5.3 APT-X Adaptive, Spotify Connect and Tidal Connect. Access to Apple Music, Qobuz and web radios is also provided. The connectivity includes an [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc]/[abc]CEC[/abc] input, an [abc]optical[/abc] input, a stereo [abc]RCA[/abc] input, a [abc]USB[/abc]-A port, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and an RJ45 Speaker Link port.
Final details, the Focal Diva Utopia active speakers benefit from a very attractive grey felt finish (other finishes to come in 2025) and are delivered with an accessory box including a remote control (the Focal Diva Utopia active speakers can of course be fully controlled from the Focal application), the Hi-Res RJ45 Speaker Link cable and a set of decoupling spikes (see photo below).
Available immediately. Recommended price: €35,000 per pair.
Reminder of the key characteristics of the active Focal Diva Utopia:
• Type: 3-way active speaker
• [abc]Tweeters[/abc]: IAL2 with M-profile inverted dome in pure beryllium, 27 mm
• [abc]Boomers[/abc]: W cone, 4 x 16.5 cm in Push-Pull configuration
• Midrange-Boomer: W cone with TMD suspension and NIC motor, 16.5 cm
• Power: 2 x 400 W
• Bandwidth: 27-40,000 Hz
• Sensitivity: 116 dB
• Connections: 1 input [abc]HDMI[/abc] [abc]eARC[/abc] [abc]CEC[/abc], 1 input [abc]optical[/abc], 1 stereo [abc]RCA[/abc], 1 powered [abc]USB[/abc]-A port, 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port, 1 RJ45 Speaker Link port
• Other: Class AB Amplification
• Certification: [abc]Hi-Res Audio[/abc]
• Compatibilities [abc]MP3[/abc], [abc] Ogg[/abc], [abc]AAC[/abc], [abc]Alac[/abc], [abc]AIFF[/abc], [abc]Flac[/abc], [abc]Wav[/abc], [abc]DSD[/abc] 2.8/5.6 MHz
• Audio gateway [abc]UPnP[/abc] ([abc]DLNA[/abc])
• Spotify Connect
• Qobuz compatibility
• [abc]Wi-Fi[/abc] 6 compatibility
• [abc]Airplay 2[/abc] compatibility
• Tidal Connect compatibility
• [abc]Webradios[/abc] compatibility
• Blueto[abc][/abc]oth 5.3 APT-X Adaptive compatibility
• Google Cast compatibility
• 384 kHz/24-bit DAC
• Multiroom: yes
• Dimensions (L x D x H): 42 x 121 x 56 mm
• Weight: 64 kg (pair)
• Consumption: 280 W (pair), network standby < 2 W, standby < 0.05 W
