[New] Focal Diva Utopia

[Pearljam5000]

Would be interesting to compare it to the Trio 11
Probably with subs
For much less

 

[Multicore]

Focal just announced their first DSP-based active (Hi-Fi) speakers today.

These will act as an all-in-one connected system. They so join other traditional manufacturers such as KEF, Dynaudio, Sonus Faber or DALI in that new market. Except these ones come at a fairly high price tag (I mean it : 35k€ / pair), and that way, aim big boys like the Kii Three BXT, or the upcoming floorstanders from Dutch & Dutch. (Edit: finally not coming anytime soon, thanks @EAXAE )

I have very high expectations that these would measure stellar (or would be very disappointed if they do not). Focal often show a decent sense of engineering, with well designed speakers, sometimes textbook flat (Sopra series, ST6...). Put their in-house drivers and enclosures, with an active crossover design together : what could go wrong ? Oh yes, I'm hyped, not that I could ever afford them...
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Diva Utopia - 3-WAY ACTIVE WIRELESS LOUDSPEAKER | Focal

DIVA UTOPIA combines the best of Focal Acoustics and Naim Electronics. This active bass-reflex speaker offers high-quality sound, the latest wireless technologies, and extensive connectivity for exceptional listening experiences.

www.focal.com

Full specifications : https://media.focal-naim.com/dam/diva-utopia/4_fp_diva_utopia_en.pdf

In the top pictures they are clearly saying: "We come in peace. We want only your breeding age females dressed in diaphanous gowns."

But somehow as we scroll down the images, they are transformed into ... cigarette lighters!

 

[Puddingbuks]

Is this a cardioid design?

 

[VintageFlanker]

In the video he says there are different finishes and they can be clipped on and off

Here are the only pics I found with the covers off (or "cats friendly configuration").

Seriously? It just looks terrible.

Is this a cardioid design?

See above: kind of.

 

[boXem]

So 30k worth of solidified dino juice. Meh.

 

[TankTop]

They are definitely going to sell and probably sell out of these.

The chance of this being correct is probably

So 30k worth of solidified dino juice. Meh.

Those pictures just sucked the life out of these. Looks like car with half the interior removed. I’m sure the moldings were expensive and most likely would have been much more cost effective to use a traditional enclosure.

 

[boXem]

I’m sure the moldings were expensive and most likely would have been much more cost effective to use a traditional enclosure.

I don't think you can get a traditional enclosure for cheap with such a shape. Molding is probably the cheapest solution allowing this design. Mold tooling cost depend from expected volume and can be relatively cheap.

 

[Matias]

For that much money, I would choose a Kii Three + BXT no doubt about it.

 

[VintageFlanker]

Some teardrop pics by my colleague, Pierre Stemellin, for ON-mag :

Audition privée Focal Diva Utopia : des enceintes Hifi connectées tout en mesure et démesure

D'une approche très luxueuse, résolument High-End, les Diva Utopia entendent définir une nouvelle référence en matière de performances acoustiques sur des modèl

www.on-mag.fr

So, the cabinet is confirmed to be made of polymer. Perhaps it makes sense regarding the overall design, but I would have expected somewhat more premium materials at this price point.

 

[Elgrosso]

I do love the felt, and based on the design I would not be surprised to see many variations later with these panels : wood/piano colors/fabric maybe, going into Davone look&feel.

 

[kharan]

Les Focal Diva Utopia n'en demeurent pas moins des réalisations impressionnantes autant par leur luxe, leur sérieux, leur ergonomie que leurs prestations sonores hors norme.

I think that luxury was the first word is quite telling.

It's a luxury product first and foremost and that's what Focal is targeting. It's a statement piece about wealth before it's a high fidelity product. They even called it Diva. I expect different colours of felt for 2k apiece, and more "luxury" ones made from leather or other materials at a higher price point still.

 

[Frank Dernie]

I believe the target is the "progressives" in High End Audio. Those subjective audiophiles who are on the fence , and have started to look into "actives" ... A jab in their direction..

For less than that Focal asking price , 39,000, one could get the vastly superior (yes!)"pair of Genelec W371A + 8351, complete with GLM for about $27,000.oo.

Peace.

I had considered trying the 8351/W371 but my, I'd have to have a backlit muslin curtain to make sure I never saw them, whereas I quite like the styling of these.


Part of the price will be, like Goldmund's similar products, justifying how important it is to use high end electronics if you want to sell to their normal clients - claiming it is a bargain to include so many super expensive amplifiers...

The goodenoughness of class D is not a common belief for that market.

 

[Frank Dernie]

I think most here miss the point of these speakers. There isn’t a target audience although people will buy them. Products like these are purely for brand marketing, to get Focal attention and people talking about them. A lot of negative comments here but the old saying stands true, ALL publicity is good publicity.

Not really, these are pretty mid priced by Focal (and Naim) standards so will be marketed as a bargain not as a statement product.

 

[Frank Dernie]

They even called it Diva

There has been a "Diva" model in the Utopia range before iirc, it isn't the biggest, highest spec or most expensive either

 

[VintageFlanker]

I think that luxury was the first word is quite telling.

It's a luxury product first and foremost and that's what Focal is targeting. It's a statement piece about wealth before it's a high fidelity product

Beg to differ again. Are you familiar with the Utopia and Sopra series? These are, indeed, at first High Fidelity products, then with luxury vibes. I mean : this is Focal, not Bang & Olufsen.

They even called it Diva

Yes. As they call most ranges (or Utopia specific speakers) with names that refer to music at some point : Chora (formerly Chorus), Aria, Sopra, Kanta, Scala, Maestro, and so... Diva.

There has been a "Diva" model in the Utopia range before iirc, it isn't the biggest, highest spec or most expensive either

True. And it didn't evoke luxury to me :

Not really, these are pretty mid priced by Focal (and Naim) standards so will be marketed as a bargain not as a statement product.

Also right.

 

[kharan]

Beg to differ again. Are you familiar with the Utopia and Sopra series? These are, indeed, at first High Fidelity products, then with luxury vibes. I mean : this is Focal, not Bang & Olufsen.

Yes. As they call most ranges (or Utopia specific speakers) with names that refer to music at some point : Chora (formerly Chorus), Aria, Sopra, Kanta, Scala, Maestro, and so... Diva.

True. And it didn't evoke luxury to me :
View attachment 396571

Also right.

Yes, I'm aware of Focal's range and their naming. Diva still carries a connotation that Maestro or Scala or Aria or any other name coming from classical music doesn't have. To be frank, of late, I have not been impressed by what Focal is offering in their high end. I do really think they are trying to get to the same market as B&O with the new Diva.

 

[Karmacoma]

Now that's some sexy speakers.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Focal Diva Utopia

Big speakers + big specification + big performance = utopia

www.trustedreviews.com

First review

 

[Puddingbuks]

Why did they use such small woofers in such a large cabinet? Could have been easily 8, 10 and even 12 inch.

 

[VintageFlanker]

I do love the felt, and based on the design I would not be surprised to see many variations later with these panels : wood/piano colors/fabric maybe, going into Davone look&feel.

That is now confirmed : optional covers will come in 2025.

My guess is that these won't come cheap.