[New] Focal Diva Utopia

[Axo1989]

Myth?

Ten Nonsense Myths About Subwoofers and Bass Busted!

There are as many myths in the audio industry as are written in the pages of a Tolkien novel. With that in mind, Audioholics is taking on the task of myth busting ten bass myths that are nonsense!

www.audioholics.com

Pros and cons of small vs large subwoofers aren’t quite the same as comparing less/more numerous drivers of the same total aggregate surface area.

Happily that section of the Audioholics article is “pursuing the truth”. No one knows what the “pursing the truth” sections are getting at. Putting it in a small bag?

 

[7Tiger]

Myth?

Ten Nonsense Myths About Subwoofers and Bass Busted!

There are as many myths in the audio industry as are written in the pages of a Tolkien novel. With that in mind, Audioholics is taking on the task of myth busting ten bass myths that are nonsense!

www.audioholics.com

Doesn't apply when multiple relatively small drivers are used instead of 1-2 bigger ones

 

[7Tiger]

I doubt they are slow even with their 15 inches

They use professional grade drivers with stiff suspension and powerful motor = little Xmax (usually less than 10 mm) = low group delay & distortion

 

[boXem]

A fast driver needs a light cone. Or does it?

purifi-audio.com

 

[MarcT]

Some teardrop pics by my colleague, Pierre Stemellin, for ON-mag :
View attachment 396559View attachment 396560View attachment 396561View attachment 396562
View attachment 396563
View attachment 396564
View attachment 396565
View attachment 396566

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.

Hmm, are those big side panels not eventually going develop a rattle or hum?

 

[TurtlePaul]

When you side-by-side these with the LS60 it will be obvious whose homework they are copying. At $40k they didn’t even copy it right because the woofers are mounted below the midrange so a point source cardioid effect cannot be achieved. If I was Focal I would have put 3x 8” drivers on each side (they can fit) to differentiate from competitors and tune for 20 hz flat. They must just be trying to cash in on their name with 1000% mark-up.

Of course, carpeted plastic is also what you expect from JBL party DJ speakers.

Also, small woofers aren’t “faster” it is just the sound of less bass/more roll-off.

 

[Pearljam5000]

It should have been at least a coaxial at that price lol

 

[Axo1989]

Hmm, are those big side panels not eventually going develop a rattle or hum?

If you mean the felt panels then no, obviously.

If you mean the somewhat massive polymer mouldings then maybe, but not if they are well engineered and assembled.

 

[Pearljam5000]

Why didn't they add another one in the front like 8381?

 

[Axo1989]

When you side-by-side these with the LS60 it will be obvious whose homework they are copying. At $40k they didn’t even copy it right because the woofers are mounted below the midrange so a point source cardioid effect cannot be achieved.

Perhaps your own homework is lacking. These Focals are much more like an active Audio Physic Virgo-era than an LS60 copy. The latter aren’t cardioid controlled-directivity bass either, just side-mounted (and yes approximate point-source).

 

[Descartes]

At that price I will sell my home and live outside!
Someone has more money than brain I guess!

 

[VintageFlanker]

When you side-by-side these with the LS60 it will be obvious whose homework they are copying.

These speakers have been in development for several years. I heard first rumours about them before LS60 was (publicly) a thing. KEF didn't invented side mounted woofers, as far as I know.

It should have been at least a coaxial at that price lol

Nope. Coaxial is not the endgame for everyone. Certainly not for me, at least.

 

[Arnas]

These speakers have been in development for several years. I heard first rumours about them before LS60 was (publicly) a thing. KEF didn't invented side mounted woofers, as far as I know.

Nope. Coaxial is not the endgame for everyone. Certainly not for me, at least.

In nearfield aplications its best possible solution by far.

 

[Everett T]

No cardioid design, also "only" 400w total amp power, so not really up the specs of Kii or Dutch & Dutch. More like Kef LS 60, but without coaxial design and for deeper pockets.

Wonder why they chose class A/B amps, other than an audiophool selling point?

 

[Pearljam5000]

Wonder why they chose class A/B amps, other than an audiophool selling point?

In the video they say it uses Naim's top of the line amp

 

[Axo1989]

In the video they say it uses Naim's top of the line amp

Class D stands for Dogma ...

 

[SCR]

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

I think the first picture rather illustrates the WAF...

Fully understand that luxury goods need their own design and brand representation, but on this one it looks like the attempt failed, both in the shapes, material mix and manufacturing approach.
I would gladly accept this though if Bose came out with this design and approach as their flagship product as it matches the design and industrialization approach and fits the brand. And i don't mean this in a derogative way, Bose is a good brand given the target audience.

 

[Ktacos]

Fully understand that luxury goods need their own design and brand representation, but on this one it looks like the attempt failed, both in the shapes, material mix and manufacturing approach.

Their focal evo twin shares some similar issues, it looks like failed three way that for whatever reason they couldn't keep the mid driver.

I find the PDF on this new speaker funny and annoying. Can't help but laugh at the note on the felt used at the end and how it's environmently friendly. Focal, you have Be tweeter in a molded plastic body come on. 40khz tweeter oh wow who cares. Kinda hard to take this company seriously anymore.

 

[7Tiger]

small woofers aren’t “faster”

They are. An array of small drivers always has lower group delay compared to, say, 2 bigger ones with roughly the same cone area.

 

[Descartes]

Their focal evo twin shares some similar issues, it looks like failed three way that for whatever reason they couldn't keep the mid driver.

I find the PDF on this new speaker funny and annoying. Can't help but laugh at the note on the felt used at the end and how it's environmently friendly. Focal, you have Be tweeter in a molded plastic body come on. 40khz tweeter oh wow who cares. Kinda hard to take this company seriously anymore.

Felt like BS to me! Why you on earth would you want your speakers wrapped in cloth?
How do you clean it with a clothes brush, they look like a clawing toy for cats!