Audeze CRBN2 vs Focal Utopia 2022: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia 2022 comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 81. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: Focal Utopia 2022 - Outstanding overall at around $4999.

Over-Ear

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

Focal Utopia 2022 leads on 4 of 4 measures.

Audeze CRBN2
Focal Utopia 2022

HearWiki score

Sound

9.3

9.7

Value

4.0

5.8

Price (USD)

$6,000

$5,000

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2022. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

CRBN22022
Utopia 20222022

Specifications

CRBN2Utopia 2022

Type: Over-Ear; Over-Ear
Price (USD): $6,000; $5,000
HearWiki score: 75; 81
Released: 2022; 2022
Availability: Still sold new; Still sold new
Driver: 2× 120 mm electrostatic; 40 mm dynamic
Driver type: electrostatic; dynamic
Driver size: 120 mm; 40 mm
Drivers per side: 2; 1
Frequency response: 10 Hz - 40 kHz; 5 Hz - 23 kHz
Impedance: 580 Ω; 80 Ω
Sensitivity: 100 dB/mW; 104 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling: No; No
Weight: 480 g; 490 g
Detachable cable: Yes; Yes
Balanced connection: -; Yes
Model code: 217-EX-1121-00; -

Specification comparison of Audeze CRBN2 vs Focal Utopia 2022
Spec	Audeze CRBN2	Focal Utopia 2022
Type	Over-Ear	Over-Ear
Price (USD)	$6,000	$5,000
HearWiki score	75 / 100 Great	81 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2022	2022
Audio
Driver	2× 120 mm electrostatic	40 mm dynamic
Driver type	electrostatic	dynamic
Driver size	120 mm	40 mm
Drivers per side	2	1
Frequency response	10 Hz - 40 kHz	5 Hz - 23 kHz
Impedance	580 Ω	80 Ω
Sensitivity	100 dB/mW	104 dB/mW
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	No
Design
Weight	480 g	490 g
Detachable cable	Yes	Yes
Balanced connection	-	Yes
Model code	217-EX-1121-00	-

What reviewers said

Audeze CRBN2

The Audeze CRBN2 is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone that builds on its predecessor with enhanced low-end impact and a smoother, more refined tonal balance. It requires a powerful dedicated energizer to perform at its best, and its treble is slightly laid-back rather than aggressive. This wired, high-end model is aimed at serious listeners seeking top-tier resolution and comfort in a reference-grade setup.

Pro:Improved bass impact and slam
Pro:Smooth, refined tonal balance
Pro:Excellent comfort for long sessions

Con:Requires a powerful external energizer
Con:Treble presence is somewhat relaxed
Con:Very high price point

Focal Utopia 2022

The Focal Utopia (2022) is a premium open-back flagship headphone that refines the original's celebrated sound with enhanced clarity, tonal realism, and a luxurious build. It delivers exceptional detail and articulate bass through its 40mm dynamic drivers, making it a top-tier choice for audiophiles despite its high price and open-back nature. The design is an evolutionary upgrade rather than a radical departure, retaining the core 80-ohm impedance and 104dB sensitivity.

Pro:Exceptional detail and transparency
Pro:Articulate, well-defined bass
Pro:Premium, luxurious build quality

Con:Very expensive at roughly $5,000
Con:Open-back design leaks sound and offers no isolation
Con:Included unbalanced cable is relatively short

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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