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Erzetich Air vs Focal Utopia 2022: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia 2022 comes out ahead with an HearWiki score of 88. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

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

Score breakdown

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

Erzetich Air
Sound6.0
Value3.0
Focal Utopia 2022
Sound9.5
Value6.0

Specifications

Specification comparison of Erzetich Air vs Focal Utopia 2022
SpecErzetich AirFocal Utopia 2022
TypeOver-EarOver-Ear
Price (USD)$3,260$5,000
HearWiki score55 / 100 · Average88 / 100 · Outstanding
Released20202022
Audio
DriverPlanar magneticdynamic
Driver size-40 mm
Drivers per side-1
Frequency response-5Hz-50kHz
Impedance43 Ω80 Ω
Sensitivity-104 dB/mW
Wireless
Multipoint pairing-No
Features
Active noise cancelling-No
Design
Weight740 g490 g
Balanced connection-Yes
Model codeCharybdis-

What reviewers said

Erzetich Air

The Erzetich Air is a high-end planar magnetic over-ear headphone priced around $3260, designed for wired listening without active noise cancellation. It features a 43-ohm impedance and a substantial 740-gram build, suggesting a focus on audiophile-grade sound quality rather than portability or convenience.

  • Pro:Planar magnetic drivers offer detailed, low-distortion sound
  • Pro:High-end price point reflects premium materials and construction
  • Pro:Wired design ensures consistent, lossless audio transmission
  • Con:Heavy 740-gram weight may cause discomfort during long sessions
  • Con:No active noise cancellation limits use in noisy environments
  • Con:Expensive for most consumers, targeting niche audiophiles only

Focal Utopia 2022

This premium open-back flagship pairs a refined dynamic driver with a robust, luxurious frame, delivering exceptionally detailed and transparent sound. While it's an evolutionary step from its predecessor rather than a complete overhaul, the improvements in refinement and articulation make it a top-tier choice for discerning listeners. Its steep price and open-back nature, however, limit its appeal to dedicated audiophiles with deep pockets.

  • Pro:Exceptional clarity and micro-detail retrieval
  • Pro:Articulate, well-defined bass response
  • Pro:Superb build quality and premium materials
  • Con:Very expensive price tag
  • 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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