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Focal Utopia 2022 vs HiFiMAN Edition X V1: 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.

Neither pulls ahead overall - they trade wins across the measures.

  • Focal Utopia 2022
  • HiFiMAN Edition X V1
HearWiki score
88
78
Sound
9.5
8.5
Value
6.0
6.5
Price (USD)
$5,000
$1,800

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

The Focal Utopia 2022 is 6 years newer, but it is 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. For 6 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Utopia 202220226 yr newer
  • Edition X V12016

Specifications

Utopia 2022Edition X V1
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$5,000
$1,800
HearWiki score
88
78
Released
2022
2016
Availability
Discontinued
Discontinued
Driver
40 mm dynamic
131.2 mm planar magnetic
Driver type
dynamic
planar
Driver size
40 mm
131.2 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 23 kHz
8 Hz - 50 kHz
Impedance
80 Ω
25 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
103 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Weight
490 g
399 g
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
Balanced connection
Yes
Yes

What reviewers said

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

HiFiMAN Edition X V1

The HiFiMAN Edition X V1 is a premium open-back planar magnetic headphone designed for serious home listening, offering a spacious and balanced sound with a slight warmth. Its low 25-ohm impedance makes it easy to drive from portable sources, while its comfortable build and included accessories add to its appeal, though its design is not suited for noisy or on-the-go environments. The headphone delivers a refined, smooth tonal character that suits critical listening sessions in quiet spaces.

  • Pro:Easy to drive from portable devices
  • Pro:Spacious and balanced soundstage
  • Pro:Comfortable for extended listening
  • Con:Strong sound leakage
  • Con:Poor isolation for noisy environments
  • Con:Large and bulky for travel

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

Compare something else

Swap either side out, or start again from the picker.

New comparisonFocal Utopia 2022HiFiMAN Edition X V1