Over-Ear
Focal Utopia 2022
88Outstanding
$4999
Full review dataFocal Utopia 2022 vs STAX SR-009S: 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.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009S
88Outstanding
$3290
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Utopia 2022
Sound9.5
Value6.0
STAX SR-009S
Sound9.5
Value6.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Utopia 2022 | STAX SR-009S |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4999 | $3290 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2018 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | dynamic | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 1 | 1 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 5Hz-42kHz |
| Impedance | 80 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | 101 dB/mW |
| Wireless | ||
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 490 g | 589.67 g |
| Balanced connection | 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
STAX SR-009S
The STAX SR-009S is a premium electrostatic headphone that refines the original SR-009 formula with a slightly smoother, less bright tuning while retaining exceptional speed, detail, and openness. It offers a wide, precisely imaged soundstage and a very comfortable fit, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening, though it demands high-quality recordings and a dedicated amplifier system to shine. Its performance places it among the very best headphones available, with only the newer X9000 potentially edging it out in some respects.
- Pro:Extremely fast and detailed electrostatic sound
- Pro:Wide, immersive soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Comfortable fit despite large earcups
- Con:Very revealing of poor-quality recordings
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier, adding cost and complexity
- Con:High price point limits accessibility
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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