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Focal Utopia vs Grado PS2000e: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia 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 - Outstanding overall at around $4999.

Score breakdown

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

Focal Utopia leads on 3 of 4 measures.

  • Focal Utopia
  • Grado PS2000e
HearWiki score
81
65
Sound
9.7
9.0
Value
5.8
4.1
Price (USD)
$5,000
$3,480

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 is 5 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 5 years between them, that is a thin return - treat this as a restyle rather than a new platform.

  • Utopia20225 yr newer
  • PS2000e2017

Specifications

UtopiaPS2000e
Type
Over-Ear
Over-Ear
Price (USD)
$5,000
$3,480
HearWiki score
81
65
Released
2022
2017
Availability
Still sold new
Discontinued
Driver
40 mm dynamic
50 mm dynamic
Driver type
dynamic
dynamic
Driver size
40 mm
50 mm
Drivers per side
1
1
Frequency response
5 Hz - 23 kHz
5 Hz - 50 kHz
Sound signature
neutral
-
Impedance
80 Ω
32 Ω
Sensitivity
104 dB/mW
99.8 dB/mW
Active noise cancelling
No
No
Controls
-
none
Weight
490 g
530 g
Water resistance
none
-
Detachable cable
Yes
Yes
USB-C
No
No

What reviewers said

Focal Utopia

The Focal Utopia is a premium open-back wired headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking reference-grade neutrality. Its 40mm beryllium driver delivers exceptional detail, low distortion, and a finely tuned high-frequency response, making it a top-tier choice for critical listening. While its performance is class-leading, the steep price positions it as a luxury investment rather than a practical everyday option.

  • Pro:Outstanding resolution and micro-detail retrieval
  • Pro:Very low distortion with a neutral, accurate sound signature
  • Pro:Premium build quality and detachable cable design
  • Con:Extremely high price point
  • Con:No active noise cancellation or wireless connectivity
  • Con:Heavy weight (490g) may be tiring during long sessions

Grado PS2000e

The Grado PS2000e is a wired, open-back flagship headphone that delivers a fast, detailed, and natural sound signature, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers to the brand. Its 50mm dynamic drivers are easy to drive, yet the headphone benefits from high-quality sources and amplification to fully shine. While built with premium materials and offering strong dynamics, its high price, open design, and unconventional aesthetics limit its appeal to dedicated audiophiles.

  • Pro:Excellent, engaging sound with strong dynamics
  • Pro:Natural and refined tonal balance
  • Pro:Easy to drive despite high-end performance
  • Con:Very expensive
  • Con:Significant sound leakage due to open-back design
  • Con:Polarizing, old-school looks

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 UtopiaGrado PS2000e