Over-Ear
Focal Utopia
88Outstanding
$5,000
Full review dataFocal Utopia vs HiFiMAN Edition X V1: which should you buy?
On aggregated review scores the Focal Utopia 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 - Outstanding overall at around $4999.
Over-Ear
HiFiMAN Edition X V1
78Great
$1,800
Full review dataScore 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
- HiFiMAN Edition X V1
HearWiki score
88
78
Sound
9.5
8.5
Value
5.0
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 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.
- Utopia20226 yr newer
- Edition X V12016
Specifications
UtopiaEdition 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
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 80 Ω
- 25 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- 103 dB/mW
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- Weight
- 490 g
- 399 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- -
- Balanced connection
- -
- Yes
What reviewers said
Focal Utopia
The Focal Utopia is a flagship open-back dynamic headphone that delivers exceptionally detailed, neutral sound with very low distortion, thanks to its beryllium driver and precise tuning. It is crafted as a luxury audiophile product with premium materials and a high price tag, making it a top-tier choice for those who prioritize ultimate performance over affordability.
- Pro:Exceptional resolution and detail retrieval
- Pro:Very low distortion across frequencies
- Pro:Natural, accurate timbre and neutral signature
- Con:Extremely high price point
- Con:Open-back design offers no isolation
- Con:Heavy weight may cause fatigue during long sessions
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.
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