Over-Ear
Focal Utopia
81Outstanding
$5,000
Full review dataFocal Utopia vs STAX SR-009D: 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.
Over-Ear
STAX SR-009D
81Outstanding
$2,600
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
STAX SR-009D leads on 2 of 4 measures.
- Focal Utopia
- STAX SR-009D
HearWiki score
81
81
Sound
9.7
9.7
Value
5.8
7.4
Price (USD)
$5,000
$2,600
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 STAX SR-009D is 2 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.
- Utopia2022
- SR-009D20242 yr newer
Specifications
UtopiaSR-009D
- Type
- Over-Ear
- Over-Ear
- Price (USD)
- $5,000
- $2,600
- HearWiki score
- 81
- 81
- Released
- 2022
- 2024
- Availability
- Still sold new
- Discontinued
- Driver
- 40 mm dynamic
- 2× electrostatic
- Driver type
- dynamic
- electrostatic
- Driver size
- 40 mm
- -
- Drivers per side
- 1
- 2
- Frequency response
- 5 Hz - 23 kHz
- 5 Hz - 42 kHz
- Sound signature
- neutral
- -
- Impedance
- 80 Ω
- 145000 Ω
- Sensitivity
- 104 dB/mW
- -
- Active noise cancelling
- No
- No
- ANC type
- -
- none
- Transparency mode
- -
- No
- Companion app
- -
- No
- Custom EQ
- -
- No
- Wear detection
- -
- No
- Weight
- 490 g
- 452 g
- Water resistance
- none
- -
- Detachable cable
- Yes
- Yes
- USB-C
- No
- No
- Pad material
- -
- leather
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
STAX SR-009D
The STAX SR-009D is a premium open-back electrostatic headphone engineered for audiophiles seeking exceptional clarity and detail. With its ultra-wide frequency response and refined driver design, it delivers a transparent, highly resolving soundstage, though it demands a dedicated amplifier and a substantial investment. Its leather pads and detachable cable add to a luxurious, high-end experience.
- Pro:Exceptional transparency and resolution
- Pro:Wide frequency response for detailed highs and lows
- Pro:Premium build with leather earpads
- Con:Very expensive
- Con:Requires specialized electrostatic amplifier
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless features
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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