Over-Ear
Focal Utopia
88Outstanding
$4999
Full review dataFocal Utopia vs STAX SR-X9000: 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
STAX SR-X9000
88Outstanding
$5050
Full review dataScore breakdown
Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.
Focal Utopia
Sound9.5
Value5.0
STAX SR-X9000
Sound9.5
Value5.0
Specifications
| Spec | Focal Utopia | STAX SR-X9000 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-Ear | Over-Ear |
| Price (USD) | $4999 | $5050 |
| HearWiki score | 88 / 100 · Outstanding | 88 / 100 · Outstanding |
| Released | 2022 | 2021 |
| Audio | ||
| Driver | Dynamic | electrostatic |
| Driver size | 40 mm | - |
| Drivers per side | 2 | 2 |
| Frequency response | 5Hz-50kHz | 5Hz-42,000Hz |
| Sound signature | Neutral | - |
| Impedance | 80 Ω | 145000 Ω |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB/mW | - |
| Wireless | ||
| Bluetooth | none | - |
| Multipoint pairing | No | No |
| Features | ||
| Active noise cancelling | No | No |
| Design | ||
| Weight | 490 g | 432 g |
| Water resistance | none | - |
| Detachable cable | Yes | - |
| USB-C | No | - |
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
STAX SR-X9000
The STAX SR-X9000 is a top-tier electrostatic headphone that excels at revealing fine detail, ambient cues, and instrumental nuance, delivering an exceptionally transparent and spacious soundstage. It offers outstanding speed, transient response, and realism, making it ideal for classical and spatially demanding music. However, it requires a dedicated energizer/driver unit, pushing the total system cost far beyond the already steep headphone price.
- Pro:Exceptional detail retrieval and transparency
- Pro:Huge, three-dimensional soundstage with precise imaging
- Pro:Fast transient response and realistic timbre
- Con:Requires separate electrostatic driver unit
- Con:Very high total system cost
- Con:No noise cancellation or wireless convenience
Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.
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