“Too long, didn’t watch”: They use a magnesium coating on the drivers to reduce driver weight. This increases speed, range, and dynamics. The voicing is tuned to closely resemble Focal’s studio monitor speakers and ensure consistency.
[The description makes them akin to the Utopia with different driver technology. I’m guessing they focused on the pro market because they may also be bright.]
“Shit, these are bright and the timbre is way off”
“Call them … Professional…”
These do look better than the OG Clear Prof imo… and looks better built (hopefully)
Happy Cake Day @BuffaloWing.
Anybody have any experience with the Focal Shape series? I want to upgrade from my Kef lsx…I don’t really want to get a monitor per se but I have heard the shapes are great at being “audiophile speakers” as well. Going to use them nearfield on desk so any thoughts appreciated!
Also, if anyone is interested in the shape series too feel free to ask me questions…
Do focal headphones generally have a strong clamp force?
I have a large head, Ananda was a bit tight for me, Eikon/ K7xx / X00’s were great, for reference.
I cannot compare to the other models, but I found the Focal’s clamp force ok (I have the Elegia). Works nicely for me, even in longer sessions, and while wearing glasses.
As a reference, I have a 58 hat size (that’s roughly 23").
A little video @Resolve did from our trip to France in October. Includes Focal’s main office in St-Étienne and their cabinet factory in Bourbon-Lancy
And for those wondering, there are several @taronlissimore cameos in this one. Man of mystery Paul as well.
Nice video. It illustrates why enthusiast headphones are so expensive: limited market size, extreme quality control needed for their tiny drivers, hand assembly needed for small and oddly shaped parts, and located in an extremely expensive labor market. Focal isn’t that far away from Geneva, Switzerland. Luxury Swiss watches are made around there, and certainly have similar production requirements.
Yep. Why not add some intros: “Hi, I’m Taron and I do XXX”?
You learn something new every day.
“Hi, I’m Taron and this is my rack!”
That was a risky click… could’ve been a lot worse hahaha.
that’s pretty badass! I live in Utah and have toured Zu, Tekton, and Spatial audio labs but none manufacture their own drivers. They really just assemble the cabinets, damping, and final package. Would be pretty sweet to watch the tweeter stamping and woofer fabrication process.
Focal appears to have a Bluetooth/wireless ANC headphone in the works, Focal Bathys.
… and more.
Waiting for Headphones.com to release more info in the other dedicated thread https://forum.headphones.com/t/mystery-focal-release-10-04-2022/
Introvert and extrovert. Brothers, but different 
Update on the Utopia. After some burn in all day yesterday and last night, they’ve come alive in the lower FR. Much more weight now. Makes them feel like they have a soul. The dynamics and imaging seem to have improved as well. Haven’t heard og but I feel these are right where they need to be for me in the upper FR. I don’t think I’d want more. Very musical, punchy, and engaging. Oh, and I’m very surprised by the stage. Not too narrow and great depth imo.
Compared the bass to radiance and the Utopia is where it needs to be. Radiance is a little much but fun as a closed back, especially in that price range.
Congratulations, glad you are loving the Utopia more after the burn in!
