Describing Focal’s Diva Utopia as merely “wireless speakers” feels like referring to a Ferrari Enzo as just a “sports car.” At a staggering price of $39,999 and standing tall at 47 inches, these floor-standing behemoths deliver sound in a way that is beyond basic classification. The speakers employ an ultra wideband (UWB) wireless link that Focal claims can transmit up to 24-bit/96kHz lossless high-resolution audio “with practically no latency.” For those willing to invest, pre-orders begin on October 2 at Focal Powered By Naim boutiques.
UWB technology boasts extremely high data transfer rates, often surpassing 1Gbps, but it typically operates effectively only over short distances. Yet, Focal states that the UWB connection for the Diva Utopia remains stable at distances of up to 10 meters (roughly 32 feet), which is ample for ensuring optimal stereo separation. A separation of at least 5 meters between the speakers is advisable for the best experience. While the UWB connection might reach longer distances, any physical obstructions may affect performance.
Focal isn’t the first to integrate UWB technology into wireless speakers; that pioneering role belongs to Sonus Faber, which introduced it in the $3,999 Duetto model in 2023.
If going wireless isn’t appealing or if your audiophile sensibilities demand the highest sampling rates, Focal provides a 5-meter (16.4 feet) high-resolution connection cable, which enhances transmission quality to 24-bit/192kHz—identical to the maximum bit-depth and sample rate offered by Apple Music’s high-resolution audio tracks.
While audio data can be shared wirelessly, each speaker requires its own power source. Each unit is equipped with three class AB amplifiers delivering a total of 400 watts. This robust power drives a 27mm beryllium M-shaped tweeter, a 16.5cm W-shaped glass-fiber cone midbass driver, and four W-shaped 16.5cm woofers arranged in a push-push configuration for deeper sound.
In a departure from luxurious woods or advanced metals, Focal has opted for OEKO-TEX-certified polyester felt to cover the side panels of the Diva Utopia. The company asserts that this material not only adds a touch of elegance but also features insulating properties that elevate the speaker’s already impressive performance.
Music source options are extensive. The back panel of the main speaker features connections for stereo RCA analog, digital optical, USB, and HDMI ARC/eARC. Additionally, the speakers can integrate seamlessly with the Focal & Naim app, allowing access to various settings along with support for Tidal, Qobuz, QPlay, internet radio, and podcasts.
This app functions as a remote control—Focal also includes a physical remote—and allows users to integrate the speakers into a Naim-based multiroom audio system. Voice control functionality is available through popular voice assistants like Google Assistant and Siri, as well as various home automation systems including Control4, Crestron, Savant, RTI, HomeKit, and Google Home.
If you prefer to skip the app and just play music directly from your device, streaming is supported via Apple AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Universal Plug’n’Play (UPnP), or Bluetooth 5.3 with aptX Adaptive compatibility.
At the core of the Focal Utopia’s technology lies an Analog Devices SHARC ADSP21563 DSP, capable of real-time algorithmic processing for functions like active crossover with time delays, compression, room correction, and equalization. This component is also responsible for decoding a wide range of audio formats, including WAV, FLAC, AIFF, ALAC, MP3, AAC, OGG, DSD64, and DSD128.
The processed digital signal is subsequently handled by dual Burr Brown PCM1791A DACs.
Inside the generously sized packaging, you’ll discover a remote, the high-res connection cable, and eight spikes along with counters to ensure optimal isolation from your flooring.
