In 2017, the Utopia III Evo range was expanded with a new edition in the flagship line of loudspeakers from Focal. In 2018, the French brand introduced the top of range for the line: the Grande Utopia EM Evo and the Stella Utopia EM Evo. Focal’s leading loudspeaker has always embodied the best the brand has to offer, and is the most accomplished result of the company’s acoustic research.
Since its launch in 2008, the success of Utopia III has spread across the globe. Focal’s speaker engineers are constantly refining their research, and innovation is clearly present in the Utopia’s speaker drivers, but also the crossover, the very structure of the loudspeaker and the finishes available. Every detail has been developed yet further to push the limits of speaker design.The largest speakers in the Utopia III line now combine all that research conducted since Utopia III was launched in 2008. They showcase the brand’s exclusive innovations, particularly in the midrange: the Tuned Mass Damping (TMD) suspension and the Neutral Inductance Circuit (NIC). The structure of the loudspeaker itself has also been strengthened by the new Machined Reinforcement Rings (MRR) system around the speaker drivers. And as the devil is sometimes in the detail... the crossover has been redesigned, the components modified, meticulously selected for a more accurate sound quality.
The TMD technology provides a linear frequency response curve between 1 and 4 kHz, while dramatically reducing distortion in this range. The result is a remarkable neutrality in the mid-range register. It also contributes to the excellent precision of the overall stereo image.
Stabilizing the magnetic field in order to avoid harmonic and intermodulation distortion is a challenge. Research conducted by Focal engineers has enabled them to create an unbelievably stable magnetic circuit: Neutral Inductance Circuit (NIC) technology.
ThIs is followed by the structure benefits from an increased rigidity thanks to the Machined Reinforcement Rings (MRR) system, composed of solid machined aluminum parts, positioned between the front speaker and the speaker driver basket. This sandwich technology is used in the form of rings for the 6” and 11" speaker drivers of the Stella Utopia EM Evo, and on the 6" speaker drivers of the Grande Utopia EM Evo. The 13” (Stella Utopia EM Evo) and 15" woofers (Grande Utopia EM Evo) also use segments of solid aluminum.
Like the first models of this new Utopia III Evo edition, the Maestro Utopia Evo and Scala Utopia Evo, the large Grande Utopia EM Evo and Stella Utopia EM Evo are available in new finishes inspired by the automotive world. Meanwhile, the Diablo Utopia, Viva Utopia and the subs Utopia EM, all preserve the sound quality of the previous edition, while adding new external finishes. The whole line is therefore available in Metallic Blue, Ash Grey and British Racing Green, in addition to the Black Lacquer and Carrara White. The loudspeaker cabinet is fully lacquered, with the front and sides in one single color. Black makes a comeback in the details, with the baskets and tweeter cabinet in Graphite Black.
With this updated edition featuring Focal’s most recent research and new finishes, Utopia III Evo remains an iconic line, featuring a whole range of innovations and attention to detail that combine to make it unique. Only the familiar silhouette of the Utopia Evo remains unchanged, in a very contemporary revamped style.
The Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo will have an SRP of €180,000 per pair and the Stella Utopia EM Evo €100,000 per pair.
www.focal.com
