Introduction
The Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo is a flagship loudspeaker that aims to redefine the pinnacle of audio performance. With its impressive visual impact and iconic design, this speaker demands attention in any listening space. Priced at £160,000 per pair, it is certainly an investment, but one that promises an unparalleled listening experience. Available in a range of color finishes, including Ash Grey, British Racing Green, Black Lacquer, Carrara White, and Metallic Blue, the Grande Utopia EM Evo offers a level of customization to suit any aesthetic preference.
Design and Build Quality
The design of the Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo is truly unique and visually striking. With an upper section that is canted forward, it exudes a sense of elegance and sophistication. The use of high-quality materials and meticulous construction can be seen throughout the speaker, ensuring not only a visually appealing product, but also one that is built to last. The attention to detail is evident in every curve and surface of the speaker.
One of the standout features of the Grande Utopia EM Evo is its customization options. Focal has incorporated a "Focus Time Adjustment" system, which allows users to tailor the speaker's performance to their specific listening space. This level of customization ensures that the speaker can adapt to any room acoustics, providing an optimized listening experience.
Performance
When it comes to performance, the Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo does not disappoint. The overall sound quality is exceptional, offering a level of transparency and clarity that is hard to match. The improved drivers and crossover system result in a more refined and detailed sound reproduction, allowing for a truly immersive listening experience.
The bass performance of the Grande Utopia EM Evo is particularly noteworthy. With the inclusion of offboard power supply units (PSUs), users have the ability to fine-tune the bass output to their liking. This level of control ensures that the speaker can adapt to different room sizes and configurations, delivering a tight, controlled, and realistic bass performance.
The Grande Utopia EM Evo also excels in rendering vocals and instruments with precision and accuracy. The speaker maintains cohesiveness and individual instrument separation, allowing for a lifelike and engaging listening experience. Additionally, the soundstaging and imaging capabilities of the speaker are exceptional, creating a wide and immersive soundstage that enhances the overall musical presentation.
Pros
The Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo offers a range of impressive features and benefits that set it apart from the competition. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Impressive visual impact and iconic design that demands attention
- Customizable to suit different listening spaces, thanks to the "Focus Time Adjustment" system
- Enhanced drivers and crossover for improved performance and sound reproduction
- High-quality construction and materials ensure durability and longevity
- Extensive customization options for bass tuning and driver characteristics, allowing users to tailor the sound to their preferences
- Exceptional transparency, clarity, and cohesiveness in sound reproduction
- Tight, controlled, and realistic bass performance that adapts to different room sizes
- Precise rendering of vocals and instruments, creating a lifelike and engaging listening experience
- Excellent soundstaging, imaging, and transient response, resulting in a wide and immersive soundstage
- Attractive design with visually appealing curved surfaces, adding elegance to any listening space
- The "Focus Time Adjustment" system improves driver synchronization for enhanced performance
- Prodigious and balanced bass that adds depth and impact to music and movies
- High-quality beryllium tweeter delivers detailed and accurate high-frequency reproduction
- Powerful and nuanced presentation that captivates and engages the listener
Cons
Despite its many strengths, the Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo does have a few drawbacks that are worth considering:
- The high price point of £160,000 per pair may be a barrier for many potential buyers
- Due to its size and weight, professional installation and setup are required, adding to the overall cost
- The setup process can be complex, with numerous mechanical and electrical adjustments required to optimize performance
- In some instances, the speaker may slightly reveal its location with hard-panned instruments, affecting the imaging and soundstage
- Adjustments to the bass output may be necessary in larger rooms to achieve optimal performance
- Some listeners may find a slight lack of lower-midrange warmth, which can be addressed with supporting components and cables
- Mixed reviews have been reported when pairing the Grande Utopia EM Evo with Naim Statement electronics, suggesting that system synergy may be a consideration
- The performance of the speaker can be affected by room acoustics, requiring careful placement and optimization
- In comparison to lower model Stella speakers, some users have found the performance to be very fine, raising questions about the value proposition of the Grande Utopia EM Evo
Conclusion
The Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo is a remarkable loudspeaker that offers an exceptional listening experience. Its impressive visual impact, customizable design, and high-quality construction make it a standout choice for those seeking the pinnacle of audio performance. With its enhanced drivers, extensive customization options, and impeccable sound reproduction, this speaker delivers a level of transparency, clarity, and cohesiveness that is truly remarkable.
While the high price point and complex setup process may be deterrents for some, those who are willing to invest in the Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo will be rewarded with a powerful and nuanced presentation that captivates and engages. With its exceptional bass performance, precise rendering of vocals and instruments, and impressive soundstaging and imaging capabilities, this speaker is a true testament to Focal's dedication to audio excellence.
In conclusion, the Focal Grande Utopia EM Evo is a remarkable loudspeaker that offers an unparalleled listening experience for those who demand the very best. Despite a few minor drawbacks, the combination of its impressive visual impact, customizable design, and exceptional performance make it a worthy investment for audio enthusiasts who are seeking the pinnacle of audio reproduction.
