Focal Diva Utopia

The template for high-end audio feels like it is set in stone, and it has been like that for the best part of five decades. In this arena, separates rule, and every piece in the audio chain is split as far as possible to the point where it isn’t unusual to have systems where the box-count reaches double figures.

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That's not necessarily a problem for purist audiophiles, but there remain many people who want excellent sound, yet prefer it wrapped in a neater, less cluttered and more stylish package. For them, Focal's Diva Utopia could well be the answer.

Streaming systems that take the form of a pair of stereo speakers are hardly new. KEF has made hay with its various LSX, LS50 and LS60 Wireless products, while the likes of Bowers & Wilkins, Dali, JBL and Triangle have also contributed some fine efforts. However, none of these products sits at what would be considered the high end of the market. At this level, Focal’s Diva Utopia is almost unique in packing a streaming module, DAC, amplifiers and drive units all into a stereo speaker format, though we have tested some Goldmund and Meridian products that have come close to such integration.

The Diva Utopia are described as wireless, and they are, mostly, though no company has come up with a way of getting rid of the mains cables that each of the two speakers requires. Also, if you want to improve on the 24-bit/96kHz wireless transmission limit between these speakers, using the supplied cable to link them raises that to 24-bit/192kHz. Recordings of higher resolutions (up to 24-bit/384kHz PCM and DSD128 files) are downsampled and DSD files are converted to PCM. Is that important? We would suggest that it is, particularly given the price point, but recognise that most people aren't likely to have many recordings at these higher sampling rates. Ultimately, we are willing to give the Diva Utopia leeway to impress with its sonic performance.