JeremyC
05-14-05, 03:03 PM
This is my review of the Focal Utopia 165 W
Before I go into my opinion of these let me give you some background of how I have them set up. I have 2 JL Audio 300/2s on theses in a Bi-Amp configuration, with the factory crossovers removed. I went with this configuration so I could use the time delay and fully adjustable crossovers that are found in my head unit to their fullest extent.
I did hook the Focal’s up in a normal configuration and was very impressed. The factory crossover gives the average person plenty of control, and excellent SQ. However if you want to take these amazing speakers to the next level Bi-Amped is the way to go.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from rap, and rock to techno. So I wanted a component set with a bit of punch in the mid, and a tweeter that would come to life with some of the highs found in some of my favorite techno songs. Point blank, the Focal’s nailed it. The mid has a nice punch to it, yet it doesn’t add to much coloration to the music. The tweeter balances with the mid almost perfectly, and brings out notes I have never heard with some of my past stereos, and that’s just how the techno sounded. Rock was just as breath taking. The guitar solo on # 11 of the Vertical Horizon cd gave me goose bumps, and the singers voice was so detailed you could hear every breath in and out, something I never noticed in my last stereos. IMO these speakers rock. They are not as neutral as some of the Dynaudio sets, but if you want something with a little more balls they are the way to go.
Would I recommend these to someone with taste like mine? WITHOUT A DOUBT! Yes they are one of the most expensive sets on the market, but well worth the price if you want one of the best.
Before I go into my opinion of these let me give you some background of how I have them set up. I have 2 JL Audio 300/2s on theses in a Bi-Amp configuration, with the factory crossovers removed. I went with this configuration so I could use the time delay and fully adjustable crossovers that are found in my head unit to their fullest extent.
I did hook the Focal’s up in a normal configuration and was very impressed. The factory crossover gives the average person plenty of control, and excellent SQ. However if you want to take these amazing speakers to the next level Bi-Amped is the way to go.
I listen to a wide variety of music, from rap, and rock to techno. So I wanted a component set with a bit of punch in the mid, and a tweeter that would come to life with some of the highs found in some of my favorite techno songs. Point blank, the Focal’s nailed it. The mid has a nice punch to it, yet it doesn’t add to much coloration to the music. The tweeter balances with the mid almost perfectly, and brings out notes I have never heard with some of my past stereos, and that’s just how the techno sounded. Rock was just as breath taking. The guitar solo on # 11 of the Vertical Horizon cd gave me goose bumps, and the singers voice was so detailed you could hear every breath in and out, something I never noticed in my last stereos. IMO these speakers rock. They are not as neutral as some of the Dynaudio sets, but if you want something with a little more balls they are the way to go.
Would I recommend these to someone with taste like mine? WITHOUT A DOUBT! Yes they are one of the most expensive sets on the market, but well worth the price if you want one of the best.