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Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 4
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Focal Utopia 2022 lands at 96 and Audeze MM-500 at 92. That puts Focal Utopia 2022 ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Focal Utopia 2022 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Utopia 2022

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 leads on sound (96 vs 92).

Noise cancelling

Tie

ANC strength for commute and travel

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Comfort

Tie

Long-session wearability

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

Audeze MM-500

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Audeze MM-500 more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $4,999).

Focal Utopia 2022 96
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

Focal Utopia 2022
96
anc 0
sound 96
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50
Audeze MM-500
92
anc 0
sound 92
comfort 88
battery 100
features 50

Specs side-by-side

Focal Utopia 2022 versus Audeze MM-500 — full spec comparison
Spec Focal Utopia 2022 Audeze MM-500
Type
Open-back
Planar magnetic

Focal Utopia 2022

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

Audeze MM-500

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

FAQ: Focal Utopia 2022 vs Audeze MM-500

Which is better, Focal Utopia 2022 or Audeze MM-500? +

Focal Utopia 2022 scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +

At $4,999, Focal Utopia 2022 delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in battery.

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

At $1,699, Audeze MM-500 delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in battery.

Does Focal Utopia 2022 or Audeze MM-500 last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for sound quality, Focal Utopia 2022 or Audeze MM-500? +

Focal Utopia 2022 — leads on sound (96 vs 92). Tuning, detail, and staging.

Which is the better value, Focal Utopia 2022 or Audeze MM-500? +

Audeze MM-500 — more score per dollar ($1,699 vs $4,999). Specdex score per dollar at MSRP.