Comments on: Grand Utopia EM: are they value at $269,000 a pair?

By: Len

Len — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:35:55 +0000

As one who has grown up in this industry I must agree that there is considerable truth in Rod’s observation. While I have heard speakers that cost more than the Grand Utopia which don’t sound close in terms of musical reproduction, this still only makes the question of ‘value’ one of relativity.
Either way with this product it is obvious that Focal falls into the ‘patron’ category.

By: Rod

Rod — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 03:50:02 +0000

To be honest I don’t feel there is much in the way of ‘value’ in any monetary terms in audio equipment that is priced in the five figures and higher. Manufacturers of these expensive products I see as one of two types, the ‘patrons’ and the ‘prisers’. The patrons build these delights with an “art for arts sake” ethos, selling them just helps them to design and build more art. The prisers really just want to relieve you of your hard earned. Or maybe I’m just a diehard cynic?

By: jes

jes — Thu, 07 May 2009 14:10:29 +0000

I can no wait to head down to Sydney just so these can grace every sensation.. They are as beautiful to look at as they are to touch as they are to listen to.

Simply art, simply perfection.

By: Robert Beerworth

Robert Beerworth — Thu, 07 May 2009 07:35:54 +0000

Len, What a great blog… and what a great set of speakers!

By: Brad Barter

Brad Barter — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:53:31 +0000

Len,
I listened to the previous generation Grand Utopia Be in your main room on a number of occasions. While the quality of the sound was impressive in its accuracy, full range, and dynamics, it tended to sound a little closed in and polite, to my ear. ‘Claustrophobic’ was the impresison that came to mind, even though your room isn’t particularly small. I’ve also read similar comments in hi-fi publications.

It might just be my sonic preference, but I thought that the big B&Ws (800, 802) produced a sound that was more emotive, more palpable.

Do you think that the new Grands have overcome this trait, or do they still demand that they are placed in massive listening rooms?