5-inch W-cone midrange
At the heart of the update is a new 5-inch reinforced W-cone midrange driver with an M-profile diaphragm, derived from Focal's Utopia Main professional monitor series. The driver combines Focal's composite W-sandwich construction with the one-piece M-profile geometry, TMD suspension, a neodymium motor, and an 80-millimeter voice coil. Focal's goal is a cleaner and more linear midrange with less distortion and more control at higher listening levels. Given the large proportion of music resides in the midrange, that is precisely where a loudspeaker upgrade in this price range should begin.
PRISM M-profile tweeter
The Scala Utopia Evo M is also equipped with Focal's new 27 mm PRISM M-profile inverted dome tweeter, which was first introduced in the flagship wireless Diva Alta Utopia. PRISM, an abbreviation for Photon-Refined Intelligent Structured Membrane, utilizes a multi-material diaphragm and a microstructured construction that, according to Focal, offers greater stiffness than beryllium, while maintaining the low mass and damping required for refined high-frequency reproduction.
It is coupled with Focal's IAL2 Infinite Acoustic Loading system, which lowers the tweeter's resonant frequency to 528 Hz and enables a frequency range of up to 40 kHz.
Bass reproduction
The 11-inch W-cone woofer has also been redesigned, featuring a 16 cm dual ferrite motor and a more precision laser-cut composite sandwich diaphragm. This works in conjunction with a large laminar bass port designed to move air without the rumble, compression, and general unwanted behavior that can undermine bass performance when a loudspeaker is heavily loaded.
Focal states that the Scala Utopia Evo M has an accuracy of ±3 dB down to 27 Hz, with a low-frequency point of -6 dB at 24 Hz. This suggests a powerful bass response from a loudspeaker that is easier to handle in a typical living room than the larger models in the range. Anyone who has ever listened to Focal's largest Utopia models knows that the company does not produce light bass.
Tone control of ± 1 dB
The revised OPC+ crossover utilizes high-quality components, thick internal cabling, and four isolated WBT terminals that support bi-wiring or bi-amping. More importantly, the user can adjust the amount of low, midrange, and treble, with the bass and treble controls allowing for an adjustment of ±1 dB. This is not room correction, and Focal does not pretend otherwise, but it offers users a convenient way to fine-tune the balance of the Scala without turning the listening room into a laboratory.
Housing
Focal has also retained the structural philosophy that has long characterized the Utopia series. The enclosure is constructed from high-density MDF panels up to 60 mm thick, featuring a heavy, vibration-damping frame formed using vibration analysis. Focus Time mechanically aligns the drivers with the listening position to improve time synchronization, while the individual compartments help maintain phase coherence between the low, mid, and high frequencies.
The Scala Utopia Evo M remains a typical French loudspeaker, both in terms of construction and appearance. The cabinet is made by Focal's cabinetmakers in Burgundy, while the drivers are produced in Saint-Étienne. This degree of vertical control is important in this price range, especially when a product depends on very specific driver geometry, cabinet tolerances, crossover settings, and a refined finish to prove its value.
Price and delivery information
Focal offers five finishes: high-gloss black, high-gloss off-white, and high-gloss warm taupe. For an additional charge, light walnut with an off-white front panel and dark walnut with a sepia brown front panel are available. The models will be available from August 2026, and prices start at $40,000 per pair.
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