Focal has launched a large floorstanding active wireless loudspeaker called Diva Utopia. Focal has been working with British Naim for some time and it is Naim amplifiers that are built into the Diva Utopia. Music can be supplied wirelessly or via various wired inputs.
Focal Diva Utopia
The new floorstanding Diva Utopia joins Focal’s top line, i.e. the Utopia speaker series. The Diva Utopia is the company’s first active wireless model and each speaker is powered by 400 watt amplifiers from UK-based Naim Audio.
The basis of the Diva Utopia is a three-way floorstanding design with a bass reflex system. The cabinet features a high-density molded polymer enclosure with structural bracing and floating side panels covered in gray felt material. Five years in development and available exclusively from approved stores in the Focal Powered by Naim network, the Focal Diva Utopia promises, according to its designers, an excellent digital listening experience that matches its price tag.
The speakers feature Focal’s proprietary 27mm inverted ‘M’ dome beryllium tweeter, a 16.5cm ‘W’ cone midrange driver and four ‘W’ 16.5cm woofers in a push-pull configuration. According to the manufacturer, this is enough to fill rooms up to around 80m2.
Each driver is powered by its own dedicated class AB amplifier. There is 250 Watts for the bass, 75 Watts for the midrange and 75 Watts for the tweeter, so a total of 400 Watts per speaker. The manufacturer specifies a maximum SPL of 116 dB at 1 meter. The specified frequency range is from 27 Hz to 40 kHz (+/-3dB).
The Diva Utopia features the Naim Pulse Platform, which according to the designers is an optimized technology platform for active systems with full connectivity and impressive computing and upgrade capabilities. Music signal can be delivered up to 32-bit/384 kHz resolution.
This also requires a wireless system that can handle it, so enter the wireless technology called Ultra-Wideband (UWB). This technology is supposed to deliver high-definition audio transmission without loss, compression or latency. Focal claims that this enables wireless playback of audio that surpasses CD quality and approaches the high-resolution audio of a professional studio.
The wireless UWB connection between the speakers allows streaming at 24-bit/96 kHz. Those who would switch to a physical wired connection (with RJ45 connectors and UTP cable) can deliver a resolution of up to 24-bit/192 kHz. DSD64 and DSD128 files are also supported.
Naturally, all the major streaming services and features are on the Diva Utopia’s feature list, including Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, AirPlay, Google Cast, Tidal Connect and Spotify Connect. There’s also access to a host of other streaming services alongside internet radio via the Focal & Naim app. Meanwhile, UPnP support gives you access to your networked digital audio library.
Wired sources are also welcome. Connections are provided for HDMI eARC, optical, USB type A and line-level RCA inputs.
The Focal & Naim app also gives you control over all aspects of the Diva Utopia, and a remote control is also included. The new Diva can be integrated into an existing Naim or Focal ecosystem of up to 32 compatible devices.
Pricing and delivery information have yet to be announced.
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