Focal Scala Utopia Evo Loudspeaker Review: Part 1

Focal's Scala Utopia Evo Loudspeaker is part of Focal's flagaship speaker lineup and the focus of this Focal-Naim review. The Focal Scala Utopia Evo is a 3-way floorstanding design that features an 11" bass driver, 6" mid and 1" Beryllium tweeter. The system frequency response is 27Hz to 40kHz +-3dB with 92dB sensitivity and weighing in at 187.4lbs each. The Scala Utopia Evo is capable of reference two-channel, multi-channel, and home theater. In Part 1, we'll highlight the Scala Utopia's technology, design, measurements, and listening impressions from a 2-Channel perspective.
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01:37 Greek 101: ΟΥΤΟΠΙΑ (Utopia)
02:55 Focal's Luxury Audio Lineup
05:40 Utopia Scala Design and Technology
06:46 Custom Color Options
08:36 Driver Material: W Sandwich Cone
09:11 Midrange Magnet Design
10:04 Beryllium Tweeter Advantages
10:30 Utopia Line uses a unique Infinite Acoustical Loading (IAL-2) Beryllium Tweeter
10:51 Tweeter and Bass Jumpers
11:29 Associated Equipment: Astral 16 and Naim New Classic 350 power amps
12:00 Listening Impressions
12:24 Seven Characteristics of the Scala Utopia's Sound
14:04 LFE routing to the Scala Utopia
19:16 Comparing Scala Utopia with RBH SVTR and Revel Ultima2 Salon
22:22 Focal Scala Measurements
26:23 Conclusion: Theo's Take
27:46 Coming in Part 2: Focal Utopia 7.2.6 Theater Review
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[@joes3800]

I greatly appreciate this review. Is there an ETA on Part 2? It's been 2 months... did the other speakers arrive later, or is Theo just building anticipation? ;)

[@Novilicious]

These speakers are over the top and I love it!! ❤ More of this please 🙏🏼

[@TheoNicolakis]

You’ll enjoy part II and then there will be something special coming with the 1000 Utopia architectural.

[@Masterslessons]

It's pretty insane

[@Masterslessons]

It's pretty insane

[@jameslarson2277]

Very nice review, Theo! I envoy you for spending time with these!

[@harisjaved1379]

End game? Bro this is end end end end game. I just heard the grand utopia evo in person yesterday…and they are unbelievable speakers. Most people don’t know but these speakers have wheels built in and they are pretty big, I have not heard the scala but the utopia evo is amazing.

[@TheoNicolakis]

Amazing, right?!

[@harisjaved1379]

@@TheoNicolakisabsolutely Theo! Great review as always! Thank you.

[@TheoNicolakis]

@@harisjaved1379Thanks. 😊 and I’ll bet they were playing the Grande Utopia without any EQ.

[@harisjaved1379]

@@TheoNicolakis yes no eq, it was a 2 channel setup with Naim setup. The room was very large with reflections but it was treated very well.

[@Echo-jg8is]

Do you think peoples bias coupled with the fact that humans generally interpret "different sound" as "better sound" make for a bad decision when it comes to judging speakers 🤔 we've had 30 years of " quantum leaps" and " next level" and "space age materials" in speakers, yet a good speaker 30 year ago with today's modern DSP is still a good speaker 🤔🔊

[@aaronao1]

Would be cool to compare midrange of Perlisten vs Scala? Perls have been known in recent time to have some of the best mid-range in the world partly due to the DPC array. I imagine it'd be a very close call. Scala probably might do better in bass ? I have listened to both but not A/B testing. For me Scalas are just bright and the measurement sshow it. I preferred Perlisten neurtrality. I dont like Eqing high frequencies.

[@Masterslessons]

It's not even a competition. The focal has it's refined separated cabinets and it's overall just way better than perlisten at this level

[@aaronao1]

I think to say its not even a competition is a bit... over the top. I've listened to both and can say with confidence, I found the Perls superior (probably partly due the room not being treated 100%). The DPC array clearly doing some magic there. Audioholics review has waxed lyrical about both models so its probably worth while waiting for their verification. @@Masterslessons

[@ricknaish4072]

Very well done review, thank you for sharing. I would be interested to see how much of a step up the Scala's are vs. the Sopra's.

[@user-mz6lt2pr9s]

Thanks for the review. Always nice to see and hear about speakers most of us can only dream of at almost $40K US. I’m sure they sound amazing but I don’t like the look. If the speaker fairy gave me $40K I would go in another direction. I’d ask for the $280K for the top of the line Focals noted and move to the French Riviera.

[@user-xp6zj7xq8k]

Really great entry level for high-end speakers (just listen Maestro, Stella and Grande Utopia). If you have a limited budget that 's the one and for small budget , I would say Sopra. Cheers from France😃

[@Skye_the_toller]

40k$ us … we do not have the same notion of limited budget!

[@user-xp6zj7xq8k]

@@Skye_the_toller Grande Utopia is 250k euro, so 40k USD can be considered as a limited budget. But I understand your point of view. After you got choices, for the same price you can get a car or speakers, at the end , it's just money you spend. It depends on your priorities. Passion could be expensive 😉

[@user-mr6pd1ig3u]

Hello, I' m going to buy the Scalas Evo by Focal. I own also a pair of professional studio monitors, the Neumann Kh420. Do the Scalas have the same neutrality of the Neumanns?

[@Breakinlife007]

I did the Utopia 1000 for center and Sopra towers for left and right.... for the price can't be beat... going into the Utopia for Left and Rights are just un needed imo

[@chebrubin]

Why do you prefer the Anthem AVM90 over Marantz AV10 for 2 channel listening?

[@TheoNicolakis]

Arguably the BEST sounding and best measuring pre-pros under $8K at Audioholics. I recommend anyone considering the two try and audition with a switcher and take a close listen to the midrange and imaging and see if you have a preference between the two. The Anthem has the added advantage of its four independent profiles and virtual inputs so that you can create up to four independent configurations for movies and music such as 2.0, 2.1, and experiment with different crossover points and even different ARC settings. Lots of flexibility from that perspective.

[@budsmoker4201120]

I heard these. Great sounding speakers! But for that mush money i would rather buy real instruments. But if you got it they rock.

[@Manicmechanic1977]

Did they lower the price? They were over 50 grand a pair last year.

[@TheoNicolakis]

Yes there has been a price adjustment and the review reflects the current pricing. The painted finishes are now $39,998/pair. The wood finishes are $53k/pair.

[@magicmulder]

Or used for half that. Way better deal if you ask me.

[@sage11x]

Tay-Oh? Foh-Kal? You say potato, I say Theo and Focal.

[@magicmulder]

French brand, so pronouncing it foe-CULL is correct.

[@BastardLikeAFox]

You convey your thoughts of these speakers in great way. Thumbs up for the reviewer.