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Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 wins by 4
Focal Utopia 2022 — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 takes it — here’s why.

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

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

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

Pick Focal Utopia 2022 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).

Audeze MM-500 92
vs
96 Focal Utopia 2022

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

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

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

FAQ: Audeze MM-500 vs Focal Utopia 2022

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

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

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

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

Is Focal Utopia 2022 worth the price? +

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

Does Audeze MM-500 or Focal Utopia 2022 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, Audeze MM-500 or Focal Utopia 2022? +

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

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

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