Skip to content
Specdex
Compare now
Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue — Open-back
Focal

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue

Open-back

96
/ 100
From $4,999
VS
Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue wins by 4
Audeze MM-500 — Planar magnetic
Audeze

Audeze MM-500

Planar magnetic

92
/ 100
From $1,699
Specdex verdict

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue takes it — here’s why.

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

Pick Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue if…

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

Pick Audeze MM-500 if…

  • ✓Reference-level detail
  • ✓Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • ✓Long-term ownership appeal
Share this comparison: Share to Reddit X / Twitter

Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Sound quality

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue

Tuning, detail, and staging

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue 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).

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue 96
vs
92 Audeze MM-500

Score breakdown

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

Specs side-by-side

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

Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue

Pros
  • +Reference-level detail
  • +Well-regarded in audiophile community
  • +Long-term ownership appeal
Cons
  • −Requires amplifier (most)
  • −No active noise cancellation
  • −Impractical for commuting

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

FAQ: Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue vs Audeze MM-500

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

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

Is Focal Utopia 2022 · Navy Blue worth the price? +

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

Is Audeze MM-500 worth the price? +

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

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

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

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

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