Focus Time principle | Focal Utopia Beryllium Line specification

7		Focus Time	™

	User manual Utopia Be line

Creating a special virtual source capable of delivering a coherent sound without any loss of audio quality over space.

The scale of the audio spectrum to be reproduced imposes unavoidable physical constraints. To appreciate this, you only need to consider the wavelengths to be produced.

The wavelength is expressed by:

λ= v/f

vis the speed of sound in air (340m/s)

f is the frequency of the signal to be reproduced

Therefore at 100Hz the wavelength λ = 3.4m

At 1,000Hz the wavelength λ = 34cm

And at 10,000Hz the wavelength λ = 3.4cm

The only solution to achieve a faithful reproduction of the original signal is to divide up this reproduction through the use of optimized loudspeakers, the diameters of which are related to the frequencies that they are designed to reproduce in order to obtain constant directivity for the frequencies concerned.

For the bass, due to obvious size restrictions it would be impractical to use diameters running into meters. Fortunately, directivity is not critical in view of the large wavelength of frequencies in the bass register. In the midrange and treble, directivity has a major influence however, so here multiple drive units are needed.

However, although this multiplication of sources is ideal for faithfully reproducing each of the frequency zones, it does pose a problem of coherence. The sound from each of the drive units must reach the ear of the listener at the same time (chronological synchronicity). If the midrange, the treble or the bass is received ahead of any of the other registers, there will naturally be an impression that the sound is distorted. Faithfully reproducing the original audio signal dictates that all frequencies must reach the listener at the same time, perfectly in sync.

The Focus Time principle

The alignment of several loudspeakers on a flat front baffle inevitably leads to a small degree of audio distortion. The treble will be heard first, followed by the medium and the bass - this time smearing is heard as a blurring of transients. Naturally, it is possible to experiment with the respective positioning of the transducers in order to compensate for this effect. Nevertheless, it is obvious that the tweeter that emits the shortest (and therefore the most direct) frequencies must be placed on the axis of the listener’s ear (at the same height). This means that in order that the mid and bass frequencies arrive at the same time as the treble, the drivers designed to reproduce these frequencies must ideally be positioned in a semicircle, the center of which is located at the same height as the listener’s ear. This is the principle of Focus Time, in which all frequencies are focused upon the listener and take the same time to cover the distance separating the loudspeaker from the listener whatever the register, be it bass, mid or treble.

Towards the ideal of the single point source

As mentioned previously, the theoretical ideal for localized sources inevitably runs up against physical constraints. This is even more evident when you add the notion of the directivity of the transducers (see OPC filter) and the notion of energy reproduction, for the bass, arising from the movement of the membrane which increases progressively as the diameter decreases.

The Focus Time solution offers an intelligent response to all of these problems by reconciling temporal coherence and enhanced dynamic range. The final sound image is characterized by excellent stability regardless of the amplitude concerned.

This is the best possible solution to simultaneously reconcile the criteria of tone, dynamic range and the sound image.

The various loudspeakers are aligned vertically on a traditional front panel.

The distance from the emissive center of each of these loudspeakers to the ear of the listener is not identical.

The Focus Time structure: each of these loudspeakers is positioned in a semicircle, taking the listener’s ear as its center.

Cutaway view of the Grande Utopia, clearly showing the Focus Time profile.

Utopia Beryllium Line specifications

The Focal Utopia Beryllium Line represents the pinnacle of headphone technology, combining cutting-edge materials with sophisticated design to deliver an unparalleled listening experience. Renowned for their audio fidelity, these headphones have become a benchmark in the high-end audio market, attracting audiophiles and casual listeners alike.

At the heart of the Utopia series is the innovative beryllium driver. This unique material has been chosen for its exceptional rigidity and lightweight properties, which allow for precise sound reproduction across a wide frequency range. The beryllium dome used in the drivers is lighter than traditional materials like plastic or aluminum, contributing to a rapid response and minimal distortion, even at high volumes.

Another hallmark of the Utopia Beryllium Line is its open-back design, which enhances the listening experience by creating a natural and immersive soundstage. This design allows air and sound to flow freely, resulting in a more open and airy sound. Listeners are treated to an expansive audio landscape, with instruments and vocals feeling as if they are placed in a three-dimensional space.

The Utopia headphones also incorporate Focal's "M" shape dome technology, which optimally shapes the driver to provide an extended frequency response. This technology ensures that the headphones deliver rich bass, detailed mids, and sparkling highs. The frequency response ranges from a low of 5 Hz to a high of 50 kHz, allowing listeners to experience the full spectrum of sound.

Comfort is another critical aspect of the Utopia design. The headphones feature soft memory foam earpads and a lightweight structure that ensures long listening sessions can be enjoyed without discomfort. The headband is made from high-quality materials, contributing to both the aesthetic appeal and the longevity of the product.

Further, the Utopia Beryllium Line boasts a striking aesthetic, with a luxurious look that includes genuine leather and an elegant, modern finish. The combination of form and function makes these headphones not just a tool for listening, but a statement piece for any audio enthusiast.

In summary, the Focal Utopia Beryllium Line stands out for its revolutionary use of beryllium in driver technology, open-back design, and commitment to comfort and aesthetics. These features come together to create a transcendent auditory experience, setting a high standard for what audiophiles can expect from premium headphones. Whether for casual listening or critical listening sessions, the Utopia Beryllium Line is engineered to impress.