Approximate system cost: €100,000.
The Focal Maestro Utopia Evo paired with some impressive pre/power amplification from partner Naim Audio. The system had all the elements that make Naim and Focal systems so enjoyable. Stunning reproduction of plucked acoustic guitar and a tremendous sense of rhythm and pace made for an engaging listening experience. Everything from the woody taps on an acoustic guitar body to the percussive feeling of hammers on the strings of a piano brought music to life with incredible veracity. This is a system for those who think that being launched off an aircraft carrier by steam catapult in an F/A-18 sounds like a fun way to while away an afternoon.
Jonathan Gorse
Senior Contributor, SoundStage!
