Focal 1000 Utopia Series Loudspeaker Review with DIRAC ART Sneak Peak!

[TheoN]

This is a review years in the making! Focal's flagship 1000 series promises audiophile-grade sound and reference theater performance from an in-wall speaker. We do a deep dive into an all-Focal 1000 series installation with a special focus on the IWLCR Utopia and IWSUB models and a special surprise with Dirac ART! Surprises, pitfalls, and sonic bliss abound. Do you think architectural speakers have matured into serious contenders for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts? What advantages does a high end processor bring to an architectural installation? Are you excited about the possibilities with Dirac ART? What do you think about the measured performance of Stewart Filmscreen's StudioTek 130 G4 new Ultraperf?

READ: Focal 1000 Utopia Series Loudspeaker Review (with Dirac ART sneak Peak!)

 

[Movie2099]

Cool setup!

 

[cardsdoc]

Amazing setup. I was pleasantly surprised at the minimal acoustic impact of the ST 130 G4 ultraperf screen. Do you think this was due to the screen alone or these particular speakers matched with this screen? I'm looking for a higher gain AT screen than what I have now (0.8). The issue with perf screens for me has been I sit 8.5ft but a a little further back when reclined. I have 3 Revel F36 behind screen for LCR. Any sense in your viewing about seeing perfs at my distance? I have a sample but it's small and hard to know what a full screen would be like. EQ would be handled by Dirac with DLBC on a Denon A10H. Thanks.

 

[TheoN]

Thanks. I’m exceedingly pleased with the setup. I spoke with Don Stewart to do a deeper dive on the screen and Ultraperf this past summer. He touted the features of the screen—both visual and acoustic performance. He was spot on. The recommended distance from the wall for any AT screen is 6-12 inches. Performance should increase the further you are from the wall. Mine is just shy of 7 inches. So the numbers you see are for that distance and should improve if you move it further out. 8.5 feet you’re on the border of just being able to see them. You will be good at 9 feet or more. Remember one thing about Stewart. They have done military and movie applications. They make their name on accurate specs. If they say 9 feet then believe it.