Short answer: the Focal Utopia 2022. It ranks #239 of 481 over-ear headphones by sound quality, rated 3.5/5, at $4,999; the Yamaha YH-5000SE ranks #396, rated 2.7/5, and costs $4,999.95, which makes this an easy call rather than a real tradeoff.
The Focal Utopia 2022 is the better-sounding option. The midrange is very close to target, within about 0.7 dB from 60 Hz through 3 kHz, so vocals and instruments sit naturally. The tradeoff: Sub-bass is about 5.5 dB under target and treble is about 5.4 dB low from 6 to 10 kHz, with a 12.6 dB dip near 10 kHz, so cymbals and air sound muted and deep bass lacks rumble.
What the Yamaha YH-5000SE does well: The open back planar magnetic driver has a 34 ohm, 98 dB/mW load that a phone or small dongle can drive. The tradeoff: In oratory1990’s measurement a deep 16.7 dB dip near 2.75 kHz and a presence band 6.9 dB under target push vocals and lead instruments far back, for a preference score of 52 with 3.88 dB of deviation.
Buy the Focal Utopia 2022. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha YH-5000SE and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
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The midrange is very close to target, within about 0.7 dB from 60 Hz through 3 kHz, so vocals and instruments sit naturally.
Amazon $4,999.00 eBay
The open back planar magnetic driver has a 34 ohm, 98 dB/mW load that a phone or small dongle can drive.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Utopia 2022 | Yamaha YH-5000SE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,999.00 | $4,999.95 |
| Ranked | #239 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones | #396 of 481 in Over-Ear Headphones |
| Form Factor | Over-ear | Over-ear |
| Harman Preference Score | 71 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) | 52 (measured by oratory1990, via AutoEQ) |
| Deviation From Target | 2.62 dB standard deviation | 3.88 dB standard deviation |
| Tonal Tilt | -0.70 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) | -0.90 (negative is warmer, positive brighter) |
| Sub-bass Extension | Falls 6 dB below target at 30 Hz (-6.0 dB at 30 Hz) | Falls 6 dB below target at 27 Hz (-5.4 dB at 30 Hz) |
| Connection | Wired | Wired |
| Back | Open | Open |
| Driver Type | Dynamic | Planar magnetic |
| Drivers | 1 x 40mm dynamic | 1 x planar magnetic (Orthodynamic) |
| Impedance | 80 ohms | 34 ohms |
| Sensitivity | 104 dB SPL/mW | 98 dB/mW |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (490 g) | 0.7 lbs (320 g) |
| Frequency Response | 5Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 5Hz - 70kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Built-in Microphone | No | No |
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