Полочная акустика — Focal THEVA N°1

The Theva N°1 is the bookshelf model of Focal's Theva range, the entry-level French line that replaced the Chora series. Theva was shown to the public at Axpona in mid-April 2023 and reached shops by the end of that month. The family covers six products - this two-way standmount, the N°2 and N°3 floorstanders, an N°3-D with a height module for Dolby Atmos, a Center and a Surround. In the US the N°1 was priced at USD 998 per pair, and Focal lists it as made in France.

Key specs that matter

A 16.5 cm (6.5 in) Slatefiber bass/midrange driver works with a 25 mm (1 in) TNF tweeter, and the crossover point sits at 3,000 Hz. Focal quotes a bandwidth of 58 Hz to 28 kHz, with the low-frequency cut-off at 49 Hz for -6 dB. Sensitivity is 89 dB, nominal impedance is 8 ohm with a minimum of 4.6 ohm, and Focal advises amplification of 25 to 100 W. Each cabinet measures 39.2 cm high by 21.2 cm wide by 26 cm deep and weighs 7 kg with its grille.

Engineering and use context

The Slatefiber cone is made from recycled carbon fibres bound with a thermoplastic polymer, a material Focal first used in the Chora range and keeps across all Theva models. The TNF tweeter uses an inverted dome in an aluminium and magnesium alloy, a design aimed at low distortion in the treble. Theva reuses the driver types of its predecessor, while Focal revised the internal crossover and the cabinet bracing. The reflex vent is placed at the rear of the enclosure, which lets the cabinet stay shallow and slim, and an additional front panel gives the baffle its layered look. The grille is held on magnetically. The binding posts are larger than usual and accept banana plugs, spades, pins or bare wire. Three standard finishes are available - Black High Gloss, Light Wood and Dark Wood - and the box includes four spikes and four bumpers.

Pairing

With a benign minimum impedance and reasonable sensitivity, the speaker makes modest demands on an amplifier, so compact integrated models and stereo receivers with moderate output are workable. Focal sells an optional 55 cm stand that is tilted to give Time Alignment of the two drivers, while the Theva Center, Surround and floorstanders allow a full home cinema layout from the same line.

Alternatives

From Focal's Vestia line, the Vestia N°1 is a bookshelf of similar size fitted with an M-shaped TAM tweeter and a front-facing port.