Напольная акустика — Focal THEVA N°3

The Theva N°3 is a floorstanding model in Focal's Theva series, a range that replaced the Chora line and began shipping at the end of April 2023. Theva comprises six speakers - the N°1 bookshelf, the N°2, N°3 and N°3-D towers, a centre channel and surround models. A pair cost USD 2,398 in the United States at launch, and Focal describes it as the reference tower of the range, built in France.

Key specs that matter

Its three-way vented column carries a 25 mm aluminium magnesium TNF inverted dome tweeter, a 16.5 cm Slatefiber midrange and two 16.5 cm Slatefiber woofers. Frequency response is 48 Hz to 28 kHz at plus or minus 3 dB, with 39 Hz at -6 dB. Sensitivity is 91 dB, nominal impedance 8 ohm and minimum impedance 2.9 ohm, and amplifiers of 40 to 250 W are suggested. The crossover works at 270 Hz and 2,700 Hz. Each cabinet is 98.9 cm tall, 21.2 cm wide and 38.8 cm deep and weighs 20 kg.

Engineering and use context

Slatefiber cones were first used in the Chora series of 2019. They are produced from recycled non-woven carbon fibres combined with a thermoplastic polymer, a combination meant to keep the diaphragm light, rigid and well damped. The TNF tweeter combines an aluminium magnesium alloy dome in inverted form with a Poron suspension around it. Compared with the Theva N°2, which uses a 13 cm midrange, the N°3 has a larger midrange driver of the same size as its two woofers. The two woofers share the bass range, so the midrange cone is spared the largest excursions. The single reflex port opens on the rear panel. Stands under the floorstanders are tilted, which angles the baffle backward so the tweeter and cone outputs are time aligned at the listening position. A magnetic grille covers the front. The tilted base is moulded plastic, and the supplied spikes screw optionally into holes at its corners, with bumper counterpoints for hard floors. Gold-plated terminals accept banana plugs or bare wire. Buyers choose Black High Gloss or Dark Wood and Light Wood versions in simulated veneer, with metallic rings framing the drivers.

Pairing

With its high sensitivity, modest integrated amplifiers and AV receivers can drive the Theva N°3 to normal levels, though the low minimum impedance asks for an amplifier that tolerates low loads. The series centre and surround models let it serve as the front pair of a multichannel system.

Alternatives

Focal also offers the Theva N°2, a smaller tower in this series priced at USD 1,798 per pair.