Напольная акустика — Focal VESTIA N°2

The Vestia N°2 is a three-way reflex-loaded floorstander in the Vestia range from Focal, designed to pair an understated look with modern hi-fi engineering. The US price is USD 2,798 per pair. Focal suggests it for rooms of 20 m2 or more, with a recommended listening distance of 3 m.

Key specs that matter

The bass section uses two 16.5 cm Slatefiber woofers, the midrange is a 16.5 cm Slatefiber cone, and the treble comes from a 25 mm TAM unit whose inverted dome is aluminium and magnesium alloy formed in an M profile. Crossover points are 280 Hz and 2,800 Hz. Frequency response is 47 Hz to 30 kHz within 3 dB, reaching 37 Hz at -6 dB. Sensitivity is 91.5 dB at 2.83 V and 1 m. Nominal impedance is 8 ohm with a minimum of 3 ohm, and Focal recommends 40 to 250 W of amplifier power. Focal gives the dimensions as 101.2 cm high, 25.6 cm wide and 37.1 cm deep, and each speaker weighs 22 kg. In its 31 x 47.5 x 111 cm carton the weight rises to 26 kg.

Engineering and use context

The Slatefiber cones, a blend of recycled carbon fibre and thermoplastic, are produced in the French workshops of Focal. The M-shaped TAM tweeter, which Focal says had not been used in a home loudspeaker before, works with a decompression chamber and is surrounded by a urethane waveguide that Focal says improves directivity in the horizontal plane. The bass follows the multi-port Powerflow principle with ports at the front and rear. An ultra-rigid MDF enclosure controls resonance, an aluminium base gives ground stability, and the cabinet is tilted for time alignment. Finishes are Black High Gloss or Dark Wood with a black leather-effect front, and Light Wood with a white leather-effect front. Four spikes, four bumpers and a magnetic grille are supplied.

Pairing

Being fairly efficient, the Vestia N°2 does not need a large amplifier, while the low impedance minimum favours one that stays stable into low loads. The rear ports mean the wall behind the cabinet is part of the bass loading.

Alternatives

The Theva N°2 is a slimmer three-way Focal floorstander with two 13 cm Slatefiber bass drivers, a TNF tweeter, a 2.9 ohm minimum, a 90 dB sensitivity and a weight of 17 kg.