The Focal Theva No.1 Bookshelf Speaker Review: Exceptional Audio Performance in a Small Package

Focal’s new Theva No.1 bookshelf audio system show that large issues are available in small packages. These audio system function a strong, light-weight, and compact design with audio efficiency that’s exceptionally sturdy for audio system of this measurement, particularly contemplating their worth.

These audio system are extremely designed with a glossy aesthetic and dynamic scintillating sound. The, aptly named, Theva No.1s ship a shocking soundstage at an incredible worth and distinguish themselves by bringing a HiFi vibe to inexpensive bookshelf audio system.

High Points

• Exceptional audio with tight bass because of its spectacular low-frequency cutoff.
• The 58-HZ-28kHz bandwidth is spectacular for bookshelf audio system and gives nice element.
• A HiFi expertise at a low worth level.

Low Points

• Requires a great subwoofer to get essentially the most out of it.

Audio Performance

The Theva No.1s showcase a sound signature that’s cool, detail-oriented, and exact. Their potential to deal with decrease and midrange frequencies with finesse is a testomony to the built-in woofer by using Slatefiber cone know-how.. 

One of essentially the most notable strengths of the Thevas’ sound is the bass it may output. While it shines when paired with a good subwoofer, the Thevas seize a stunning depth to its bass and midrange, all on their very own. If you need to hear the low finish, with out feeling it rumble by way of your own home, the Thevas have you ever coated.

Certain tracks like Future’s I Serve the Bass or Denzel Curry’s Sumo gained’t really feel proper with out a sub, however contemplating the dimensions of the Thevas, they nonetheless sound surprisingly heavy whereas avoiding turning into distorted or muddy—because of the spectacular driver array.

The Thevas keep their exact low-end with a stunning flatness that doesn’t impede on the upper frequencies or compromise the general stability. These unimaginable bookshelf sentinels present an brisk and detailed listening expertise match for HiFi connoisseurs at a mid-range worth.

The treble response on the Theva No.1 is especially glorious. High-frequency singing sounds vivid and full, whereas the timbre is like consuming a Michelin meal—every flavour loved individually however mixed so expertly. Vocals from artists like Fiona Apple and Fleet Foxes sound commanding, whereas artists like Ichiko Aoba and Grouper are dealt with with the delicacy they deserve. 

Mid-highs sound great and crystal clear on the Thevas. Even whereas blasting at excessive volumes, the audio system by no means lose composure and keep a dynamic and nuanced signature that sounds very pure. 

Music with extra delicate motion, corresponding to Morton Feldman’s Rothko Chapel are delivered to life by these audio system. Every shift within the sound is pronounced, with no element being misplaced in translation. It is remarkably near the unique recording. 

The clearness of the sound is awe-inspiring. In my testing, I by no means had any points with interference or noise air pollution on these audio system. There is wealthy readability to the sound that clearly signifies a concentrate on element and exact audio.

If you like a hotter sound, then the Theva No.1 might disappoint. The audio system run on the cooler facet of issues, by no means turning into too indulgent in any facet and as an alternative offering a sound that’s correct and barely pulled again, however by no means muted or lifeless.

The sound staging on the Theva No.1 is expertly crafted to supply a visceral sense of house. I felt immersed within the element of the sound being output. Overall, these audio system can do loads with the sound for such a compact design.

It’s additionally price mentioning the spectacular quantity these audio system can ship. They are capable of fill a room very simply, and it doesn’t take a lot to get to that time both, which is important for a product that’s probably going to be put in in extensive, open areas, corresponding to residing rooms.

Internal Specs

One of the strongest facets of the Thevas is their superior driver array. The array is designed to reduce distortion and maximize the emphasis on the bass response. The discount in distortion ensures correct sound high quality and eliminates any nasty interference.

This works along side the aforementioned Focal patented Slatefiber woofer. The woofer makes use of non-woven carbon fibers and thermoplastic polymer to assist with rigidity, damping, and lightness.

The tweeter makes use of an inverted dome made from aluminum and magnesium to additional enhance rigidity, and assist scale back distortion, which from my testing, it does nicely.

Compact and Elegant Design

The No.1s boast a sublime, minimalist design that seamlessly integrates into any audio setup, no matter house. They look good in virtually any setup. Their small footprint is probably going the speaker’s strongest asset, because it makes them versatile and unobtrusive.

The audio system’ compact design would not finish at their measurement, they’re additionally light-weight. The No.1s additionally rock a well-tested, glossy aesthetic with a number of colors that make it straightforward to both mix or cover.

It is encased in a black, textured materials with a pleasant tactility. The supplies really feel high quality and durable, and don’t look low cost both.

The magnetic fabric grille continues this pattern, integrating with the design of the speaker in a slick, understated method.  It’s clear to me that these audio system had been designed to be unobtrusive and delicate, with the Focal emblem on the backside of the entrance panel being its solely actual distinguishing function.

Overall, the Theva No.1s are designed to be sturdy and an aesthetic asset to any setup. It is actually extra oriented towards those that need a extra delicate setup and the execution of the design is interesting. Focal has mixed the attraction of bookshelf audio system with a very stellar sound.

Integration and Who Should Buy 

Their efficiency is wildly spectacular for the value. They supply a nuanced and versatile sound and a strong quantity output that may simply fill a room. On that observe, I believe the individuals who profit from this essentially the most, are these restricted on house. If you might have an enormous house and the next price range, these audio system probably gained’t minimize it on their very own. That stated, I may see the Theva No.1s getting used as facet or rear audio system in a bigger encompass system. It’s price reiterating that although these audio system are restricted by their measurement, they nonetheless have a powerful output—spectacular sufficient to be price integrating into some bigger setups.

Compared to different bookshelf audio system, they appear costly, and the $998 price ticket could also be off-putting. Edifier, for instance, affords all kinds of bookshelf speaker choices for a considerably diminished price, such because the R1280DB or S1000MKII. But whereas they occupy the identical audio class, they’re in several leagues sonically. The Thevas further price goes an extended good distance in direction of offering you with a tailor-made audiophile expertise.

Conclusion

The Focal Theva No.1 Bookshelf Speakers mix exact sound copy, nuanced bass, and a sublime design that enhances any audio setup. These audio system squeeze sturdy efficiency from their compact and light-weight design, capable of do some fairly spectacular issues contemplating their small footprint.

Overall, the Theva No.1 is a powerful choice for anybody and simply wins our Highly Recommended award, resulting from its straightforward integration and excellent efficiency.

The submit The Focal Theva No.1 Bookshelf Speaker Review: Exceptional Audio Performance in a Small Package first appeared on My Site and is written by Justin Breckenridge