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 small packages. These audio system function a strong, light-weight, and compact design with audio efficiency that’s exceptionally robust for audio system of this measurement, particularly contemplating their worth.

These audio system are extremely designed with a smooth aesthetic and dynamic scintillating sound. The, aptly named, Theva No.1s ship a surprising soundstage at an amazing 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 superb subwoofer to get probably 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 Slatefiber. 

One of probably the most notable strengths of the Thevas’ sound is the bass it could output. While it shines when paired with an honest 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 your property, the Thevas have you ever lined.

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

The Thevas preserve their exact low-end with a stunning flatness that doesn’t impede on the upper frequencies or compromise the general steadiness. These unbelievable 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 shiny 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 preserve a dynamic and nuanced signature that sounds very pure. 

Music with extra delicate motion, reminiscent of 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 give attention to element and exact audio.

If you like a hotter sound, then the Theva No.1 could disappoint. The audio system run on the cooler facet of issues, by no means changing 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 offer 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 value 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 huge, open areas, reminiscent of residing rooms.

Internal Specs

One of the strongest elements 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 together with the aforementioned inside woofer, supplied by Slatefiber. The woofer makes use of non-woven carbon fibers and thermoplastic polymer to assist with rigidity, damping, and lightness.

The woofer makes use of an inverted dome tweeter produced 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 chic, 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, smooth aesthetic with a number of colors that make it straightforward to both mix or disguise.

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 development, integrating with the design of the speaker in a slick, understated approach.  It’s clear to me that these audio system have 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 definitely extra oriented towards those that desire a extra delicate setup and the execution of the design is interesting. Focal has mixed the allure of bookshelf audio system with a extremely stellar sound.

Integration and Who Should Buy 

Their efficiency is wildly spectacular for the value. They provide a nuanced and versatile sound and a strong quantity output that may simply fill a room. On that word, I feel the individuals who profit from this probably the most, are these restricted on house. If you’ve got a large house and the next price range, these audio system probably gained’t lower 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 value reiterating that regardless that these audio system are restricted by their measurement, they nonetheless have a powerful output—spectacular sufficient to be value 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, provides all kinds of bookshelf speaker choices for a considerably decreased price, such because the R1280DB or S1000MKII. But whereas they occupy the identical audio class, they’re in numerous leagues sonically. The Thevas further price goes a protracted great distance in the 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 chic design that enhances any audio setup. These audio system squeeze robust 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 possibility for anybody and simply wins our Highly Recommended award, on account of its straightforward integration and excellent efficiency.

The publish 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