French connections

New speaker range from across the channel

AVAILABLE: NOW WEB: FOCAL.COM

FRENCH BRAND FOCAL has refreshed its Aria series with the launch of Aria Evo X, a line of loudspeakers to follow the Aria 900 range. There are five new speakers: one compact bookshelf model (Aria Evo X N°1); three floorstanders (N°2, N°3, N°4) and a centre for home cinema setups (Aria Evo X Center).

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M people

Features include an M-shaped inverted dome TAM tweeter, successor of the TNF tweeter which the company says reproduces treble more faithfully by going further into the high and low ends of the spectrum. The surround on the midrange is equipped with TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) technology to stabilise how the surround behaves in a bid to reduce distortion and deliver balanced dynamics. The ‘M’ shape of the dome is a company innovation which Focal claims is capable of reproducing high frequencies up to 30kHz.

In the bass drivers, the magnet has been revamped to deliver more impact in the bass and the crossovers have been reworked with better components to improve balance. The speakers come in a new finish: Moss Green High Gloss joined by the traditional Black High Gloss and Prime Walnut finishes. Each is combined with leather-effect front panels.

Focal says: “Aria Evo X opens a new chapter for a signature Aria feature, with the iconic flax cone appearing in the line’s midrange and bass drivers. An innovation Focal first unveiled with the Aria 900 line in 2013, this cone made from French flax fibre is used to produce a very natural sound, free of colouration while boasting rich midrange reproduction and clear bass strokes.”

The Aria Evo X N°1 two-way bookshelf is recommended for rooms of at least 15m2, with a listening distance of 2 to 3m. It pairs an M-shaped inverted dome TAM tweeter with a 165mm mid/ bass driver and has a claimed sensitivity of 89.5dB (8ohm). It’s priced at £.

The three-way floorstanding Aria Evo X N°2 is suited for rooms of at least 20m2, with a recommended listening distance of 3m. It adds two 165mm flax bass drivers to the same tweeter and mid/bass driver of its sibling for 91.5dB (8ohm) sensitivity. Price is £.

Another three-way floorstander, the Aria Evo X N°3 is said to be best suited for rooms from 25m2, with a recommended listening distance of 10 to 13m. It adds an extra bass driver to what the Aria Evo X N°2 offers, has claimed sensitivity of 92dB (8ohm) and is priced at £.

The Aria Evo X N°4 floorstander is suitable for spaces of at least 30m2 with a recommended listening distance of 3 to 5m. It has the same tweeter as its siblings, but partners it with a single 165mm flax midrange driver and a 210mm bass driver. Sensitivity is quoted as 92.5dB (8ohm) and it costs £.

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