Focal Theva N1 Speakers (Pair)

Focal Theva N1 speakers are compact bookshelf speakers that can be placed almost anywhere. They are the entry level speaker in the Theva range but make no mistake these speakers are able to create a big soundstage. Theva N1 can be used as stereo speakers in a hi-fi system or as part of a multi-channel home cinema system.

The sound is clean and pure thanks to two Focal innovations, the TNF tweeter and the Slatefibre cone bass unit. These versatile and attractive speakers are available in gloss black, light wood or dark wood and will ideally be stand mounted for the best possible performance.

French cabinet design

Focal Theva N1 is made in France and has a refined and delicate design. There is a removable front grille as well as three attractive finishes. The rings around the drivers are metallic and screen printed. Notably, the grille is attached magnetically. Finally, the rear vent boosts the bass response.

TNF tweeter

The TNF tweeter, used by Focal in most of their latest speakers, features an inverted dome as well as a very light voice coil. The wide dispersion design makes the tweeter very non directional. This makes them less critical in placement and the voice coil is directly connected to the cone - this makes for a very light unit that can accurately reproduce high frequencies.

Slatefibre cone drivers

More than four years of research and development have resulted in the Slatefibre cone driver. This driver has remarkable performance, characterised by its dynamic, rich and ultra balanced sound. The midrange is very clear and precise. This slate-effect driver has become the benchmark for high-performing bass speakers.

Composite cones

The slate effect is achieved by using recycled non-woven carbon fibre cones. Focal is the first to use this technology. The fibres are embedded in a thermoplastic polymer. This makes the material incredibly strong and light. As a result, the acoustic performance is amazing due to the rigidity and damping.

Three ideal factors

Three ideal factors make carbon fibre an ideal cone material. The first is extraordinary rigidity. The fibres are all oriented in the same direction. As a result, there is more bass for a given power.

The second is damping. Damping is defined as the ability of an amplifier to stop the motion of the driver cone when the signal has stopped. It is also a factor in the cone design. The non-woven carbon fibres of the focal drivers, tend to improve damping.

The third factor is lightness. The lighter the material the easier it is for the driver’s motor to move air. Sensitivity is also improved due to the very light carbon fibre cone.

Ported or sealed speakers?

The Theva N1 speakers have a rear firing bass port, for improved bass response. Most compact speakers have a bass port. Its position is usually dictated by the cabinet size and design. With smaller speakers, there is no room to place the port on the front or bottom of the cabinet.

There are in fact two types of cabinet design, sealed or ported. Ported units have an opening to the outside world. The port allows the air to escape from the cabinet, resulting in better low frequency response. Sealed units have no opening. They need more amplifier power for a given amount of bass. However, the bass is more controlled and accurate. The choice of which type of speaker to use is usually down to personal preference.