Focal Theva N3 Speakers (Pair)

Focal Theva N3 speakers are large floorstanders with pedigree and sit close to the top of the Theva range above Theva N1 stand mount and smaller Theva N2 floorstanders. There is also an N3-D version designed for Dolby Atmos systems.

They offer dynamic, precise and powerful sound, thanks to two Focal innovations - Slatefibre cone drivers and TNF tweeter. The tweeter features an inverted dome for wide dispersion of higher frequencies. The drivers are also time aligned thanks to the tilted stand. This makes sure that the phase of the drivers is integrated, for accurate sound.

The removable front panel makes the speakers is discrete as well as elegant and they look great with or without the speaker grilles.

Refined design with three finish options

The French designed Theva N3s are elegant and refined, with three high quality finishes available. Gloss black, light wood or dark wood. The front grilles are removable to reveal the screen printed metal rings that surround the drivers. The rear firing bass port results in a frequency response down to 48Hz, with highs up to 28kHz. The recommended amplifier power is 40- 250 watts, making them easy to accommodate in most systems.

Inverted dome tweeters

Theva N3 features a unique inverted dome tweeter that was developed by Focal. It has two exemplary features that make the high frequencies sweet and clear.

The first is the inverted dome. The dome produces a well dispersed sound field. Making the listening location less critical. Secondly, the voice coil is bonded directly to the cone. The result is a very light unit, that accurately reproduce high frequencies. These two methods demonstrate Focal’s use of research and development in new technologies.

Carbon fibre drivers

Focal has become the benchmark for making high-performing bass drivers. This is exemplified by the ‘slate effect’ cones used in the N series. Many years of development went into the design and very light and rigid carbon fibre is used. The sound is rich and ultra-balanced with a clear and precise midrange.

Super-light carbon fibre

As mentioned above, the driver cones are made out of recycled, non-woven carbon fibres. These are mixed with a thermoplastic compound, to make a material that is very light and strong. Furthermore, the material resists warping.

The improved rigidity and damping make the sound controlled and sweet. Carbon fibre is a man-made material that is five times stronger than steel and twice as stiff. It is also very light in weight. The Slatefibre look is also an attractive counterpoint to the cabinet design.

Damping and rigidity

Carbon fibre is the perfect cone material due to several factors. The first is rigidity. The carbon fibres are all set in the direction. This moves ore air with accuracy for a given amplifier power. Secondly is damping. Damping is a factor of the amplifiers impedance and control. However the speaker cone design is also an issue.

The non-woven fibres used for the N range, improve damping by resisting the tendency to keep vibrating when the signal stops. Finally, lightness is a factor of good design. A light cone has less mass and is easier to drive.

Ported design

Some speakers are sealed cabinets and this can have better controlled bass but you need more amplifier power for a given output. Most passive hi-fi speakers are ported but with careful design this can yield very effective results. Theva N3s have a rear firing bass port that brings the low frequency response down to 48hz.

Most small speakers have a bass port to improve the low frequency response. Even then, many will struggle to offer the bass response of a floorstander. Theva N3 offers impressive bass when required, but importantly this is part of a cohesive sound that balances wonderfully with their mid and high frequency performance.