Focal

Focal Aria Evo X N°4 Speakers

The Aria Evo X N°4 embodies a return to authentic acoustics. With its two 8" (203mm) bass drivers, this floorstanding loudspeaker will delight music lovers who like a big sound. This is the most imposing model in the range, and ideal for spaces of at least 30m², with a recommended listening distance of 3 to 5 metres.

It features a design optimizing sound reproduction including a TAM tweeter with "M" profile, two 8 inch (203mm) bass drivers, a midrange driver with an exclusive flax membrane, and a bass-reflex system for enhanced sound depth. It's the perfect model for all lovers of music and speakers with a modern, refined look.

Focal technology, the Flax membrane of the loudspeakers is the source of a very natural sound, with rich reproduction in the midrange and excellent bass response. The TAM tweeter delivers silky treble and a wide dispersion angle, thanks to its exclusive "M" profile.

Made in France, Aria Evo X N°4 features an ultra-rigid MDF cabinet for enhanced neutrality and an aluminium-alloy base for stability on the floor. In addition to its performance, the loudspeaker is meticulously designed, blending classicism and modernity for perfect integration into any interior. Its Gloss Black, Walnut and Moss Green finishes combine with a leather-effect front panel and glass top to offer even greater refinement.

Feature

Flax Membrane: As the key component of a loudspeaker, the membrane is at the heart of Focal's acoustic research. After more than five years of research and development, in 2013 Focal unveiled an exclusive membrane made from flax. Patented, this flax cone is a sandwich made of very high quality French flax fibre placed between two thin sheets of glass fibre. It satisfies all the criteria of a high-fidelity membrane: lightness to offer good dynamics, rigidity to control the bass and damping to deliver a neutral, natural, uncoloured sound. It is an emblematic Focal innovation in many hi-fi products.

TMD Suspension: While Focal's engineers are experts in the development of exclusive diaphragms, they also innovate in all the components that make up the loudspeakers, such as the surround that connects the diaphragm to the frame, the performance of which must be mastered. Introduced in 2015, Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology with harmonic damping consists of the addition of finely positioned toroidal weights to stabilize the surround for even greater sonic neutrality. This technology enhances the midrange and the erratic behaviour of the surround between 1 kHz and 2 kHz.

TAM Tweeter: Membrane shape and materials are essential for high-fidelity reproduction. Focal engineers have designed the TAM tweeter. Manufactured in Focal's workshops in France, it boasts a number of advantages, particularly in terms of wide-angle diffusion. Comprising an aluminium/magnesium inverted dome cone with an "M" profile for even greater rigidity, it delivers flawless harmonic balance and detailed treble. The presence of a decompression chamber limits disturbances caused by rear waves, for even greater sonic clarity.

Perfectionists' Cabinet-Work: Great drivers mounted in poorly designed enclosures will, sadly, sound like poor drivers. That is why the Aria Evo X N°4's cabinet is constructed from controlled density MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) with non-parallel sides and bracing at strategic points. The floorstanding cabinets come complete with cast aluminium plinths both to improve their floor coupling and to optimise the air flow from the downward firing vent. And the Evo X N°4 incorporates two vents, in fact, (horizontal and vertical) in PowerFlow configuration for a 50% air movement speed reduction in the vents, reducing turbulence and noise leading to zero dynamic compression. Finally, the midrange and treble sections have their own sealed enclosures with non-parallel walls to minimise internal standing waves.

The Aria Evo X N°4 is available in Walnut, Moss Green or Gloss Black. The cabinet has a glass top and leather-effect finished front highlighted with brushed gunmetal trim rings. They exude style and quality and will fit perfectly with both traditional and contemporary decors.

The Search for Excellence: The Aria Evo X N°4's crossover is carefully designed using an expert combination of science and art. Given today's measurement and design tools, it is easy to produce a good loudspeaker (if one has the capacity to design them and build them consistently, of course). So, if one is content with the merely "good", the job is done and small corrections can be left to the crossovers. But for Focal, only the best will do and for the best, problems have to be resolved at source with exceptional loudspeakers that limit the role of the crossover to that of a frequency "signalman". Great loudspeakers take significantly longer to design and require marrying the art of listening with that of subtly modifying the crossover to give that extra something that makes a good loudspeaker great. These small "somethings" are what bring music to life, what make it so expressive.

Specifications

• Design: 4-Driver, 3-Way Floorstanding Speaker
• Aluminium/Magnesium 'M'-Shaped Inverted Dome TAM Tweeter - Precision and softness
• Urethane Tweeter Plate with Waveguide - Improved horizontal directivity and a better sound image
• Flax Cone Midrange - Optimal midrange/treble transition with a very natural sound and astonishing presence
• Flax Cone Bass Drivers - Ultra-rigid cone flexion and powerful bass
• Bass Driver Magnets increased by 40% over previous Aria series
• Powerflow Multi-Port System - No dynamic compression
• Front Port - More impact
• Floor-Facing Port - More depth
• Magnetic Grille
• Leather-Effect covered Front Panel
• Glass Top
• Ultra-Rigid MDF Construction - Non-parallel side panels ensure very low vibration and sonic neutrality
• Aluminium Alloy Stand - Exceptional ground stability with built-in, height-adjustable spikes

Review

"These speakers have a wide dynamic range and sensitivity."

Watch full review here