Now here at Ce Pro we have said for years that Focal should offer more of its expertise in speakers to the install market. In the past it has often had the right products, but the sector was often not the priority in the UK, with Focal sticking to the high-quality Hi-Fi retail sector.
The company is of course still committed to that channel and released some cracking new products recently, but now Focal is offering the launch of two new built-in speaker ranges with the introduction of the entry-level 100 Series and additional products added to the mid-priced 300 Series. Focal promises both series deliver a wide array of in-wall/in-ceiling models, stereo, AV and ambient music applications, with each model conforming faithfully to Focal’s signature sound.
Integration has become an important area of development for Focal and is described by the maker as a natural expansion into a market where all Focal’s brand values are legitimate.
Focal says thanks to the acoustic qualities of both ranges, the integration line is aimed mainly at the home audio market, thanks to the discreet and compact design. Each speaker driver combines Focal technologies and acoustic expertise to offer very high levels of performance at competitive prices, says the maker.
The new integration line evolves around three key notions in order to meet every need and expectation through a small range of products; suitable for every room in the house, suitable for rooms of different sizes and suitable for multiple uses (sound systems, home cinemas up to 320ft2/30m2).
For example, the in-ceiling loudspeakers of the 100 Series feature a compact design, with the speaker driver’s basket and chassis being designed as a single unit.
The 100 Series is equipped with Focal’s own technologies inherited from 35 years of experience, such as the Polyglass mid/bass driver cone and the aluminium inverted dome tweeter. All models are also suitable for a wide-range of applications, including humid environments such as bathrooms.
The 300 Series range is made in France and features exclusive Focal technologies, such as its attractive Flax cone and the aluminium-magnesium inverted dome tweeter, designed to provide audiophile sound quality.
They also provide the EQI system which stands for Easy Quick Install. Whether they’re used as in-ceiling or in-wall loudspeakers, they require no tools to install. Focal adds that these new products also meet the most essential criteria regarding use and installation; frameless, adjustable tweeters and magnetic grilles.
Focal says these speakers are ideal for systems in corridors and living rooms, stereo systems for the bedroom and kitchen and home cinema systems, dedicated or media room based.
Besides the launch of the entry-level 100 Series and the mid-range 300 Series, Electra is keeping its flagship range position. Other additional products (outdoor, subwoofer and amplifier) will be added to this line in the coming months. The accessories required for installation, pre-mounting kit and fire barrier box, are already available.
Release dates are all this year. The 100 Series hits this February, the 300 Series comes in May and come autumn the outdoor, subwoofer and amplifier become available.
All the new products can be seen at ISE 2018 on Stand 15-C145
100 Series Introduction
The 100 Series range is composed of three coaxial loudspeakers, all of which can be used as either in-wall or in ceiling loudspeakers (100 ICW5, 100 ICW6 and 100 ICW8), one coaxial in-ceiling stereo loudspeaker (100 IC6ST), one in-ceiling loudspeaker (100 IC LCR5) and two products specifically intended for in wall use (100 IW6, 100 IWLCR5).
300 series expansion
In the middle of the range, the 300 Series (ICW4, ICW6, ICW8) has been joined by three new models (IW6, IWLCR6, ICLCR5). Focal says this makes it the ideal range for meeting all the expectations of home audio systems, especially for complete audio-video systems. Users and installers will now find a dedicated product offering suitable for every room of the house (even for residential home cinemas measuring 160-320ft2/ 15 to 30m2), for complete AV systems and built-in systems or for combining traditional loudspeakers with in-wall/in-ceiling loudspeakers.