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Focal's latest loudspeaker is a fine performer at a bargain price
Focal's Dome 5.1 system mixes quality audio performance with startling looks
Those of you familiar with German car marques will know the respectable, even sensible Audi A4 and you probably know about the wolf in sheep’s clothing that is the Audi RS4, a car with similar looks but a rather more powerful engine. Its this variation on a theme that seems to have inspired the WSE version of Focal’s Chorus 816 V.
As France’s leading speaker manufacturer until 2004, Focal used to market its complete loudspeaker systems under the JMLab brand. It has since reverted to its original name (which used to be reserved for raw drive unit and in-car sales).
The once dominant British loudspeaker industry is not what it used to be. Most of the names are still there; KEF, Celestion, Wharfedale, Mission and Quad are still world-conquering brands, but they are all Far Eastern manufacturers now
Focal is France's leading hi-fi speaker manufacturer, and if the name isn't immediately familiar, that's because its complete loudspeaker systems were called JMLab up until 2004.
Focal is France's leading specialist hi-fi speaker manufacturer, and while the name was originally reserved for the raw drivers that the company once sold to other makers, the company's complete speakers used to be marketed as JMLab
The Chorus models have long been Focal's (budget) entry-level range. In introducing the third generation, this leading French manufacturer has adopted a new initiative.
Focal has been making some radical changes to its entry-level loudspeakers. France's biggest speaker maker has divided Chorus V in two, creating the entry-level 700V range and the 800V 'affordable luxury' alternative
The elegant-looking Profile range represents the mainstream middle-ranking family in posh French maker Focal's (formerly Focal.JMlab) extensive lineup. As is the way with such product hierarchies...
Focal's Chorus 'S' range of loudspeakers is its entry-level 'serious'series, coming in at around the same price as the French brand's popular sub/sat Sib and Cub system. But the nine-strong Chorus 'S' series...
This isn't your average subwoofer. According to its French creators, it's nothing less than "true hi-fi for the iPod generation." This explains the product's almost lawsuit-inviting name, but what it's referring to is the iCub's prime selling point
Focal.JMlab is the largest French specialist loudspeaker manufacturer, which puts its name to several complete ranges of loudspeakers. Top of the tree is the Utopia Be range
The French fashionistas at Focal have obviously come to the conclusion that style plays a large part in the decision-making process when people buy a surround sound speaker system
The Sib & Cub became the Sib & Co when someone changed the tubin the Cub Sub. Perhaps they were down the pub when this happened. TheSib satellites have stayed the same, but are now joined by bigger...