Focal Aria EVO X N°2 floorstanding speakers

The Focal Aria EVO X N°2 high-fidelity speaker is faithful to the brand's DNA. It is the first floorstanding speaker in the new EVO range, of which there are three.

FOCAL ARIA EVO X N°2: DESIGN AND CONNECTION

This 3-way / 4-driver loudspeaker is very elegant, and its appearance inspires quality and seriousness. Its dimensions make it quite imposing, standing at over a metre high, with a depth of over 37 cm and a weight of 25 kg. It is constructed from ultra-rigid MDF, which generates very low vibrations and maintains maximum neutrality. The speaker rests on a base with decoupling spikes. This is reminiscent of the design and ergonomics of the Sopra range. The Focal Aria Evo X N°2 is available in elegant finishes (Black High, Prime Walnut and Moss Green High Gloss) combined with a leather-effect front panel for an original and refined aesthetic signature. On the back of the loudspeaker, a simple but high-quality terminal block allows connection of bare cables, banana plugs or forks. The drivers can be hidden (or not) behind the black Jersey cover supplied, which is attached by magnetic fasteners.

FOCAL ARIA EVO X N°2 : TWEETER

The shape and materials used for the diaphragms are essential for accurate, high-performance reproduction. Focal engineers have designed the TAM tweeter, consisting of an aluminium/magnesium inverted dome cone with an ‘M’ profile, which improves rigidity. The suspension linking the dome to its support uses a shape memory material. This suspension is derived directly from the famous Utopia Beryllium tweeter and reduces distortion by a factor of three between 2000 Hz and 3000 Hz. This area is particularly sensitive to the ear. This tweeter is combined with a decompression chamber that limits disturbances caused by back waves. The tweeter plate on these Focal Aria Evo X N°2 speakers is made of urethane. It features a waveguide that improves horizontal directivity and gives a better sound image.

FOCAL ARIA EVO X NO. 2: SPEAKERS

The low frequencies are reproduced by two superb 16.5 cm Flax membrane loudspeakers. This masterpiece is at the heart of Focal engineers' research. It required more than five years of research and development.This Flax cone is a sandwich made from very high quality French flax fibre placed between two thin sheets of fibreglass. It satisfies all the criteria of a top-of-the-range membrane: lightness to offer good dynamics, rigidity to hold the bass and damping to deliver a neutral, natural sound without coloration.The suspension features TMD (Tuned Mass Damper) technology.This consists of adding finely positioned toroidal weights to stabilise the suspension for even greater sound neutrality.These drivers are loaded with bass/reflex via a port on the front of the speaker.The midrange is also reproduced by a 16.5 cm driver with a Flax membrane to ensure perfect homogeneity. This technology enhances the midrange and the erratic behaviour of the suspension between 1 kHz and 2 kHz.

FOCAL ARIA EVO X N°2 : TEST AND LISTENING

We recommend these speakers, which are already quite large, for rooms of at least 20 m². These Focal ARIA EVO X N°2 loudspeakers do not require a profusion of electronics, but you will still need to make sure that they are perfectly powered. In our tests, a Musical Fidelity M5 Si or an Atoll IN 200 Signature were the minimum requirements. The first measurements speak volumes about the potential of these Hi-Fi speakers and their design.The sound reproduction is lively, detailed and very articulate.There is no heavy colouration.This neutrality means they can easily be combined with a very wide range of amplification.It should be noted that they offer superb balance, even at high levels, making them equally at home with orchestral music, rock or electronic music.