Focal Vestia N°2 Floorstanding Speaker Review
Table of contents
Earlier this year, Focal introduced the Vestia line, which is below the Aria line and above the new Theva line that replaced Chora. The Vestia line represents Focal's latest advancements in speaker technology and design, incorporating innovative features and improvements to build on the Aria line’s experience. Let's dive into the details and see if it lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.
The Vestia line consists of five distinct products, each designed to fulfill specific audio requirements. The lineup includes three floorstanding models: Vestia N°2 ($2,798 / pair), Vestia N°3 ($3,598 / pair), and Vestia N°4 ($4,398 / pair). These floorstanding speakers are designed to deliver powerful and immersive sound reproduction while showcasing Focal's commitment to precision and craftsmanship. For those seeking a compact speaker solution for smaller spaces, the Vestia N°1 ($1,198 / pair) serves as a bookshelf loudspeaker. The Vestia line also includes the Vestia Center ($699), which is a center loudspeaker tailored for home cinema configurations.
The line offers three standard finishes to choose from. The first option features a sleek black high gloss finish paired with black leather accents. The second option showcases a light wood finish complemented by white leather accents. The third option presents a rich dark wood finish with black leather accents. With these different finishes, the company provides a range of aesthetic choices to suit various preferences and interior design styles.
Specifications
Vestia N°2 is a 3-way floorstanding loudspeaker that seamlessly blends a refined design with the performance expected from a modern high-fidelity speaker. It combines various cutting-edge Focal technologies to deliver an extraordinary audio experience.
Each tower features two 6.5-inch Slatefiber woofers and one Slatefiber midrange driver. A key feature of the Slatefiber technology is the use of recycled carbon fibers, which are arranged in a non-woven oriented pattern and sandwiched between two layers of thermoplastic polymer. Focal engineers have chosen this technology to achieve greater rigidity, improved damping, and reduced weight - three very important factors for creating high-quality speaker drivers.
The 1-inch tweeter used in the speaker incorporates Focal's exclusive M Shaped Inverted Dome TAM Tweeter design, which is a first for a home loudspeaker and is inherited from the French manufacturer’s car speakers. This particular tweeter is crafted using aluminum/magnesium alloy, forming an inverted dome cone that is uniquely molded into the renowned 'M' shape, exclusively developed by Focal. The 'M' shape of the tweeter cone provides it with enhanced rigidity, effectively minimizing distortion and maintaining the purity of the audio signal. This design also allows for a wider diffusion angle, ensuring a broader sound dispersion.
To improve the sound image and improve horizontal directivity, the tweeter of this speaker is accompanied by a urethane tweeter waveguide. This waveguide effectively controls the dispersion of sound waves, ensuring a more focused and precise audio reproduction.
With a sensitivity of 91.5dB and an impedance of 8 ohms, these speakers can be easily driven by a variety of amplifiers or receivers. The frequency response spans from 47Hz to 30kHz with a +/-3dB, enabling a wide range of frequencies to be reproduced. Focal recommends amplifier power that falls within the range of 40 to 250W, allowing flexibility in powering the speaker to its full potential.
This speaker measures 40-inches tall x 10.1-inches wide x 13.1-inches deep and weighs 48.5 pounds, showcasing its solid and robust construction. The cabinet design incorporates a front vent for enhanced frontal impact and a rear vent to deliver enveloping bass, resulting in a bass-reflex profile that enhances the depth of the soundstage.
The speaker is built with an ultra-rigid MDF cabinet with internal bracing to eliminate unwanted vibration and the drivers are encased by a leather front panel with a magnetic grille for a sleek appearance. The inclusion of an aluminum base provides stability, while a slight tilt allows for time alignment.
The Vestia Center stands as the sole center channel option in the Vestia line, designed as a 2-way bass-reflex speaker. It incorporates two 6.5-inch Slatefiber midrange woofers and a 1-inch M Shaped inverted dome TAM tweeter. The center channel measures 8.5-inches tall x 21.1-inches wide x 10.8-inches deep and are relatively lightweight at 22 lbs.
It maintains an impedance of 8 ohms and shares the same sensitivity rating as the N°2 floorstanders at 91.5 dB. The Vestia Center also includes a tilted base, which helps with sound imaging. There is also an optional stand available for those who prefer an alternative setup.
Setup
To optimize the performance of the N°2 speakers, it’s best to avoid placing them directly against a wall or the rear of an entertainment center. During the initial setup, I had the speakers a little too close to the wall at around 13 inches, which resulted in a slightly compromised soundstage and too much bass. The sweet spot was about 27 inches from the wall with a slight toe-in angle and yielded great results.
The speakers were tested with various equipment setups. The 2-channel listening was initially done using a Cambridge Audio CXA81. For movies, the speakers were connected to a Trinnov Alittude16, while a Denon X4800H was utilized for both music and movie playback.
Performance
For those who appreciate the Aria line, the Vestia N°2 speakers deliver a comparable audio experience, with enhanced bass response and improved clarity.
When listening to Paul Simon's "Homeless" on the speakers, the level of detail and the expansive soundstage truly stand out. These speakers showcase exceptional midrange and treble performance, intelligibly reproducing the subtle nuances of the vocals, without the need for excessive boosting.
The intricate variations in tone and timbre come to life, enabling each individual voice to be distinctly heard and creating a profound sense of depth and realism. As you close your eyes and immerse yourself in the music, the precise spatial positioning of each singer becomes readily apparent, allowing you to pinpoint their exact locations in the room. The reproduction of these speakers adds an immersive and lifelike dimension to the listening experience.
Focal's playlists, available on their website and accessible through the provided link HERE, serve as an excellent resource for discovering new tracks that effectively showcase the capabilities of their speakers. During my exploration of the playlists, I came across the track "Vanyll" by Darius. While listening to this song on the Vestia N°2 speakers, I’m particularly impressed by the tight and clean bass reproduction. Despite the speakers' compact size, they deliver a bass response that adds depth and impact to the music, enriching the overall listening experience.
The bass output is notable, even without the addition of a dedicated subwoofer, allowing for a fulfilling and immersive sound. That being said, it’s important to note that incorporating one or two subwoofers into the setup would certainly enhance the listening experience and unlock more depth and low-frequency extension.
When it was time for movie playback on the Vestia N°2 speakers, one film that stood out amongst the rest was "The Social Network." The center channel speaker showcased its effectiveness in reproducing dialogue with exceptional clarity and intelligibility. One memorable scene that highlighted this capability was the club scene where Mark is engaged in a conversation with Sean.
During this scene, the center channel speaker flawlessly delivers the dialogue, ensuring that every word is crisp and easy to understand while the music in the club is blasting in the background. The Vestia N°2 towers showcase their ability in handling the low frequencies in that same scene. They reproduce heavy bass with precision and control, while still maintaining enough detail to capture the ambiance and surroundings of the scene.
Conclusion
The Vestia line from Focal showcases the latest advancements in speaker technology and design. With their exceptional audio performance, the Focal Vestia N°2 speakers are a remarkable choice for both movies and 2-channel listening.
These speakers are engineered to deliver an immersive and captivating sound experience that enhances the enjoyment of your favorite music and movies. The Focal Vestia N°2 speakers, priced at $2,789 for the pair, consistently provide outstanding audio quality and demonstrate Focal's commitment to excellence.
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Good dynamic range | Speaker placement plays an important role in overall sound quality |
High level of sound detail and precision | |
Impressive bass response |
FAQ
Who makes Focal speakers?
In 2011, Focal-JMlab joined forces with Naim Audio Limited, a renowned high-end electronics brand based in the UK, specializing in the design and production of audio electronics. This merger resulted in the formation of a new parent company called Vervent Audio Group, which oversees and operates both Focal-JMlab and Naim Audio as separate brands.
Where are Focal speakers made?
Focal speakers are primarily manufactured in France. The company's headquarters and main production facility are located in Saint-Étienne, France. Focal takes pride in its "Made in France" approach and maintains a strong commitment to designing and producing high-quality speakers in its home country.
What are the Focal Powered by Naim stores?
Focal Powered by Naim luxury stores provide a unique and unparalleled audio experience by bringing together the harmonious combination of Focal and Naim Audio's acoustic and electronic solutions. These stores embody the shared values of both brands, offering a luxurious and immersive environment with a global perspective.
