Focal is making news with two major announcements for both the home and commercial spaces. High-end companies have been involved in the custom integration space for a few decades but we’re starting to see a push into restaurants, offices, outdoor patios, retail stores, hotels, and transportation hubs.
While waiting for a flight in Houston last year, I stopped at a bar during the pandemic to have a drink and some pizza. When I looked up from my plate, I noticed that a pair of Devialet Phantom Loudspeakers were bolted to either side of the bar.
I may have been the only person in the space who knew what they were, but it was intriguing to see them in an airport bar.
I also just returned from a visit to Georgia and Virginia where my hosts had a covered outdoor patio with rather expensive Paradigm in-ceiling loudspeakers throughout the space; almost $8,000 worth for an outdoor space to watch football games, enjoy the BBQ with family, and listen to music with dinner guests.
Focal knows that this market is growing; especially as more people flee big cites for places like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas.
The commercial side of the business is also growing; companies have invested in better sound for their stores, restaurants, and office spaces.
When we visited the Focal Powered by Naim store in Houston last year, it was clear that the company already had plans for this market.
You can now enjoy Focal sound in even larger spaces, as the leading French audio brand unveils the 100-T Series line.
This range of in-ceiling and outdoor loudspeakers is designed for large residential and professional spaces, such as hotels, shops and restaurants. The five new speakers are direct descendants of Focal’s 100 Series, with new features and international certifications to meet the requirements of large-scale integrated systems.
5 New Loudspeakers
100-T Series includes five loudspeakers to cover all bases: three in-ceiling products (100 ICW5-T, 100 ICW6-T, 100 ICW8-T) as well as two IP66-certified outdoor loudspeakers (100 OD6-T and 100 OD8-T), rated for their guaranteed protection against dust and water.
These loudspeakers are direct descendants of 100 Series in terms of design, technologies — Polyglass cone, Aluminum tweeter — and its excellent sound quality even at low volume.
For Large Open Spaces
Whereas Focal created its 100 Series for the residential market, the 100-T Series line is designed for larger spaces and will meet the requirements of all clients in this sector. The speaker drivers are designed to have very low directivity and remove any “shower effect” so the sound can cover a large listening area.
What’s more, the products have an adjustable transformer which adjusts the power of each loudspeaker for 70 volt or 100 volt systems.
Pricing & Availability
Focal’s 100-T Series should be shipping now at the prices listed below.
Three in-ceiling products:
- 100 ICW5-T – $299 / $389CAD
- 100 ICW6-T – $359 / $469CAD
- 100 ICW8-T – $429 / $559CAD
Two IP66-certified outdoor loudspeakers (available in black or white)
- 100 OD6-T – $399 / $519CAD
- 100 OD8-T – $449 / $579CAD
For more information: Focal 100-T Series
Read about more new products from CEDIA 2022.
