Focal had a very successful 2023 highlighted by the introductions of the Vestia and Theva loudspeaker lineups. The Focal Powered by Naim retail experience also expanded with new locations in 4 North American markets.
Additional products announced in 2023 included the P60 Limited Edition speaker kit for the Porsche 911 and the French manufacturer made a big splash at the 2023 CEDIA Expo with an impressive showing of the Grand Utopia EM EVO/Naim Statement Amp system.
Aria Evo X Speakers
To start 2024, Focal is pulling back the curtains on its new Aria Evo X loudspeaker series.
Since the initial launch of the Focal Aria 900 loudspeakers in 2013, the Aria range has been popular with many audio enthusiasts. With each reincarnation, Focal’s flagship technologies, such as the TNF tweeter or Flax cone, have been integrated into the new loudspeakers.
The Focal Aria Evo X feature a number of significant changes and new finish options.
Five Speakers
The five speakers in the Aria Evo X line are:
- Aria Evo X N°1 (bookshelf speaker) – $2,398 pair
- Aria Evo X N°2 (floorstanding speaker) – $4,798 pair
- Aria Evo X N°3 (floorstanding speaker) – $5,198 pair
- Aria Evo X N°4 (floorstanding speaker) – $5,998 pair
- Aria Evo X Center (center channel) – $999 each
Tip: Evo stands for “Evolution” and offers a step-up in performance and refinement over Focal’s Vestia series.
Core Features
TAM Tweeter: The Auria Evo X speakers incorporate the latest generation of Focal’s aluminum/magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome tweeter. This tweeter is designed to provide more accurate treble reproduction by extending the range of the high and low ends of the high-frequency range. Its rear sound chamber also limits interference caused by back waves, further increasing its precision.
TMD Midrange: The midrange speaker drivers now incorporate Tuned Mass Damper (TMD) technology. This technology incorporates circular ‘beads’ molded into the surround structure of the driver properly, sized and positioned. They stabilize how the surround behaves to avoid deformation of the cone and any negative impact on the dynamics. The woofer magnet has also been revamped to deliver more low-frequency impact. The crossovers have been redesigned to improve loudspeaker balance and longevity.
Flax Cone: Focal first used Flax Cone technology in the original Aria 900 line in 2013. The cone is made from French flax fiber which produces a very natural sound, free of coloration while boasting a rich midrange and clear bass. As a result, the Flax Cone offers an immersive and dynamic listening experience, reproducing vocals with clarity and definition.
Tip: Focal Speaker drivers are designed and manufactured in France.
Cabinet Construction: Ultra-rigid MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with non-parallel side panels. This limits unwanted vibration, supporting more neutral sound reproduction.
Finishes: The Aria Evo X speaker line is offered in three color options, Black High Gloss, Prime Walnut, and Moss Green High Gloss.
Tip: Aria Evo X speakers also include a leather effect front panel.
Specifications
| Aria Evo X Model | N°1 | N°2 | N°3 | N°4 | Center |
| MSRP | $2,398 (pair) | $4,798 (pair) | $5,198 (pair) | $5,998 (pair) | $999 (each) |
| Description | Bookshelf/Standmount | Floorstanding | Floorstanding | Floorstanding | Center |
| Speaker Type | 2-way Bass Reflex | 3-way Bass Reflex | 3-way Bass Reflex | 3-way Bass Reflex | 2-way Bass Reflex |
| Woofer | – | 2 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax bass | 3 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax bass | 2 x 8″ (21cm) Flax bass | – |
| Mid-Bass/Midrange | 1 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax with TMD® surround | 1 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax with TMD® surround | 1 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax with TMD® surround | 1 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax with TMD® surround | 2 x 6.5″ (16.5cm) Flax with TMD® surround |
| Tweeter | 1 inch (25mm) Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM | 1 inch (25mm) Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM | 1 inch (25mm) Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM | 1 inch (25mm) Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM | 1 inch (25mm) Aluminium/Magnesium ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM |
| Sensitivity (2.83v/1 m) | 89.5dB | 91.5dB | 92dB | 92.5dB | 91dB |
| Frequency Response (+/- 3dB) | 55Hz – 30kHz | 45Hz – 30kHz | 39Hz – 30kHz | 37Hz – 30kHz | 57Hz – 30kHz |
| Nominal Impedance | 8Ω | 8Ω | 8Ω | 8Ω | 8Ω |
| Minimum Impedance | 4.6Ω | 2.9Ω | 2.8Ω | 2.5Ω | 4.3Ω |
| Recommended Amp Power | 25 – 120W | 40 – 250W | 40 – 300W | 40 – 350W | 20 – 120W |
| Crossover Frequency | 2,800Hz | 290Hz/2,400Hz | 260Hz/3,100Hz | 280Hz/2,600Hz | 2,800Hz |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 15-3/8 x 8-⅞ x 11 inches (39 x 22.5 x 28 cm) | 40-¾ x 11-5/8 x 14-⅝ inches (103.5 x 29.4 x 37.1 cm) | 45-¼ x 11-5/8 x 14-⅝ inches (115 x 29.4 x 37.1 cm) | 45-¼ x 14-⅝ x 16-½ inches (115 x 37.1 x 42 cm) | 7-7/8 x 21 x 9-5/8 inches (20 x 53.3 x 24.5cm) |
| Weight | 18.74lbs (8.5kg) | 55.12lbs (25kg) | 63.93lbs (29kg) | 77.16lbs (35kg) | 23.15lbs (10.5kg) |
Pricing and Availability
After being shown at the 2024 CES, the Aria Evo X speaker line is expected to become available in February 2024 through Focal/Naim Stores and Authorized Dealers including World Wide Stereo. All models can be ordered in Moss Green High Gloss, Prime Walnut, or Black High Gloss.
- Aria Evo X N°1 – $2,398 pair
- Aria Evo X N°2 – $4,798 pair
- Aria Evo X N°3 – $5,198 pair
- Aria Evo X N°4 – $5,998 pair
- Aria Evo X Center – $999 each
When they start shipping, check
For more information, visit the Official Focal Aria Evo X product page.
Continue reading more stories from CES 2024.
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ORT
January 11, 2024 at 1:11 am
Whichever model those green tower speakers are? They are stunning. My favorite colors are green and red but that particular shade of green is gorgeous. Pure class.
I want them. I also (still) want a Marantz CD60 in Gold/Silver. I am a shallow individual…Honest but shallow.
HUZZAH!
ORT
Brian Mitchell
January 11, 2024 at 8:18 am
Any Aria Evo X model can be ordered in Moss Green High Gloss, Prime Walnut, or Black High Gloss.