Focal Sopra N3 Floorstanding Loudspeaker

Focal Sopra N°3

3-WAY LUXURY FLOOR SPEAKERS

The Sopra N°3 series approaches the quality of the 'ultra high-end' loudspeakers of the Utopia III range, which are the most extraordinary loudspeakers Focal has designed to date. The Sopra N° 3, equipped with the best midrange driver developed by Focal with 'NIC' and 'TMD' technology, sets new standards in terms of sound transparency for a loudspeaker of small dimensions. In contrast to its little brother Sopra N° 2, the Sopra N° 3 offers more powerful bass with the larger woofers (21 cm instead of 18 cm). The Sopra N° 3, which makes the basses sound so harmonious, convinces all music enthusiasts. The internal structure has been extensively revised by Focal engineers and designers to increase the volume for the 2 bass speakers. The Sopra N° 3 is a dynamic loudspeaker that reproduces the bass clearly but in a controlled manner.

stabilization of the magnetic field

Focal has always been interested in magnetic circuits as they are an integral part of the loudspeaker. The precision and richness of detail in playback depends on the stability of the driver's magnetic field. The magnetic field is stabilized by NIC technology (Neutral Inductance Circuit). This is how Focal engineers managed to contain distortion and offer unprecedented fidelity and dynamics.

Midrange obsessed

The influence of the midrange driver is determined by the bead between the fixed construction of the speaker and the movable membrane. The solution is a technique used in high-rise anti-seismic devices and also commonly found in racing cars. The TMD technology (Tuned Mass Damper) improves the surround, which is responsible for the resonance. This solution reduces distortion and improves resolution.

Innovation Infinite Horn Loading

In principle, an unlimited volume is required for the beryllium tweeter to be able to exploit its full potential. However, due to the required compactness, the maximum volume of the housing had to be used for the woofer in the Sopra. Research into new ways of driving the tweeter has led us to the IHL device. The IHL (Infinite Horn Loading) system allows the beryllium tweeter to be driven while maintaining the compactness of the speaker. The rear waves of the tweeter are gradually and carefully absorbed to avoid any distortion. This ensures maximum resolution.

From performance to aesthetics

The Pineau & Le Porcher agency created the design of the Sopra series while respecting one principle: no sacrifice of sound for the sake of aesthetics. The Sopra series is intended for music enthusiasts. Their design favors the sound quality in a natural way and fits into the most stylish interiors. Lacquered surfaces or wooden finishes are combined with noble materials for a clear design. Particular attention has been paid to the front and side panels of the speakers: any unnecessary bumps have been smoothed out to optimize acoustics and appearance. The center of the Sopra N°3 is the middle segment.

This segment of polyurethane allows the upper and lower cabinets to be tilted so that the speaker exhibits 'Focus Time' construction, which ensures all drivers are the same distance from the listener.

attention to detail

The Sopra series is deliberately simple, but still offers the music lover the opportunity to discover numerous details. The beryllium tweeter is protected by a distinctive grille cover. The same lattice construction is used on the back to cover the insert. The terminal bar, wing nuts and adjustable spikes are specially designed for Sopra. Likewise, the screws that can be seen were specially designed for Sopra and manufactured by watch specialists.

Housing construction and choice of material

aThe cases for the Sopra series are crafted in our cabinetmaker's workshops in Bourbon-Lancy, France, using the same processes as the Utopia family. The front uses the 'gamma structure' structure of a baffle with a thickness of 69 mm, which consists of several MDF panels. Thanks to its density, this has the necessary rigidity to serve as a mechanical reference surface; in this way optimal resolution is achieved. There is no wall inside the case that is parallel to the side walls. In the lower area, small Helmholtz resonators are used to prevent standing waves from propagating in the vertical direction. Glass was chosen as the material for the base of the speaker in order to ensure coupling with the ground with the highest possible propagation speed using spikes, thus avoiding any halo effect in the bass.

Technical data

Type of construction: three-way floorstanding speaker, bass reflex system
Chassis: 2 'W' woofers (21 cm), 'W' mid/woofer with TMD surround and NIC drive (16.5 cm), IHL pure beryllium inverted dome tweeter (27 mm)
Frequency Response: 33Hz to 40kHz
Efficiency: 91.5dB/W/m
Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
Minimum Impedance: 3.1 ohms
Crossover frequencies: 250 Hz/2,200 Hz
Amplifier recommendation: 40 to 400 watts
Weight: 70kg
Dimensions: 1,264 x 402 x 595 mm (H x W x D)