Focal Sopra N1 Compact Loudspeaker

Focal Sopra N°1

2-way compact speaker

The Sopra hi-fi speaker is the new ideal of today's premium speaker. The Sopra series breaks new ground with new performance criteria: compact, modern, simple design, individual. Sopra approaches the best performance of the 'ultra high-end' speakers in the Utopia III range, which are the most exceptional speakers Focal has designed to date. The Sopra N 1 is a compact power pack with numerous technologies. With the 'NIC' magnet system, the 'TMD' surround of the midrange and the 'IHL' device of the tweeter, it is proof that the technology introduced with the Sopra contributes to sound quality.

First and foremost, its freedom from distortion contributes to the unbelievable purity of sound with very high resolution and a spectacular spatial representation that is only known from compact loudspeakers. Beyond that first convincing impression, the texture and smoothness of the sound is striking. The tone is rich and full-bodied; there are strong and clear basses. The precision is not artificial (and not just limited to the treble). The coherence and richness of harmony lead to an amazing transparency of the music.

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

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.

Housing construction and choice of material

The cases for the Sopra series are manufactured at Focal's cabinetmaking facilities in Bourbon-Lancy, France, using the same processes as the Utopia family. The front uses the gamma structure of a baffle with a thickness of 69 mm, which consists of several MDF boards. 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.

From performance to aesthetics

The Pineau & Le Porcher agency created the design of the Sopra series while adhering to one principle: no sacrifices in 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°1 is the middle segment. This segment of polyurethane allows the upper and lower cabinets to be tilted so that the loudspeaker features Focus Time construction, which ensures that 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.

Technical specifications

• Type of construction: two-way compact speaker, bass reflex system
• Chassis: 'W' mid/bass driver with TMD surround and NIC drive (16.5 cm), IHL tweeter with inverted dome made of pure beryllium (27 mm)
• Frequency Response: 45Hz to 40kHz
• Efficiency: 89dB/W/m
• Nominal Impedance: 8 ohms
• Minimum impedance: 3.9 ohms
• Crossover frequencies: 2,200 Hz
• Amplifier recommendation: 25 to 150 watts
• Weight: 19 kg (stand: 18.5 kg)
• Dimensions (H x W x D) mm: 425 x 279 x 396