Focal Chora 826 D
(Priced Each Speaker)
4-way floorstanding loudspeaker
Chora 826-D is a loudspeaker equipped with a specific speaker driver that reproduces Dolby Atmos® effects: for ultra-realistic 3D soundtracks and total immersion in the films you watch. Positioned on the top of the loudspeaker, this full-range speaker driver directs the sound towards the ceiling to reflect it back to the listener. Action scenes in the air, pouring rain or a rolling thunder are all brought to life. At the same time, its directional baffle allows you to locate the sounds effects as though you had loudspeakers in the ceiling! Imagine a scene in a house: you hear conversations, but also the noise of cutlery, of footsteps… all of these spatialised in three dimensions as though you were actually there!
Combining French manufacturing and design, this product also incorporates exclusive Focal technologies, particularly the Slatefiber cone of the midrange and bass speaker drivers or the Aluminium/Magnesium TNF tweeter for greater treble clarity.
For example, combined with the Chora Surround and Chora Center speakers, or the Chora Center and Chora 806 speakers, Chora 826-D guarantees a sensational system.
Dolby Atmos® is a technology developed specifically for audio products. Dolby Atmos®-equipped loudspeakers are “enabled speakers”: in addition to their speaker drivers in the front panel (horizontal channels), they incorporate a speaker driver on the top (vertical channel) which reflects the sound around the entire listening room. This technology also isolates each sound from the original soundtrack and mix, like an independent audio object, for the most detailed sound reproduction. With this technology, the emotion of cinema is transported into the heart of your lounge.
The Chora range offers a modern design, the slate colour of the Slatefiber cone adding a final refined, authentic touch.
The stand (optional) is tilted for Time Alignment which provides an optimal soundstage, more focused on the listener.
Chora is available in three finishes: Black, Light Wood and Dark Wood. On-trend colours that blend into different interiors and lend them a unique aesthetic signature.
The surround linking the dome to its stand uses a memory foam material called Poron. This surround is directly derived from the Utopia’s famous Beryllium tweeter and reduces distortion by a third between 2,000Hz and 3,000Hz, the ear’s high-sensitivity range. The spatialisation and very low directionality of the inverted dome allow silky trebles to be heard from any point in your listening room.
Slatefiber technology, exclusive to Focal, involves the use of recycled, non-woven carbon fibres applied as a sandwich between two layers of thermoplastic polymer. In their quest for perfection, Focal engineers have opted to use non-woven carbon fibres, all pointing in the same direction to achieve even greater rigidity and better damping.
Manufactured in the Focal workshops using an ultra-modern industrial tool, the “slate” effect of the cone provides better damping and rigidity, but also lightness – the three “essentials” of a good speaker driver.
Type | 3-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker | 1-way sealed |
Speaker drivers | 2×61/2” (16.5cm) Slatefiber Woofer 61/2” (16.5cm) Slatefiber Midrange 1″ (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter | |
51/8” (13cm) full-range speaker driver | ||
Sensitivity (2,83V/1m) | 91dB | 91dB |
Frequency response (±3 dB) | 48Hz-28kHz | 100Hz-20kHz |
Low frequency point (-6 dB) | 39Hz | 90Hz |
Nominal impedance | 8Ω | 6Ω |
Minimum impedance | 2.9Ω | |
Recommanded amplifier power | 40/250W | |
Crossover frequency | 270Hz – 2,700Hz | |
Dimensions (HxWxD) | 417/16“x1115/16x151/4 (105,3cmx30,3×38,8cm) | |
Net weight (with grille) | 48.5lbs (22.2kg) | |
Packaging dimensions (HxWxD) | 441/2“x133/8x187/8 (113x34x48cm) | |
Net weight (with packaging) | 59.5lbs (27kg) | |
What Hi-Fi?
It’s not only the 826-Ds’ upward-firing drivers that prove able performers, the other drivers doing their bit to help create what is a muscular and dynamically engaging presentation. The centre speaker is impressively clear and direct, too.
Despite their modest price, for Focal floorstanders anyway, these are made in the company’s factory in France so it’s not surprising that their aesthetic appeal is complemented by a fine build.