Focal Vestia N°2: the perfect combination of elegance and performance

17 March 2023

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Updated on 20 March 2023

The most affordable floorstanding speaker in the new Focal Vestia range, the Focal Vestia N°2 replaces and perfects the Focal Chora 826 speaker. It has the same 3-way design with Slatefiber cone drivers and a new TAM tweeter borrowed from the company’s car audio branch. These elements are all built into a more elegant cabinet with a leatherette finish. A formula that proved to be very impressive during our review of the Focal Vestia N°1. Launched at €1,990, can the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker go even further?

*Entirely made in France, the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker combines tried-and-tested acoustic elements from Focal with a new formula to promise even better musicality.*

🔉 See the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker on Son-Vidéo.com

Focal Vestia N°2: packaging & accessories

The Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speakers come with a magnetic fabric grille, a microfiber cloth, decoupling spikes, a tilted base and a quick start guide.

Focal Vestia N°2: presentation

Design

The Focal Vestia N°2 is made in France inside the manufacturer’s ateliers. Its design is in perfect harmony with the other models in the Vestia range, which also includes the Focal Vestia N°3 and Focal Vestia N°4 floorstanders, as well as the Focal Vestia Center speaker. The shape of the speaker is more refined than that of the Focal Chora 826. This new generation model is more elegant thanks to a leatherette finish that covers the entire front, top and rear panels. Already used on the front of the Focal Aria speakers, this solution adds a touch of luxury.

*The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker looks very elegant with its leatherette finish on the front, top and rear panels.*

At 25cm wide, 1m high and 37cm deep, the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker is slightly smaller than the Chora 826. Like the latter, the speaker comes with a base on which it needs to be mounted. The latter is slightly tilted towards the rear. The manufacturer specifies that this characteristic allows for the optimisation of the temporal alignment of the different drivers, in order to improve the sonic image.

*The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker rests on a base that tilts the cabinet in order to optimize the phase and therefore the perception of the different frequencies.*

The sides of the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker have a very realistic wood grain look that is available in light wood and walnut (like the model we tested for this review) finishes. A high gloss black version without the grain texture is also available. The elegant combination of different materials gives the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker a refined look that combines classicism with modernity.

The French manufacturer has also redesigned the magnetic grille, which now covers the entire front panel. More classic looking than the oval cover of the Focal Chora 826, it allows the speaker to seem more discreet by hiding the drivers and the port.

Acoustic design

The biggest change introduced by the Focal Vestia N°2 is without doubt the new TAM inverted dome tweeter inherited from the French manufacturer’s car speakers. The latter is an M-shaped TAM model made from an aluminum/magnesium (Al/Mg) alloy. It is mounted in the center of a waveguide to improve directivity and provide a more realistic acoustic image. The result is a wider dispersion angle and greater definition than with conventional tweeters. Overall, this tweeter provides a softer and more subtle sound than the Chora models.

*The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker uses a TAM tweeter that provides a softer sound than the tweeter used in the Focal Chora range.*

The two 6.5cm woofers and midrange driver all have the same Slatefiber cone as the rest of the range. Introduced with the Focal Chora series, it stands out with its slate gray color which is generated by the materials used: thermoplastic polymer and non-woven recycled carbon fibers. This alloy combines the criteria that make a good driver: damping, rigidity and lightness. The sound is therefore balanced and rich in the mids, with little coloration and a lot of energy.

*The three 6.5” Slatefiber cone drivers (one for the mids and two for the lows) ensure a rich sound in the mids and tight bass.*

To maximize the response in the lows, the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker has a bass-reflex enclosure with two circular aerodynamic ports: one on the front and one on the back. This design allows for more impactful bass through the front port, while retaining the deep, expansive sound of the rear port. The result is a deeper, more balanced soundstage. Moreover, both ports have an aerodynamic shape to ensure a smooth airflow to limit distortion and unwanted noise.

The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker has a bass-reflex enclosure with a double port: one on the front panel and one on the back. This original layout maximizes the depth of the lows and broadens the soundstage.

The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker has a sensitivity of 91.5 dB and an impedance of 8 ohms. The manufacturer recommends an amplification power between 40 and 250 watts. This allows the speaker to work harmoniously with a large number of hi-fi amplifiers and A/V receivers. To make it easy to connect, the Focal Vestia N°2 is equipped with screw speaker terminals that are compatible with banana plugs, spade connectors and wide gauge cables.

The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker can be easily paired to any hi-fi amp or AV receiver thanks to its high sensitivity. It features speaker terminals that are compatible with banana plugs, spade connectors and wide gauge cables.

Focal Vestia N°2: key specifications

3-way speaker
Bass-reflex enclosure with front-firing and rear-firing ports
Magnetic fabric grilles
2 x 6.5” Slatefiber cone woofers
1 x 6.5” Slatefiber cone midrange driver
1 x 1” inverted dome M-shaped TAM tweeter
Recommended power: 40W to 250W
Frequency response (+/- 3 dB): 47Hz to 30kHz
Nominal impedance: 8 ohms
Dimensions (WxHxD): 25 x 101 x 37cm
Weight: 22kg

Focal Vestia N°2: listening conditions

The Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker comes with a base that needs to be mounted. The screws and necessary tools are all included. The base can then be placed on either non-slip pads or height-adjustable decoupling spikes. Both are included with the speaker.

We reviewed the Focal Vestia N°2 speakers with the Marantz Model 40n, Hegel H95 and Cayin CS-55A KT88 amplifiers. For our audio source, we used the Bluesound Node network player to listen to Hi-Res tracks on Qobuz and Tidal. The speakers and amps were connected using Audioquest StarQuad Type 5 cables mounted with banana plugs.

*We paired the Focal Vestia N°2 speakers with several amplifiers from different ranges in order to test as many configurations as possible.*

Focal Vestia N°2: listening impressions

The Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker had the same dynamic and energetic nature as the Focal Vestia N°1 while perfecting each frequency range. The highs were just as smooth and direct, reproducing attacks and transients clearly and with remarkable precision. The slight harshness sometimes observed with the Vestia N°1 was completely absent here, offering a more natural sound with a real sense of refinement. Cymbals shimmered, female vocals took on an aerial dimension and violin notes were delivered with a delicate touch.

*The Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker perfected the sound signature of the Vestia N°1 (on the right in the photo), with greater refinement in the highs and a more balanced sound.*

The Focal Vestia N°2’s TAM tweeter provided a smoother sound than the tweeter used on the Chora models, while maintaining the brand’s characteristic transparency and clarity. The most minute details were beautifully highlighted and clearly rendered. They were even more transparent than with the Vestia N°1, notably due to better balance, a wider soundstage and details that were more accurately placed. Even at high volume, everything remained in place and very natural.

*The Focal Vestia N°2 speaker offered a transparent, clear and dynamic reproduction thanks to its very reactive TAM tweeter.*

The Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker also had a more pronounced midrange than the Focal Chora 826 and Focal Vestia N°1. This frequency range was very rich and had a lot of texture. Velvety and soft, the mids allowed vocals to be beautifully rendered at the center of a wide and spacious soundstage. Tessituras were incredibly natural. Each inflection was refined, contributing to an emotional and intimate listening experience.

*The Slatefiber cone delivered pronounced mids. This frequency range was smooth, textured and rich.*

Thanks to the two woofers, the Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker was very generous in the low end of the spectrum. While it didn’t deliver abyssal bass, the French speaker impressed us with its dynamic and vivid lows. The bass was tight and very energetic, bringing intensity to the listening experience and presenting the listener with a well-defined soundscape. The instruments had substance and were reproduced with authority and realism. The Focal Vestia N°2 was able to reproduce all the subtle harmonic nuances of a double bass, but also showed great vigor, masterfully handling the attacks and releases of a bass drum.

*Thanks to its woofers, the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker delivered energetic, punchy and tight bass.*

Focal Vestia N°2: compared to…

Elipson Prestige Facet 24F: available for €2,190, this Elipson speaker stands out with its two 7.9” woofers. The latter provide even more powerful and deep bass reaching 28Hz, compared to 47Hz for the Focal Vestia N°2. The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F also shines with a smoother sound. The Elipson Prestige Facet 24F speaker is also characterized by a more mellow sound. It is overall smoother and warmer sounding. However, the Focal Vestia N°2 is more dynamic and luminous, allowing a more efficient projection of certain sound effects in a home theater system.

Davis Acoustics Krypton 9: available for €1,999, the Davis Acoustics Krypton 9 is richer and more prominent in the mids. This frequency range also has more texture and is reproduced very smoothly. The overall sound remains very well balanced and natural. However, the Focal Vestia N°2 excels with its greater dynamism and brighter soundstage.

Focal Vestia N°2: who is it for?

The Focal Vestia N°2 will appeal to music lovers looking to enjoy a dynamic, energetic and transparent listening experience. Full of vitality and vigor, the Focal Vestia N°2 speaker rhythms music with constancy and freshness. It is suitable for hi-fi stereo setups as well as multi-channel home theater systems, where it can be used as a front speaker. It will also charm those who love beautiful objects thanks to its leatherette finish.

The Focal Vestia N°2 is perfect for those who enjoy a dynamic, lively and clear sound. It is also suitable for home theater use thanks to its ability to clearly highlight even the most minute effects.

Focal Vestia N°2: conclusion

With the Focal Vestia N°2 floorstanding speaker, the French manufacturer sheds new light on Slatefiber drivers thanks to an advanced, very effective acoustic approach. The use of a TAM tweeter borrowed from the car audio sector ensures a smoother and more refined listening experience, while maintaining transparency and clarity as well as a high level of detail. This floorstander has the energy to deliver music dynamically and maintain the rhythm effectively. Like the other models in the new Focal Vestia range, this floorstanding speaker benefits from a new design with a leatherette finish, giving it a luxurious appearance that will enhance any interior.

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