Focal Kanta N°1 Speakers

Focal Kanta N°1 SpeakersFocal Kanta N1 Speakers The Focal Kanta N1 bookshelf speaker is the entry into this French company's Kanta range and is designed to interface nicely with small to medium size rooms where the floorstanding models may be a little overpowering. All the quality is there, just in a smaller form factor so, like the rest of the Kanta range, it does subtle as ably as it does dynamic, with a sweet midrange oozing with detail that seduces but never overstays

Focal Kanta N°1 Speakers

The Focal Kanta N°1 bookshelf speaker is the entry into this French company's Kanta range and is designed to interface nicely with small to medium size rooms where the floorstanding models may be a little overpowering. All the quality is there, just in a smaller form factor so, like the rest of the Kanta range, it does subtle as ably as it does dynamic, with a sweet midrange oozing with detail that seduces but never overstays its welcome.

The Kanta N°1 somehow manages to sound way bigger than it actually is. Make no mistake, if you want proper full range sound then a suitable subwoofer, or two, is recommended, just like every speaker. But, with useable bass down to nearly 40 Hz it can easily stand on its own and play a broad variety of music without any problems whatsoever. It is also more versatile than a floorstander as far as placement is concerned which, especially in smaller rooms, is a handy feature. As with the larger Kanta models, the definition and neutrality of the midrange is incredible and the next generation IAL tweeter reproduces the smallest details with absolute precision. The result? A precise, detailed sound, brimming with warmth and musicality. It is the start of a new era for those who love sound.

Entirely dedicated to acoustic performance and with an incredibly original look. That, in a nutshell, is the Kanta DNA! After three years of research, Focal offers a new combination of exclusive Hi-Fi technologies: the marriage of Beryllium, the next generation IAL3 tweeter, and Flax, for the mid/bass driver.

Another strong point of the line is its bold look that puts the finishing touch on this acoustic masterpiece with a resolutely modern and bewitching design! With the option of gloss or matt front & side panels, there are a number of finish combinations to choose from, just to keep things interesting. Several styles, each one so different from the next, means there's something for everyone. Kanta is more than just another speaker, it is an ultra-stylish, modern designer object that will become the star of your interior.

A Closer Look At The Focal Kanta N°1

Kanta seeks to renew the premium loudspeaker segment through its design and technology. Focal's intention was to design a speaker range totally focused on acoustic performance along with a resolutely mould-breaking aesthetic; this is the Kanta DNA! After three years of Research & Development, Kanta brings a combination of hitherto unprecedented technologies. The marriage of Beryllium (in the latest generation IAL3 tweeter) and Flax (for the midrange speaker drivers and woofers) results in precise, detailed sound, brimming with warmth and musicality. This complete solution is designed to deliver a coherent sound architecture. All the models are made for high-fidelity music lovers who love listening to their sound systems, as well as film fans searching for a home cinema set-up with striking design.

Cabinetry - High Density Polymer: Everything is designed and made to create acoustic softness and warmth: the density and stiffness of the front panel and cabinet materials, softened angles and double port vents. The front panel is made of a new material to suit the acoustic parameters. It is moulded in one piece from High Density Polymer (HDP). This material has excellent performance: it is 70% denser than MDF, 15% stiffer and provides 25% more damping. The one-piece front panel totally eliminates any sound diffraction.

Marriage Of Materials - Beryllium & Flax: For the very first time, a Flax sandwich cone speaker has been combined with a Beryllium tweeter. Flax is the answer to the low mass/rigidity/damping equation, leading to sound clarity and precision. This unique Flax/Beryllium combination gives music incredible warmth and musicality. Made in France, this patented flax cone has already proven itself in Focal home and in-car speakers. The mid/bass speaker uses TMD (Tuned Mass Damping) suspension, and every Kanta speaker is also equipped with an NIC (Neutral Inductance Circuit) motor, which stabilises the magnetic field for perfectly defined sound and better controlled bass.

New Tweeter - Distortion Is The Enemy: Focal's research is geared towards reducing distortion in every register. With Kanta, the treble register is reproduced by a new pure Beryllium tweeter. This IAL3 tweeter combines the IAL (Infinite Acoustic Loading) and IHL (Infinite Horn Loading) tweeters features, both of which help with the absorption of waves and frees up the movement of the diaphragm, thus extending the tweeter's frequency range to five octaves (1000Hz – 40kHz).

Pure Style Meets Sonic Substance: Focal's engineers revisited their choice of 'Focus Time', which corrects speaker alignment, making them all the same distance from the ear. The cabinet is made in one-piece, of integrally moulded wood. There is also a glass-covered cabinet top and a subtly integrated magnetic grille. When the grille is removed, it reveals the speakers' flax cone, the final design touch that gives Kanta its unique look.

Latest Fashion Or Classic: A range of finish combinations are available to fit into every interior space. The cabinet is available in High Gloss Black Lacquer or Walnut. For each of these, there are two front panels colours, in two finishes. With the High Gloss Black Lacquer cabinet there are two front panel colours available: High Gloss Carrara White and Black Lacquer. With the wood finish cabinet there are also two front panel colours available:  Ivory and Dark Grey in Matt Finishes. So, whether you want latest fashion or classic, one of the Kanta options should suit you perfectly.

Focal Kanta N°1 Reviews

"The Focal Kanta No1 is a two way standmount speaker. It has elements of both Aria and Utopia in its design and is the most affordable Focal stereo speaker to feature a beryllium dome which combines with a Flax fibre cone that is evolved from the original version that debuted in the Aria. They are also, like everything I've ever tested from Focal, superbly made. Discussing the 'worth' of Hi-Fi once you sail past ten grand or so is largely pointless but when you look at the materials, build and engineering at work here, you can understand where the money has gone. The Kanta can image like almost nothing else in true Focal fashion. If your library gives them the chance to create a three dimensional space where the performers can strut their stuff, the Kanta No1 is exceptional - not just good at its lofty price point but a genuine benchmark. The speed and raw ability they possess is partnered with a willingness to have a really good time and ensure you do too. The Kanta No1 isn't simply 'fun' it's FUN and happy to tear through the most savage and high fidelity free recording you have and actually sound like it is enjoying itself. This is a worthy award winner." AV Forums Editors Choice

"Focal's Kanta N°1 is without doubt a fine standmount loudspeaker. Its excellent drive units meld together well, fitted to a great cabinet and the result is a bouncy, musical and engaging sound that's nevertheless couth and refined. It gives an open window onto the recording – but only up to a point because it can't defy the laws of physics, and so becomes limited by its size and design constraints at very high volumes. Not only does it sound fun, but it's gloriously styled and comes in a wide range of eye-catching finishes." Hi-Fi Choice

"Premium-priced standmount speakers have much to prove, with few excuses made. The Focal Kanta No 1 meets the challenge head on – it's a highly enjoyable listening companion available in a wide choice of colourways to enhance its charm. Its mixture of smoothness, insight and rhythmic dexterity makes it an essential audition for any audiophile looking for an able all-rounder for duty in a bijou listening space." Hi-Fi News

"Focal's mix of flax and beryllium drivers is an unqualified success. Open, detailed and big-sounding, this pair of standmounts can go head-to-head with the best. Add in their striking looks and they make a superb package. Worth hearing."

"Verdict: A beautifully balanced loudspeaker that boasts extended highs, smooth mid-range and solid bass to provide a thrilling sonic experience."

"For: Solid bass, clean extended treble, excellently smooth mid-range, striking looks"

"Against: Nothing at the price"

"Outstanding – amongst the best – Five Worlds." Hi-Fi World

Main Features & Specifications

• Design: 2-driver, 2-way bookshelf/stand mount speaker
• Drivers
• 1 x 27mm 'IAL3' pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter
• 1 x 165mm Flax mid/bass driver with TMD suspension and NIC motor
• Sensitivity: 88dB (2.83V/1m)
• Frequency Response: 46Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB)
• Low Frequency Point: 42Hz (-6dB)
• Nominal Impedance: 8 Ohms
• Minimum Impedance: 3.9 Ohms
• Recommended Amplifier Power: 25 - 150 Watts (Must be 'clean' undistorted power)
• Crossover Frequency: 2,400Hz
• Speaker Stands: Optional Focal Kanta Speaker Stands Available
• Speaker Wire Terminals: Will accept bare wire or 'banana' plugs
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 234 x 422 x 391mm
• Weight: 13kg each
• Shipping Weight: 15kg each
  
• Manufacturer's Warranty: 5 Years (Covers faulty workmanship and materials, but not abuse)

Note: Features & Specifications Subject To Change Without Notice. E&OE