Focal launches its first-ever Dolby Atmos speaker at CES

Focal launches its first-ever Dolby Atmos speaker at CES
(Image credit: Focal)

French hi-fi brand Focal has used the CES world stage to announce three new models in its recently launched Chora range, one of which is the company’s first Dolby Atmos speaker - the Chora 826-D Atmos floorstander. The Chora Center speaker, Chora Surround speaker and Sub 600p subwoofer round out the range for AV set-ups.

The 826-D enters the Chora line as the new flagship; a floorstander with an upward-firing driver that delivers the height channels of an Atmos soundtrack. Focal has designed the driver to direct the sound towards the ceiling at a carefully calculated angle so that it reflects around the entire room.

(Image credit: Focal)

Like the existing Chora speakers, each newcomer to the series sports Focal’s Slatefiber composite cones – a fusion of thermoplastic polymer and recycled, non-woven carbon fibres – and aluminium-magnesium TNF tweeters, which are exclusive to the Chora range. The sub, meanwhile, utilises a heavier and more rigid Polyflex cone, better suited for delivering low-end impact.

The Chora 826-D, Chora Center (available with an optional stand), and Chora Surround (which can be wall-mounted) will be available in black, light wood and dark wood finishes next month, while the 600-watt 600p subwoofer will follow in the spring. 

Pricing is yet to be confirmed but, as the rest of the Chora speakers cost between £600 and £1299, we can expect them to lie within and closely around those parameters.

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Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of Australian Hi-Fi magazine. During her 10 years in the hi-fi industry, she has been fortunate enough to travel the world to report on the biggest and most exciting brands in hi-fi and consumer tech (and has had the jetlag and hangovers to remember them by). In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.