Focal Theva No.1 review

Focal’s Theva No.1 speakers step into a highly competitive arena. This mid-price area of the market has long been dominated by the likes of the Bowers & Wilkins 600 range, but recent months have seen something of a shift, with strong new contenders such as the five-star Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 and the KEF Q3 Meta stepping into the limelight.

The Theva No.1 has its work cut out if it is to worry such talented opposition.

This standmount is the entry point into Focal’s step-up range of speakers. The Theva series is pretty extensive, and is composed of a trio of floorstanders (one of which packs upward-firing Dolby Atmos modules), a centre speaker, a smart on-wall model and what on paper looks like a mighty subwoofer that packs 600 watts of Class D power and a substantial 30cm woofer.

Build & design

Given the price level, it comes as no surprise that Focal has stuck to the standard two-way, port-loaded standmount template. Within that, the company has dipped into its extensive drive unit knowledge and equipped the Theva No.1 with some interesting technology.

Our attention is drawn to the distinctive tweeter. This is an aluminium/magnesium inverted dome of the kind that the company has championed for decades, but there have been a number of refinements for the Theva range.

Following the development work done on the company’s high-end and hugely capable Beryllium domes, the unit used here has a surround made of a microporous polyurethane foam called Poron. This material is claimed to reduce distortion in the 2-3kHz region by a factor of three.

The shape of the dished waveguide surrounding the tweeter has also been refined to improve dispersion characteristics and so make the speakers less fussy about precise angling relative to the listening position.

The 16.5cm mid/bass driver is just as interesting. It uses a cone made of a material called Slatefiber, which is a composite that blends non-woven recycled carbon fibre and a thermoplastic polymer.

The carbon fibres are all orientated in the same direction to help rigidity but not woven to improve internal damping. The inclusion of the thermoplastic polymer is claimed to help damping too, with the result being a light, rigid and low resonance diaphragm structure.

By price standards, these Focal speakers are chunky boxes at 39cm tall and 21cm wide, but not outlandishly so. Their build is solid enough, but the shiny front baffle looks a little cheap to us, and the quality of the finish falls into the ‘just fine’ category.

There isn’t anything to criticise here, but neither is there anything that stands out, which is a shame as Focal usually delivers imaginative design touches and unusual material choices in its products.

We suspect the tight budget in producing these speakers in France has limited the designers’ scope for doing something different. The Theva No.1 comes in three standard finishes: dark wood, light wood and gloss black.

Compatibility

price-compatibleThere isn’t anything untoward when it comes to compatibility. The Theva No.1’s nominal impedance is claimed to be an entirely conventional 8 ohms, but it should be noted that it dips to a minimum of just 4.6 ohms.

That’s nothing to worry about, but does suggest that these speakers are likely to benefit from being driven by an amplifier with a bit of grunt.

Of the price compatible options we’ve tested, we think the likes of the Arcam A5 and the Rega Brio Mk7 integrateds work well. When it comes to streaming amplifiers, NAD’s excellent C 3050 (with streaming module option ticked) is another good choice.

Given the price and probable use cases, we are pleased to report that these speakers don’t prove particularly fussy about placement. Give them at least 40cm from a back wall to prevent the bass from dominating, and angle slightly towards the listening position for the best results. As long as the Theva No.1 speakers aren’t placed too close to the side walls, we think they will produce an impressively expansive soundstage.

As with all standmount speakers, the quality of the support matters. Focal makes a dedicated speaker stand (that wasn’t supplied with our review sample), so we use alternatives from the likes of Custom Design and Atacama with no obvious issues. As long as the speaker’s tweeter is broadly at ear height when you are seated, it should be fine.

Sound

These Focal speakers turn in a good performance once they are given a few days to settle. Their delivery is big and authoritative, without sounding the least bit forward. This makes them easy speakers to listen to over long sessions.

As we play Rachmaninov’s Symphonic Dances Op.45, it is hard not to be impressed by the sense of power and dynamic reach of these speakers. They go loud without issue and present a good level of detail in a cohesive and organised manner.

Tonally, they are on the full-bodied and smooth side, without sounding dull or sludgy, and stereo imaging is nicely focused and layered. You can add a pleasing amount of low-frequency weight and punch to the list of plus points, too.

The Theva No.1’s bass abilities are highlighted when we play the classic Hip-Hop by Dead Prez. Lows are rich and full, yet still retain a good degree of articulation. The group’s punchy vocals come through with clarity, with the Focal able to capture the natural warmth and texture of their voices without sounding soft.

As good as the Thevas’ sound is, and be in no doubt that these are strong performers, they are up against some terrific competition. Judged against the class leaders, there are a number of areas where the Theva No.1 have to give way.

The Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2 may sound a little smaller and less authoritative but counter with a blend of dynamic contrast, naturalness and rhythmic precision that’s hard to look past.

Equally, KEF’s Q3 Meta deliver a more mature and natural presentation than the Focals, uncovering subtle dynamic nuances and textural information that even the talented Theva No.1 don’t quite uncover.

Both of these rivals put a spotlight on the Focal’s slightly exposed treble region and the tweeter’s propensity to thinness and tizz when fed with sibilant voices and certain electronically generated high-frequency sounds. Against top quality competition at this price, the Theva No.1 also sounds a little lacking in verve and enthusiasm with music that demands such qualities.

On a final note, they don’t like being played quietly, losing much of their likeable full-bodied balance when asked to do so.

Verdict

Judged on their own terms, there is no denying that these Focal speakers are talented. But, unfortunately for the Theva No.1, there are some extremely capable alternatives at this price that show up the chinks in their armour.

By all means, put these standmounters on your shortlist, they certainly deserve that, but make sure you also try out at least one of the class leaders at this level before you buy.

Review published: 11th September 2025

SCORES

• Sound 4
• Build 4
• Compatibility 4

MORE:

Read our review of the Acoustic Energy AE300 Mk2

Also consider the KEF Q3 Meta

Read our Bowers & Wilkins 606 S3 review

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