Focal Chora 826D Loudspeaker Review

Introduction

The Focal Chora 826D is a testament to Focal's commitment to high-fidelity audio, marrying the company's storied craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. As a luminary in the loudspeaker domain, Focal has consistently set benchmarks for performance and design, and the Chora 826D is no exception. This review delves into the intricacies of the Chora 826D's capabilities and how it stands in the competitive landscape of premium loudspeakers.

Design

Aesthetics and Build Quality

The Focal Chora 826D is a visual and tactile pleasure, boasting a sleek and contemporary design that is both eye-catching and sophisticated. Available in finishes like piano black and various wood grains, the loudspeakers are designed to complement modern living spaces. The metal accents add a touch of elegance, underscoring Focal's attention to detail.

In terms of build quality, the use of Slatefiber—a composite material made from non-woven carbon fibers and a thermoplastic polymer—provides rigidity and damping properties that are crucial for accurate sound reproduction. The robust construction ensures that the speakers not only look premium but also feel substantial and durable.

Practical Considerations

The Chora 826D's physical dimensions and weight reflect its floor-standing nature, and although the speakers are relatively easy to position, their height—accentuated by the Atmos driver—may require additional consideration in smaller rooms or setups with height constraints.

Features

Audio Technology

The driver complement in the Chora 826D is a showcase of Focal's engineering prowess. Dual 6 1/2" Slatefiber woofers, a 6 1/2" Slatefiber midrange, and a 1" TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter come together to create a harmonious and dynamic sound profile. The Slatefiber cone construction is particularly noteworthy, as it offers a blend of lightness, rigidity, and damping for a responsive and precise audio output.

Dolby Atmos Integration

A defining feature of the Chora 826D is its Dolby Atmos capability. The upfiring 5 1/8" full-range driver is ingeniously integrated into the top of the speaker, projecting sound towards the ceiling to create an immersive three-dimensional soundscape. This approach circumvents the need for in-ceiling speakers, making the Chora 826D an attractive option for those seeking a streamlined Atmos experience.

Connectivity and Expandability

The Chora 826D's traditional wired connectivity may seem like a missed opportunity in an age where wireless streaming is prevalent. However, this choice prioritizes audio fidelity over convenience. With a sensitivity of 91dB and an 8Ω nominal impedance, these speakers are relatively amplifier-friendly, but potential buyers should still ensure their amp can handle the 2.9Ω minimum impedance.

Performance

Sound Quality

Bass Response

The dual woofers deliver a bass that is both articulate and substantial. The Chora 826D's bass response is impressive, managing to convey the full range of low frequencies without muddiness. However, when pushed to higher volumes with bass-heavy tracks, there can be a slight "tubbiness," which may necessitate careful volume moderation or equalization adjustments.

Midrange and Highs

The midrange is where the Chora 826D truly shines, presenting outstanding clarity and resolution. Vocals and instruments are rendered with lifelike presence and texture. The tweeter, despite its excellence in detail retrieval, can exhibit a slightly prominent sheen at escalated volumes, which, while not displeasing, may not suit all listener preferences.

Room Filling and Soundstage

The Chora 826D excels in enveloping a room with sound, its high sensitivity allowing it to achieve significant volumes without requiring a powerful amplifier. The soundstage is expansive and well-defined, with a tight image focus that creates a palpable sense of space and position for various audio elements.

Dolby Atmos Experience

When it comes to Dolby Atmos performance, the Chora 826D does not disappoint. The upfiring driver effectively bounces sound off the ceiling, creating an overhead sonic layer that enhances the cinematic experience. While it might not match the precision of discrete ceiling-mounted speakers, the Atmos effect is convincing and adds a new dimension to home theater enjoyment.

Practical Usage

Room Acoustics and Speaker Placement

Finding the sweet spot for the Chora 826D requires some experimentation with positioning, as room acoustics play a pivotal role in performance. Ideally, the speakers should be placed to allow the Atmos effects to reflect properly off the ceiling, and the angled plinth design helps in aligning the frequencies to reach the listener simultaneously.

Compatibility and Synergy

The Chora 826D's performance is influenced by the choice of associated electronics. An amplifier with a stable power supply is recommended to handle the speaker's dynamic swings and low impedance dips. The speakers' transparent nature means they will benefit from high-quality source components and recordings.

Final Thoughts

The Focal Chora 826D is a formidable contender in the floor-standing speaker market, offering a blend of aesthetic appeal, advanced material engineering, and immersive audio performance. While the lack of wireless features and the slight emphasis on treble at high volumes are drawbacks, these are minor when weighed against the speaker's overall capabilities. Its ability to deliver a compelling Dolby Atmos experience without in-ceiling speakers is a significant advantage for many users.

The speaker's combination of room-filling sound, musical coherence, and striking design makes it a strong choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts alike. As with any high-end audio product, prospective buyers should audition the Chora 826D in their own space to truly appreciate its qualities and ensure it aligns with their personal preferences and system synergy.