As things start to spin up with CES (the Consumer’s Electronic Show) in Las Vegas this week, so does the product releases for all the 1st quarter events. We have our sights set firmly on the upcoming Florida Audio Show next month, but the big, more mainstream CES fills in the unusually quiet time after the holiday season quite well. First up this week is a new announcement from the France-based Focal, with an update to their Aira 900 range called the Aria EVO X.
Focused around a “M” shaped hard dome tweeter made of aluminum and magnesium, the new EVO “evolution” also includes updates to the mid woofer with the upriver “Tuned Mass Damper” system and modifications to the bass woofer magnets and crossovers. The pricing range arrives in the US market from $2.4k – $6k, depending on the driver count, with availability starting in February. More info in the press release below.
“Las Vegas (CES) – January 9, 2024 – Focal presents Aria Evo X, a line of high-fidelity loudspeakers for the home to follow in the footsteps of the Aria 900 range, which has enjoyed a decade of success. With revamped technologies and a brand-new finish, the Aria Evo X loudspeakers step it up another notch in terms of both sound and design. The French brand has developed this new range as a continuation of the Aria philosophy: to deliver a pure listening experience by providing the best loudspeakers in their category.
LISTENING PLEASURE FOR MUSIC AND HOME CINEMA
Aria Evo X pays homage to traditional hi-fi with its collection of five products: one compact bookshelf model (Aria Evo X N°1); three slender floorstanding loudspeakers (N°2, N°3, N°4) and one additional model for an impressive soundstage in a Home Cinema configuration (Aria Evo X Center). Much like the Aria 900 loudspeaker line launched in 2013, Aria Evo X exists to provide high-fidelity audio that is expressive while accessible in relation to the performance it delivers. The line promises sensational listening pleasure, with the brand’s signature immersive experience.
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
With the benefit of Focal’s sound know-how, the loudspeakers boast outstanding technological innovations that are exclusive to the brand. The ‘M’-shaped inverted dome TAM tweeter, successor of the TNF tweeter. This innovative feature reproduces the treble more faithfully by going further into the high and low ends of the spectrum. The surround on the midrange is equipped with TMD® (Tuned Mass Damper) technology to stabilize how the surround behaves, reducing distortion and delivering perfectly balanced dynamics. The ‘M’ shape of the dome is another Focal innovation, capable of reproducing high frequencies up to 30kHz. In the woofers, meanwhile, the magnet has been revamped to deliver more impact in the bass. Focal’s engineers have also reworked the crossovers with better components to improve loudspeaker balance. Innovation is never just about the technology at Focal. The brand is also offering a new finish: Moss Green High Gloss. With its deep green shade and high gloss varnish, it lends a bright and modern appearance to the loudspeakers. It is joined by the Black High Gloss and Prime Walnut finishes, in all their timeless elegance. Each finish is combined with leather-effect front panels.
THE ICONIC FLAX CONE
The Aria Evo X opens a new chapter for a signature Aria feature, with the iconic flax cone appearing in the line’s midrange and bass speaker drivers. An innovation Focal first unveiled with the Aria 900 line in 2013, this cone made from French flax fiber is used to produce a very natural sound, free of coloration while boasting rich midrange reproduction and clear bass strokes. Manufactured in the Focal workshops, it offers an immersive and dynamic listening experience, reproducing vocals with exquisite clarity and definition. This technology is recognized every year for its remarkable qualities in terms of sound reproduction, and is now a feature in many Focal products, from integrated loudspeakers to car audio kits, and even monitors for sound professionals.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Aria Evo X pricing below with availability February 2024.
Aria Evo X N°1 – $2,398 pair
Aria Evo X N°2 – $4,798 pair
Aria Evo X N°3 – $5,198 pair
Aria Evo X N°4 – $5,998 pair
Aria Evo X Center – $999″
More info: Focal Aria Evo X