Audio T Verdict
The Focal Sopra N°1 might be described as a bookshelf speaker, but physically and technically it is a serious standmount loudspeaker that deserves to be treated like one.
Each 16kg cabinet combines a 165mm W-cone mid/bass driver with several of Focal's more advanced technologies, including TMD suspension and the NIC motor system. High frequencies are handled by a 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter using Focal's IHL - Infinite Horn Loading - arrangement.
The result is a compact two-way design capable of reaching down to 45Hz within its ±3dB response and extending to 40kHz at the top end. Focal also quotes 89dB sensitivity, so the Sopra N°1 does not need enormous amplifier power simply to come alive.
That does not mean amplifier choice should be casual. Although the nominal impedance is 8 ohms, it falls to 3.9 ohms, so a well-designed amplifier with good current delivery is more important than chasing the largest wattage number available. Focal recommends amplification between 25 and 150 watts per channel.
Proper support matters too. Focal offers a dedicated 61cm Sopra stand that mechanically fixes the speaker to a vibration-damping metal top plate. At this level, putting a 16kg Sopra N°1 onto lightweight furniture would rather miss the point.
For customers who want much of Focal's flagship loudspeaker technology without accommodating a large floorstander, the Sopra N°1 is a particularly interesting proposition. It still requires careful amplifier matching and positioning, but rewards the same attention you would give to a substantially larger loudspeaker.
Focal Sopra N°1 Standmount Speakers
The Sopra N°1 is a premium two-way bass-reflex standmount loudspeaker combining Focal's pure-Beryllium tweeter technology with its W-cone mid/bass driver, TMD suspension and NIC motor system.
Key features include:
- Two-way bass-reflex design
- 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter
- IHL Infinite Horn Loading tweeter system
- 165mm W-cone mid/bass driver
- TMD Tuned Mass Damper suspension
- NIC Neutral Inductance Circuit motor technology
- 45Hz–40kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 41Hz low-frequency point at -6dB
- 89dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–150W recommended amplifier power
- 16kg weight per speaker
- Cabinets made in France
- Dedicated Sopra stands available separately
Two-Way Sopra Engineering
Each Sopra N°1 uses two drive units:
- 1 x 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter
- 1 x 165mm W-cone mid/bass driver
The mid/bass unit therefore covers both low frequencies and the majority of the midrange before handing over to the tweeter.
Pure-Beryllium Inverted-Dome Tweeter
Focal has used pure Beryllium in its higher-end tweeters for many years because of the material's combination of very low mass and exceptional rigidity.
In the Sopra N°1, the 27mm inverted dome is designed to operate across an unusually broad high-frequency range, contributing to the speaker's published response extending to 40kHz.
Why an Inverted Dome?
Rather than using a conventional outward-facing dome, Focal reverses the profile of the tweeter diaphragm.
The concept allows a relatively small and light voice coil to be coupled directly to the rigid dome while helping Focal control dispersion across the listening area.
IHL Infinite Horn Loading
Sopra's compact cabinet presented Focal with an unusual problem: the tweeter benefits from having its rear wave absorbed, but the available internal cabinet volume is also valuable to the bass driver.
Focal's solution is IHL - Infinite Horn Loading.
The rear of the Beryllium tweeter communicates with a progressively damped horn-shaped cavity. This absorbs the rearward energy from the dome without requiring a large conventional enclosure behind the tweeter.
It also allows the tweeter assembly to remain mechanically isolated from unwanted cabinet vibration.
Take Care Around the Beryllium Tweeter
The Sopra N°1 uses a pure-Beryllium tweeter diaphragm and the protective elements around it should remain in place.
Do not touch, remove, press or attempt to repair the tweeter dome.
If the Beryllium dome is damaged, avoid touching the damaged area and contact Audio T for advice so that the tweeter can be handled and replaced appropriately.
Keep children from accessing the tweeter diaphragm.
165mm W-Cone Mid/Bass Driver
The Sopra N°1 uses a 165mm W-cone driver for both midrange and bass reproduction.
Focal's W diaphragm uses a sandwich construction consisting of a lightweight foam core positioned between glass-fibre layers.
Why a Sandwich Cone?
A loudspeaker cone ideally needs three characteristics that can otherwise work against one another:
- Low mass
- High rigidity
- Effective mechanical damping
Focal uses the W sandwich construction to control these properties rather than relying on a single homogeneous cone material.
TMD Tuned Mass Damper Suspension
The surround connecting the W cone to its chassis incorporates Focal's TMD - Tuned Mass Damper - technology.
Small tuned masses are incorporated into the suspension to help control unwanted resonant behaviour.
Focal developed the system particularly to improve behaviour through the important midrange region, where the human ear is particularly sensitive to irregularities.
NIC Neutral Inductance Circuit
The mid/bass motor uses Focal's NIC - Neutral Inductance Circuit - technology.
A carefully positioned Faraday ring is used to stabilise the magnetic field within the motor system as the voice coil moves.
The aim is to reduce variations in the driver's electrical behaviour and maintain more consistent control over the diaphragm.
45Hz to 40kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies:
45Hz – 40kHz ±3dB.
The low-frequency point at -6dB is approximately:
41Hz.
That is substantial bass extension for a standmount loudspeaker using a single 165mm mid/bass driver.
Do You Need a Subwoofer?
Not necessarily for normal two-channel music listening.
A subwoofer becomes more relevant if you want:
- Extension significantly below 40Hz
- Home-cinema LFE reproduction
- Very deep electronic bass
- Pipe-organ fundamentals
- Independent control of low-frequency room modes
Whether a subwoofer improves the system will depend as much on the room and setup as the loudspeaker itself.
89dB Sensitivity
Focal specifies sensitivity of:
89dB.
This allows the Sopra N°1 to work with a broad range of quality amplification without demanding extreme output power.
8-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is:
8 ohms.
However, the impedance falls to approximately:
3.9 ohms minimum.
Amplifier Current Capability Matters
The Sopra N°1 is described as an 8-ohm loudspeaker, but the amplifier will encounter a significantly lower impedance at some frequencies.
Use a properly designed amplifier that remains comfortable driving lower-impedance loads rather than choosing purely from the headline wattage figure.
25–150W Recommended Amplification
Focal recommends amplifier power between:
25 and 150 watts per channel.
The top of that range is a compatibility figure, not a requirement.
A high-quality amplifier with more modest output can be an excellent partner where the room size and required listening level are appropriate.
Do Not Choose an Amplifier by Wattage Alone
When matching an amplifier to Sopra N°1, consider:
- Current delivery
- Power-supply quality
- Behaviour into lower impedances
- Noise performance
- Preamp quality
- Source quality
- Your normal listening level
- The size of the room
At this level, listening to the combination is considerably more useful than simply comparing specification sheets.
Avoid Driving an Underpowered Amplifier Into Clipping
A smaller amplifier operated cleanly is not automatically a problem, but repeatedly pushing an amplifier beyond its capabilities can produce distortion and potentially damage loudspeaker drive units.
If you listen at high levels or in a large room, choose amplification with appropriate headroom.
Room Size
Focal particularly recommends Sopra N°1 for listening rooms below approximately 25m², but also states that the speaker can adapt successfully to substantially larger spaces.
Room area alone does not determine suitability.
Also consider:
- Listening distance
- Ceiling height
- Room construction
- Furniture and soft furnishings
- Required playback level
- Amplifier capability
- Speaker position
Room Size Is a Starting Point
A demonstration is particularly worthwhile with a loudspeaker such as Sopra N°1 because a relatively compact cabinet can produce considerably more scale than its dimensions suggest.
Substantial Standmount Cabinet
Each Sopra N°1 measures approximately:
- Width: 279mm
- Height: 425mm
- Depth: 396mm
At almost 400mm deep, this is a substantial standmount speaker rather than something intended to disappear onto a narrow bookshelf.
16kg Per Speaker
Each cabinet weighs approximately:
16kg.
That makes stable support particularly important.
Use a Strong and Stable Speaker Stand
Each Sopra N°1 weighs 16kg and should be supported by a stand or structure capable of carrying the loudspeaker securely.
A lightweight table, narrow shelf or unstable piece of furniture is not an appropriate substitute for a properly matched stand.
Dedicated Focal Sopra Stand
Focal produces a dedicated stand specifically for Sopra N°1.
The stand is approximately:
610mm high.
The loudspeaker is secured to a metal top plate designed to provide stable support and help control vibration.
The stand uses a matte-black aluminium structure with a deep-black glass base to match the design of the Sopra range.
Browse speaker stands and brackets at Audio T.
Why Stand Height Matters
Speaker height affects the relationship between the tweeter and your seated listening position.
A properly sized stand also gives you much greater freedom to adjust:
- Distance from the rear wall
- Distance from side walls
- Speaker spacing
- Toe-in
- Listening distance
Speaker Positioning
As a starting point, place the pair symmetrically where possible and leave useful space around each cabinet.
Experiment gradually with:
- Distance from the wall behind the speakers
- Distance from side walls
- Distance between left and right speakers
- Toe-in towards the listening position
- Listening-chair distance
Changes of only a few centimetres can alter bass balance and stereo imaging.
Toe-In
Speaker angle can change:
- Central vocal focus
- Soundstage width
- Image depth
- Treble balance
Start with modest toe-in rather than pointing the speakers aggressively towards the listener, then adjust by ear.
Correct Speaker Polarity
When connecting the speakers, maintain the same polarity on both channels:
- Amplifier positive to speaker positive
- Amplifier negative to speaker negative
Reversing the polarity of one loudspeaker can weaken central imaging and reduce perceived bass.
Spikes and Counter-Spikes
Focal lists spikes and protective counter-spikes among the supplied accessories.
The spikes can provide a secure mechanical interface when the installation and flooring are suitable.
Protect Delicate Flooring
Do not place exposed metal points directly onto timber, laminate, tile or another delicate finished floor.
Use the appropriate counter-spikes or another suitable protective interface.
Cabinets Made in France
The Sopra cabinets are produced in France by Focal's own cabinetmakers.
The sculpted enclosure forms part of the acoustic design as well as giving the Sopra range its distinctive appearance.
Available Finishes
Focal offers Sopra N°1 in:
- Light Oak
- Macassar
- Carrara White
- Electric Orange
- Black Lacquer
Wood or Lacquer
Wood Finishes
- Light Oak
- Macassar
- Natural-material appearance
- Works well in traditional and contemporary rooms
Lacquer Finishes
- Carrara White
- Electric Orange
- Black Lacquer
- More contemporary high-gloss appearance
Sopra N°1 in a Stereo System
A Sopra N°1 system deserves source and amplification quality appropriate to the loudspeaker.
It can form the basis of systems built around:
- Integrated amplifiers
- Preamp and power-amplifier combinations
- Network streaming amplifiers
- High-quality turntables
- CD players and transports
- Dedicated streamers and DACs
Sopra N°1 in Home Cinema
Focal also provides matching Sopra models for building a tonally consistent multichannel system, including Sopra Center and Sopra Surround Be.
The Sopra N°1 can therefore be used as the front left and right pair in a premium music and home-cinema installation.
Who Are the Focal Sopra N°1 For?
Well Suited To
- High-end two-channel systems
- Listeners who prefer standmount speakers
- Rooms where large floorstanders are impractical
- Premium integrated amplifiers
- Preamp and power-amplifier systems
- Vinyl systems
- High-resolution streaming systems
- CD and digital systems
- Premium home-cinema front channels
- Listeners who value precise stereo imaging
Check Before Buying
- 16kg per speaker
- 396mm cabinet depth
- Proper stands strongly recommended
- Dedicated Sopra stands sold separately
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance
- Capable amplification recommended
- Beryllium tweeters require appropriate care
- Positioning deserves careful attention
- Protect hard floors when using spikes
Key Features
- Focal Sopra N°1
- Premium standmount speakers
- Two-way design
- Bass-reflex enclosure
- 27mm tweeter
- Pure-Beryllium inverted dome
- IHL Infinite Horn Loading
- 165mm mid/bass driver
- W sandwich cone
- TMD suspension
- NIC motor technology
- 45Hz–40kHz ±3dB
- 41Hz at -6dB
- 89dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–150W recommended amplification
- 279mm width
- 425mm height
- 396mm depth
- 16kg per speaker
- Dedicated 610mm Sopra stand available
- Spikes supplied
- Counter-spikes supplied
- French-made cabinet
- Light Oak finish
- Macassar finish
- Carrara White finish
- Electric Orange finish
- Black Lacquer finish
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Focal Sopra N°1 sold as a pair?
Yes. This Audio T product is supplied as a stereo pair.
Are Sopra N°1 bookshelf or standmount speakers?
Focal describes them as bookshelf loudspeakers, but at 16kg each and almost 400mm deep they are best treated as substantial standmount speakers.
How many drivers does each Sopra N°1 have?
Two: one 27mm tweeter and one 165mm mid/bass driver.
What is the tweeter made from?
Pure Beryllium.
What is IHL?
IHL stands for Infinite Horn Loading. Focal uses a damped rear horn behind the Beryllium tweeter to progressively absorb its rear wave while keeping the enclosure compact.
What is the W cone?
It is Focal's sandwich diaphragm using glass-fibre layers around a lightweight foam core to balance rigidity, low mass and damping.
What is TMD?
TMD stands for Tuned Mass Damper. Tuned masses incorporated into the driver suspension help control unwanted resonance.
What is NIC?
NIC stands for Neutral Inductance Circuit. Focal uses a Faraday ring within the motor system to help stabilise the magnetic field as the voice coil moves.
What is the frequency response?
45Hz to 40kHz ±3dB.
How low do the Sopra N°1 go?
Focal specifies 45Hz within ±3dB and a -6dB low-frequency point at approximately 41Hz.
Do I need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for normal stereo music listening. A subwoofer may be useful if you want significantly deeper bass, home-cinema LFE or more control over the lowest frequencies in your room.
What is the sensitivity?
89dB.
What is the nominal impedance?
8 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
3.9 ohms.
What amplifier power does Focal recommend?
25–150W per channel.
Do I need a 150W amplifier?
No. That is the upper end of Focal's recommended range rather than a minimum requirement.
Will a lower-powered amplifier work?
Yes, provided it is a suitable high-quality design, remains comfortable with the speaker's 3.9-ohm minimum impedance and provides enough clean output for your room and listening level.
What size room are Sopra N°1 designed for?
Focal particularly recommends them for rooms below approximately 25m² but states that they can also adapt to considerably larger spaces.
How large is each speaker?
Approximately 279 x 425 x 396mm W x H x D.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 16kg.
Should I use speaker stands?
Yes. A stable stand of suitable height and load capacity is strongly recommended.
Does Focal make a dedicated Sopra N°1 stand?
Yes. Focal's Sopra stand is approximately 610mm high and allows the speaker to be secured to a vibration-damping metal plate.
Are the stands included?
No. The dedicated Sopra stands are optional and sold separately.
Are spikes supplied?
Focal lists spikes and counter-spikes among the supplied accessories.
Can I use the spikes on a wooden floor?
Use suitable counter-spikes or another appropriate protective interface rather than putting exposed metal points directly onto a delicate finished floor.
Is the Beryllium tweeter safe?
The tweeter is designed to remain protected and undisturbed during normal use. Do not touch or remove the Beryllium dome. If it is damaged, avoid contact and ask Audio T for assistance.
Where are the cabinets made?
Focal states that its Sopra cabinets are produced in France by its own cabinetmakers.
What finishes are available?
Light Oak, Macassar, Carrara White, Electric Orange and Black Lacquer.
Related Focal Products and Audio T Guides
Why Buy From Audio T?
- Focal Sopra demonstrations
- Amplifier matching
- Speaker-stand matching
- Source-component matching
- Speaker-cable advice
- Room-positioning guidance
- Toe-in setup
- Subwoofer integration where appropriate
- Home demonstrations where available
- Part-exchange options
- Installation and ongoing after-sales support
Contact your local Audio T store to arrange a Focal Sopra N°1 demonstration or discuss amplifier matching, speaker stands and positioning in your listening room.