Audio T Verdict
The Focal Sopra N°2 is a serious three-way floorstander, but one of its great strengths is that it delivers its scale without becoming physically enormous. At 1.19 metres tall it is certainly substantial, yet Focal has managed to accommodate twin 180mm bass drivers, a dedicated 165mm midrange and its pure-Beryllium tweeter within a relatively controlled footprint.
The dedicated midrange is particularly important. Rather than asking one driver to cover both bass and the critical vocal region, Sopra N°2 separates the workload between two W-cone woofers and a dedicated W-cone midrange incorporating Focal's TMD suspension and NIC motor technology.
Above that sits Focal's 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, loaded by the company's IHL system. The rear of the tweeter communicates with a progressively damped horn, allowing Focal to control its rearward energy without using a large enclosure behind it.
The numbers suggest a speaker capable of real scale: 34Hz bass extension within ±3dB, a 28Hz -6dB point and 91dB sensitivity. It should not be mistaken for an easy load purely because the nominal impedance says 8 ohms, though, as the impedance falls to 3.1 ohms. A capable amplifier with good current delivery is important.
Focal recommends between 40 and 300 watts per channel, which gives plenty of choice. There is no need to chase the 300W figure simply for its own sake; amplifier quality, current capability and behaviour into lower impedances matter much more.
Room matching is similarly flexible. Focal describes Sopra N°2 as particularly comfortable in rooms around 30m² and suitable for larger spaces extending towards 70m², although speaker position, listening distance and room acoustics remain just as important as floor area.
At 55kg each, installation deserves planning rather than improvisation. Once properly positioned and partnered, however, Sopra N°2 provides much of the engineering philosophy behind Focal's larger reference loudspeakers in a size that can still work in a normal domestic listening room.
Focal Sopra N°2 Floorstanding Speakers
The Sopra N°2 is a three-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeaker designed and manufactured by Focal in France.
Key features include:
- Three-way bass-reflex floorstanding design
- 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter
- IHL Infinite Horn Loading tweeter system
- 165mm dedicated W-cone midrange driver
- TMD Tuned Mass Damper midrange suspension
- NIC Neutral Inductance Circuit midrange motor
- 2 x 180mm W-cone bass drivers
- W sandwich-cone construction
- Focus Time cabinet geometry
- Gamma Structure cabinet engineering
- 19mm tempered-glass base
- Stainless-steel decoupling spikes
- 34Hz–40kHz ±3dB frequency response
- 28Hz low-frequency point at -6dB
- 91dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 250Hz and 2.2kHz crossover frequencies
- 40–300W recommended amplifier power
- 55kg weight per speaker
- Magnetic front grilles
- Made in France
Three-Way Sopra Architecture
Each Sopra N°2 divides the audio spectrum between four physical drive units:
- 1 x 27mm pure-Beryllium tweeter
- 1 x 165mm dedicated midrange driver
- 2 x 180mm dedicated bass drivers
The crossover remains three-way because the two bass drivers operate together within the same low-frequency section.
Dedicated Midrange Driver
The 165mm midrange driver is dedicated to the part of the frequency range containing much of the detail and character of voices and acoustic instruments.
It uses Focal's W sandwich diaphragm alongside both TMD suspension and NIC motor technology.
TMD Tuned Mass Damper Suspension
TMD stands for Tuned Mass Damper.
Focal incorporates carefully positioned tuned masses within the driver's suspension to control resonant behaviour as the cone moves.
The system is particularly relevant through the midrange, where small irregularities can be readily audible.
NIC Neutral Inductance Circuit
NIC stands for Neutral Inductance Circuit.
Focal uses a carefully designed Faraday ring within the magnetic circuit to stabilise the magnetic field as the voice coil changes position.
The aim is to provide more consistent motor behaviour and reduce variations that could otherwise affect the driver's response.
Twin 180mm W-Cone Bass Drivers
Low frequencies are handled by two dedicated 180mm woofers.
Using a pair of dedicated bass drivers increases the total radiating area and allows the midrange unit to concentrate on its own operating range rather than reproducing deep bass simultaneously.
W Sandwich Cones
Focal's W diaphragm uses a sandwich construction consisting of:
- A lightweight foam core
- Glass-fibre outer layer
- Second glass-fibre outer layer
The construction allows Focal to balance three important properties:
- Low moving mass
- Rigidity
- Mechanical damping
Pure-Beryllium Inverted-Dome Tweeter
High frequencies are handled by Focal's 27mm pure-Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter.
Beryllium combines extremely low mass with very high rigidity, allowing the diaphragm to operate across a particularly broad frequency range.
IHL Infinite Horn Loading
The tweeter uses Focal's IHL - Infinite Horn Loading - system.
Rather than allowing the rear wave of the Beryllium dome to reflect from a small conventional cavity, the tweeter communicates with a progressively damped horn behind it.
This absorbs rearward energy while using relatively little of the internal cabinet volume required by the bass drivers.
Take Care Around the Beryllium Tweeter
The Sopra N°2 uses a pure-Beryllium tweeter and its protective grille should remain in position.
Do not touch, press or attempt to remove the tweeter diaphragm.
If the tweeter becomes damaged, avoid touching the dome and contact Audio T for appropriate advice and servicing.
34Hz to 40kHz Frequency Response
Focal specifies:
34Hz – 40kHz ±3dB.
The -6dB low-frequency point is approximately:
28Hz.
This gives Sopra N°2 substantial bass extension without requiring a separate subwoofer for most conventional two-channel music systems.
Do You Need a Subwoofer?
For most stereo music systems, not necessarily.
A subwoofer may still be worthwhile if you want:
- Home-cinema LFE reproduction
- Greater output at the lowest frequencies
- Independent control over room modes
- Very deep electronic bass
- Pipe-organ fundamentals
91dB Sensitivity
Focal specifies:
91dB sensitivity at 2.83V / 1m.
This means Sopra N°2 can produce useful output without requiring unusually large amplifier power simply to reach normal listening levels.
8-Ohm Nominal Impedance
The nominal impedance is:
8 ohms.
The minimum impedance falls to:
3.1 ohms.
3.1-Ohm Minimum Impedance
The 8-ohm nominal figure does not tell the whole story.
Sopra N°2 presents the amplifier with a significantly lower load at some frequencies, so choose amplification that remains comfortable delivering current into lower impedances.
40–300W Recommended Amplification
Focal recommends amplification rated between:
40 and 300 watts per channel.
The 300W figure represents the upper end of Focal's recommended compatibility range rather than a requirement.
Do Not Choose an Amplifier by Wattage Alone
Important considerations include:
- Current delivery
- Power-supply capability
- Stability into lower impedances
- Noise performance
- Preamp quality
- Source quality
- Listening distance
- Required playback level
A properly matched high-quality amplifier below the top of the recommended range can be a considerably better partner than a more powerful design chosen purely from its specification sheet.
Avoid Amplifier Clipping
Do not repeatedly drive an amplifier beyond its clean operating limits in an attempt to achieve more volume.
An amplifier pushed into clipping can produce severe distortion and potentially damage loudspeaker drive units, particularly tweeters.
250Hz and 2.2kHz Crossovers
Focal specifies crossover frequencies of:
- 250Hz: bass to midrange
- 2.2kHz: midrange to tweeter
This allows each group of drive units to operate primarily within the frequency range for which it has been designed.
Focus Time
The distinctive Sopra cabinet is not shaped purely for appearance.
Focal calls its geometry Focus Time.
The upper and lower cabinet sections are angled around the central tweeter section so that the acoustic output from the different drive units converges more accurately towards the listening position.
Why Acoustic Alignment Matters
The tweeter, midrange and bass drivers are mounted at different physical positions within a tall loudspeaker.
Angling the individual cabinet sections allows Focal to address the relative path lengths between the drivers and the seated listener.
Polyurethane Tweeter Section
The central section around the tweeter uses injected polyurethane.
Its shape forms part of the Focus Time geometry while also providing a mechanically controlled mounting environment for the high-frequency system.
Gamma Structure Cabinet
Focal's Gamma Structure approach is designed to minimise unwanted cabinet radiation.
The enclosure uses dense MDF construction with structural reinforcement informed by vibration analysis of the cabinet panels.
The objective is straightforward: the drive units should reproduce the music rather than allowing cabinet resonance to add its own contribution.
19mm Tempered-Glass Base
Sopra N°2 uses a substantial tempered-glass base approximately:
19mm thick.
The base contributes to the loudspeaker's stability and forms the interface with the adjustable decoupling spikes.
Stainless-Steel Decoupling Spikes
Focal uses stainless-steel spikes designed specifically for the Sopra range.
They allow the loudspeaker to be levelled and provide a defined mechanical interface between the cabinet and floor.
Counter-Spikes Included
Focal supplies protective counter-spikes with the Sopra N°2.
Protect Delicate Flooring
Do not place exposed metal spikes directly onto timber, laminate, tile or another delicate finished floor.
Use the supplied counter-spikes or another appropriate protective interface.
1190mm Tall
Each Sopra N°2 measures approximately:
- Width: 358mm
- Height: 1190mm
- Depth: 540mm
The 540mm cabinet depth is worth checking carefully when planning the installation, particularly once sensible breathing space behind the speaker is added.
55kg Per Speaker
Each Sopra N°2 weighs approximately:
55kg.
A stereo pair therefore represents around 110kg of loudspeakers before packaging.
Plan Delivery and Positioning Beforehand
At 55kg per speaker, Sopra N°2 should not be treated as a loudspeaker that one person casually lifts into place.
Arrange suitable assistance for unpacking and positioning, and consider stairs, narrow hallways, doorways and the final listening-room access before delivery.
Room Size
Focal describes Sopra N°2 as particularly comfortable in living rooms around 30m² while also being suitable for larger spaces extending towards approximately 70m².
These figures are useful guidance rather than rigid boundaries.
Also consider:
- Listening distance
- Ceiling height
- Room shape
- Furniture
- Absorption and reflection
- Amplifier capability
- Required playback level
Speaker Positioning
Start with the speakers placed symmetrically relative to the listening area wherever the room allows.
Experiment gradually with:
- Rear-wall distance
- Side-wall distance
- Distance between the speakers
- Listening distance
- Toe-in
Sopra N°2 is capable of substantial low-frequency output, so wall and corner position can make a significant difference to bass balance.
Avoid Pushing Them Into Corners
Placing a large floorstander too close to room boundaries can exaggerate particular bass frequencies.
Moving the speakers only a relatively small distance can sometimes produce a more even result than making changes elsewhere in the system.
Toe-In
Changing the angle of the speakers can affect:
- Central-image focus
- Soundstage width
- Image depth
- Treble balance
Small changes are usually more useful than extreme adjustment.
Correct Speaker Polarity
Maintain matching polarity on both speakers:
- Amplifier positive to speaker positive
- Amplifier negative to speaker negative
If one loudspeaker is connected with reversed polarity, stereo focus and perceived bass can suffer substantially.
Magnetic Front Grilles
Magnetic protective grilles are supplied.
The magnetic fixing allows the front of the loudspeaker to remain free from conventional visible grille pegs when the covers are removed.
Made in France
Focal manufactures the Sopra cabinets in France using its own cabinetmaking facilities.
The drive units are also developed and manufactured by Focal in France.
Available Finishes
Sopra N°2 is available in:
- Light Oak
- Macassar
- Carrara White
- Electric Orange
- Black Lacquer
Wood Finishes
Light Oak and Macassar provide timber-inspired alternatives for customers who want the Sopra cabinet to work with natural materials within the room.
Lacquer Finishes
Carrara White, Electric Orange and Black Lacquer provide higher-impact contemporary alternatives.
Sopra N°2 Versus Sopra N°1
Sopra N°1
- Two-way standmount
- One 165mm W-cone mid/bass driver
- Pure-Beryllium IHL tweeter
- 45Hz–40kHz ±3dB
- 89dB sensitivity
- 3.9-ohm minimum impedance
- 25–150W recommended amplification
Sopra N°2
- Three-way floorstander
- Dedicated 165mm W-cone midrange
- Two 180mm W-cone woofers
- Pure-Beryllium IHL tweeter
- 34Hz–40kHz ±3dB
- 91dB sensitivity
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 40–300W recommended amplification
The Sopra N°2 provides substantially greater cabinet volume and dedicated bass capability, while its three-way architecture allows the 165mm midrange driver to concentrate on the frequencies above the twin woofers.
Compare the Focal Sopra N°1 at Audio T.
Sopra N°2 in a Home Cinema System
Focal also produces matching Sopra centre and surround loudspeakers, allowing N°2 to become the front left and right channels of a high-performance multichannel system.
A suitable active subwoofer can then handle dedicated LFE reproduction.
Who Are the Focal Sopra N°2 For?
Well Suited To
- High-end stereo systems
- Medium and large listening rooms
- Powerful integrated amplifiers
- Preamp and power-amplifier systems
- Vinyl systems
- High-resolution streaming systems
- CD and digital systems
- Large-scale classical music
- Rock and electronic music
- Listeners wanting substantial bass without necessarily adding a subwoofer
- Premium home-cinema front channels
Check Before Buying
- 55kg per speaker
- 1190mm height
- 540mm cabinet depth
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- Capable amplification strongly recommended
- Careful room positioning worthwhile
- Pure-Beryllium tweeter requires appropriate care
- Use floor protection beneath spikes
- Plan delivery access before purchase
Key Features
- Focal Sopra N°2
- Three-way floorstanding speaker
- Bass-reflex design
- 27mm pure-Beryllium tweeter
- Inverted-dome tweeter
- IHL Infinite Horn Loading
- 165mm dedicated midrange
- W sandwich cone
- TMD suspension
- NIC motor system
- 2 x 180mm bass drivers
- W-cone woofers
- Focus Time geometry
- Gamma Structure cabinet
- 19mm tempered-glass base
- Stainless-steel spikes
- 34Hz–40kHz ±3dB
- 28Hz at -6dB
- 91dB sensitivity
- 8-ohm nominal impedance
- 3.1-ohm minimum impedance
- 250Hz crossover
- 2.2kHz crossover
- 40–300W recommended amplification
- 358mm width
- 1190mm height
- 540mm depth
- 55kg per speaker
- Magnetic front grilles
- Spikes supplied
- Counter-spikes supplied
- Light Oak
- Macassar
- Carrara White
- Electric Orange
- Black Lacquer
- Made in France
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Focal Sopra N°2 sold as a pair?
Yes. This Audio T product is supplied as a stereo pair.
Are Sopra N°2 floorstanding speakers?
Yes. They are three-way bass-reflex floorstanding loudspeakers.
How many drivers does each speaker have?
Four physical drive units: two bass drivers, one dedicated midrange and one tweeter.
How large are the bass drivers?
180mm each.
How large is the midrange driver?
165mm.
What is the tweeter made from?
Pure Beryllium.
What is IHL?
IHL stands for Infinite Horn Loading. A progressively damped cavity behind the tweeter absorbs its rear wave while occupying relatively little cabinet volume.
What is the W cone?
Focal's W diaphragm uses 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 within the midrange suspension help control unwanted resonant behaviour.
What is NIC?
NIC stands for Neutral Inductance Circuit. It uses a Faraday ring within the driver motor to help stabilise the magnetic field as the voice coil moves.
What is Focus Time?
Focal angles the upper and lower cabinet sections around the central tweeter section so the acoustic output from the different drivers converges more accurately towards the listening position.
What is the frequency response?
34Hz to 40kHz ±3dB.
How low do Sopra N°2 go?
Focal specifies 34Hz within ±3dB and approximately 28Hz at -6dB.
What is the sensitivity?
91dB at 2.83V / 1m.
What is the nominal impedance?
8 ohms.
What is the minimum impedance?
3.1 ohms.
What amplifier power does Focal recommend?
40–300W per channel.
Do I need a 300W amplifier?
No. That is the upper end of Focal's recommended range rather than a minimum requirement.
Can I use a lower-powered amplifier?
Yes, provided it is a suitable high-quality amplifier that remains comfortable with the speaker's 3.1-ohm minimum impedance and provides sufficient clean output for your room and preferred listening level.
What are the crossover frequencies?
Approximately 250Hz and 2.2kHz.
Do Sopra N°2 need a subwoofer?
Not necessarily for stereo music. Their published -6dB point is already 28Hz. A subwoofer may still be useful for home-cinema LFE, additional low-frequency output or room-management purposes.
What room size suits Sopra N°2?
Focal describes them as very comfortable in rooms around 30m² and suitable for larger rooms extending towards approximately 70m².
How tall is each speaker?
Approximately 1190mm.
How wide is each speaker?
Approximately 358mm.
How deep is each speaker?
Approximately 540mm.
How much does each speaker weigh?
Approximately 55kg.
Are spikes supplied?
Yes. Focal supplies four stainless-steel spikes for each speaker.
Are counter-spikes supplied?
Yes. Protective counter-spikes are supplied.
Can I use the spikes on a wooden floor?
Use the supplied counter-spikes or another suitable protective interface rather than placing bare metal points directly onto a delicate floor.
Are front grilles included?
Yes. Magnetic front grilles are supplied.
Is the base glass?
Yes. Focal uses a tempered-glass base approximately 19mm thick.
Is the Beryllium tweeter protected?
Yes. Focal fits a protective grille over the tweeter. Do not touch or attempt to remove the Beryllium diaphragm.
Where are Sopra N°2 made?
Focal manufactures the cabinets and develops and manufactures the drive units in France.
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
- Source-component matching
- Speaker-cable advice
- Room suitability guidance
- Speaker-positioning advice
- 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°2 demonstration or discuss amplification, room suitability, positioning and complete system matching.