This review delves into the Focal Aria Evo X No.1 bookshelf speakers, examining their strengths and weaknesses through detailed analysis and comparison. We explore the unboxing experience, build quality, and sonic performance across various listening tests and amplifier pairings. Particular attention is paid to the speaker's bass response, a key area of focus throughout the review. We compare the Aria Evo X No.1 against competitors like the Dali Rubicon 2 and KEF Q350 Meta, highlighting where it excels and where it falls short.This in-depth assessment covers crucial aspects, including soundstage characteristics, sensitivity to room placement and amplification, and performance at different volume levels. The impact of a subwoofer integration is also considered, offering a comprehensive understanding of the Aria Evo X No.1's capabilities and limitations. Ultimately, the review aims to provide a balanced perspective, aiding potential buyers in deciding if these speakers are the right fit for their listening preferences and audio setup.
Pros And Cons
- Fantastic build quality for the price
- Stunning glass top and high-gloss finish
- Unique Flex cone midwoofer
- Clean and clinical sound
- Neutral and well-defined bass
- Detailed treble
- Amazingly wide soundstage
- Excellent imaging and dynamics
- Minimal difference in sound with or without magnetic grills
- Excellent distortion tolerance at high volumes
- Underwhelming packaging; loose internal packaging
- Difficult-to-remove banana plug connectors
- Lacks depth in soundstage
- Bass presence diminishes significantly at lower volumes
- Bass rolls off below 200Hz, sensitive to room placement
- Can sound bass-light in some environments, making certain genres sound thin
- Produces some chuffing noise (port sound)
- High price point, especially in the US compared to Europe
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Unboxing and Build Quality
The initial unboxing experience was somewhat underwhelming. The single box felt smaller than expected, and the internal packaging lacked sufficient protection, causing the speakers to move around during transit. However, this perception quickly changed upon closer inspection. The build quality is truly exceptional for the price, showcasing a stunning glass top and impeccable craftsmanship.
The midwoofer, featuring Focal's iconic Flax cone, adds a unique aesthetic touch that is both visually appealing and distinctive. While the packaging could use improvement, the overall build quality and design of the Aria Evo X No.1 are remarkable.
Sound Quality and Performance
After a two-month break-in period, the initial listening tests revealed a clean, clinical sound signature. The speaker delivers a neutral and well-defined bass response without any artificial emphasis. The mid-range is detailed and precise, almost analytical, while the treble is bright and detailed. The soundstage is exceptionally wide, offering impressive imaging and dynamics.
However, the depth of the soundstage is somewhat lacking, and the bass response, while accurate, can be considered somewhat light, especially at lower volumes. This makes them particularly sensitive to room placement and acoustic characteristics.
Amplifier Pairing and Bass Response
The Focal Aria Evo X No.1's performance significantly changes depending on the amplifier used. Switching from a neutral amplifier to one with more mid-bass emphasis improved the overall warmth and added airiness to the top end. However, the bass still remained tighter than desired.
Testing with different amplifiers showcased variations in the bass response, highlighting the speaker's sensitivity to amplification. The best results came from pairing with amplifiers like the Naim, which provided a more balanced and grounded bass without compromising the treble's clarity.
High Volume Performance and Comparisons
Surprisingly, the Aria Evo X No.1 shines at higher volumes, exhibiting excellent distortion tolerance. Even at high listening levels (75-85dB), distortion remained minimal, with clipping only detected at 90dB. This is impressive for a bookshelf speaker.
Comparisons with other speakers, such as the Dali Rubicon 2 and KEF Q350 Meta, revealed the Aria Evo X No.1's strengths and weaknesses. While technically proficient, it lacked the overall warmth and musicality of competitors. The bass response, in particular, was significantly less extended than the Dali or KEF models.
Room Placement and Subwoofer Integration
The speaker's bass response is highly sensitive to room placement. Measurements demonstrated that moving the speakers closer to the back wall only resulted in a minor difference in the bass. In the reviewer's room, the bass was considered light, making certain genres sound thin and lacking impact.
However, integrating the speaker with a subwoofer proved to be a successful solution, resulting in a significantly improved and more balanced sound. This highlights the Aria Evo X No.1's potential as part of a larger home theater setup.
Conclusion
The Focal Aria Evo X No.1 is a technically impressive speaker with a wide soundstage, excellent imaging, and dynamic performance. However, its bright, clinical sound signature and relatively light bass response might not appeal to all listeners. It performs best at higher volumes and is quite sensitive to room acoustics and amplifier pairing.
For those with well-treated rooms and a preference for a more analytical sound, it is a solid choice; however, its price point means there are more versatile and forgiving options available, especially for listeners who prioritize a warmer, more musical experience. Adding a subwoofer significantly enhances its overall performance and addresses its most prominent weakness.