From what we gathered, the launch of the new CC 1000Be central loudspeaker and SW 1000 Be Sub are the start of a new multi-channel strategy at FocalJMLab. For them, the surge of the 5.1, 6.1 technology needs much more than a complement to your classic two-channel Hi-Fi system, hence the launch of these products.
In this view, the Electra CC1000 Be and SW 1000 Be will be "of the same calibre as that of the Electra 1027 Be and 1007 Be. (*)" Focal's analysis is that the proliferation of new standards and formats -HDTV, BR, HD-DVD etc.- forces manufacturers into an ever-evolving environment. In other words, center and subs are now "truly dedicated, key products."
Focal adds that in such perspective, specifications for the SW 1000 Be Subwoofer was to "provide, in the lower octaves, the same quality as that brought in the higher ones by the IAL (Infinite Acoustic Loading) tweeter." The objective is to bring hi-tech solutions already in use in the Be series, such as Beryllium or “W” cones, to the multi-channel world.
As for the performance of the CC1000 Be, the objective has been set as high as possible in terms of linearity, distorsion, frequency response and dynamics. This, to make sure that the overall quality of the Electra 1000 Be series is maintained.
Focal claims that the job which consist in bringing coherent spatiality falls on the centre channel speaker. They add that in most cases, manufacturers are using drivers identical to the front speakers. Focal says that this is "insufficient" because this approach does not take in count the very specific, directional characteristics of the centre channel speaker, i.e., on a horizontal axis, mid-range woofers on eiher side of a tweeter. This can prove disastrous since the balance constantly changes, depending on the listening position. The specifications of the CC 1000 Be is precisely to be a "listening position" neutral device. Focal has chosen a three-way system in which a Beryllium IAL tweeter is placed directly above a new 8cm “W” (3’’) cone midrange. This, they claim, avoids problems of directionality between 500Hz and 40KHz.
The Electra SW 1000 Be Subwoofer repeats the characteristics of the Profile SW 908 sub, with a BASH® (Bridge Amplifier Switch Hybrid) type amplifier and a 24 bit, digital signal processor (DSP). It delivers up to 600 Watts (750 Watts peaks). The woofer is a 13" allows for 120dB (130dB when placed in a corner). The DSP processor manages all digital aspects of the settings, notably fine tuning, while the LCD display provides excellent, easy to use menu navigation.
It brings adjustable, 50 to 150Hz active crossover in 5Hz steps, parametric boost mode, night mode, variable phase (0° to 180° in 10° steps), variable gain (-6 t0 +6dB), adaptable sub-sonic filter, etc.
SPDIF digital connections allow to connect several SW 1000 Be without having to calibrate, thanks to a master-slave configuration: All functions are calibrated on the master and fed to the slaves. The user settings allow to adjust the sub, depending on the type of listening (Hi-Fi, Cinema...)
The CC 1000 Be and SW 1000 Be are available in Classic (Light Gold Cherry + High Gloss Slate Grey) and Signature (Red Cherry + High Gloss Slate Grey) finishes.
Focal says that these devices are an ideal complement to the 2004 Electra Be series that was unveiled for their 25th birthday, which consisted in two floorstanders and a bookshelf. The solid Beryllium tweeter and the W cones bring technological similarities and allow for a natural evolution of this line to a multi-channel installation.
Available at the end of the year.
(*): Source: Focal JMLab
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