Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers. These speakers are designed to deliver an immersive audio experience, featuring a dedicated Dolby Atmos driver for three-dimensional sound. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your speakers to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

1.1 Safety Information

• Placement: Ensure speakers are placed on a stable, level surface to prevent tipping. Keep them away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and moisture.
• Ventilation: Do not block any ventilation openings. Adequate airflow is necessary to prevent overheating.
• Connections: Always turn off your amplifier or receiver before making any connections to avoid damage to your equipment. Use appropriate gauge speaker wire.
• Cleaning: Disconnect from power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth. Avoid liquid cleaners or aerosols.
• Servicing: Do not attempt to service these speakers yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
• Magnetic Fields: Keep magnetic media (e.g., old CRT monitors, credit cards) away from the speakers to prevent data corruption or interference.

2. Package Contents

Your Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers package should contain the following items:

• (2) Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers

Please inspect all components for any signs of damage. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your retailer immediately.

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking

Carefully remove the speakers from their packaging. It is recommended to retain the original packaging for future transport or storage.

3.2 Speaker Placement

Optimal speaker placement is crucial for achieving the best sound quality, especially for Dolby Atmos. Consider the following guidelines:

• Stereo Setup: For a traditional stereo setup, place the speakers equidistant from your primary listening position, forming an equilateral triangle.
• Dolby Atmos: The Chora 826-D features an integrated upward-firing driver for Dolby Atmos. Position the speakers to allow sound to reflect off the ceiling towards your listening area. Avoid placing them directly under low-hanging obstacles that could block the upward-firing sound.
• Wall Distance: Experiment with the distance from walls. Placing speakers too close to walls can overemphasize bass, while too far can reduce bass impact.
• Toe-in: Slightly angling the speakers inward towards the listening position (toe-in) can improve imaging and soundstage focus.

Image: A pair of Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers, showcasing their elegant light wood and cream finish, designed for optimal sound dispersion.

Image: A diagram illustrating the dimensions of a single Focal Chora 826-D speaker, measuring approximately 45 inches in height, 20 inches in depth, and 27 inches in width.

3.3 Connecting the Speakers

The Chora 826-D speakers connect to your amplifier or AV receiver using standard speaker wire. Ensure your amplifier is turned off before making connections.

1. Prepare Speaker Wire: Strip approximately 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) of insulation from the ends of your speaker wires. Twist the bare strands tightly.
2. Connect to Speakers: Connect the positive (+) terminal (red) on the speaker to the positive (+) terminal on your amplifier. Connect the negative (-) terminal (black) on the speaker to the negative (-) terminal on your amplifier. Ensure no stray wire strands are touching the opposite terminal, which could cause a short circuit.
3. Repeat for Second Speaker: Connect the second speaker in the same manner. Maintain consistent polarity for both speakers.

Image: A detailed view of the front of a Focal Chora 826-D speaker, highlighting the distinct drivers, including the Aluminium/Magnesium TNF tweeter and the Slatefiber cone woofers.

4. Operating

4.1 Basic Operation

Once connected, turn on your amplifier/receiver and select the appropriate input. Start with a low volume level and gradually increase it to your desired listening level. The Chora 826-D speakers are designed for high fidelity audio reproduction across a wide range of music and movie content.

4.2 Dolby Atmos Functionality

The integrated Dolby Atmos driver on top of the Chora 826-D speakers is designed to create an immersive, overhead sound experience. When playing Dolby Atmos encoded content through a compatible AV receiver, these drivers project sound upwards, which then reflects off your ceiling to create the illusion of sound coming from above. This significantly enhances the three-dimensional audio landscape of movies and games.

Image: A top-down view of the Focal Chora 826-D speaker, clearly showing the integrated upward-firing Dolby Atmos driver covered by a protective grille.

4.3 Using Speaker Grilles

The Chora 826-D speakers come with magnetic grilles that can be easily attached or removed. While the grilles offer protection for the drivers, some audiophiles prefer to listen without them for a slightly more open sound. Experiment to find your preferred aesthetic and acoustic balance.

Image: A Focal Chora 826-D speaker with its magnetic grille securely attached, providing a sleek appearance and protecting the speaker drivers.

5. Maintenance

Proper care will ensure your Focal Chora 826-D speakers maintain their appearance and performance for years to come.

• Cleaning Cabinets: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the cabinet surfaces. For stubborn marks, a slightly damp cloth can be used, followed immediately by a dry cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or polishes.
• Cleaning Drivers: The speaker drivers (cones and tweeters) are delicate. Do not touch them directly. Use a soft brush or compressed air (at a safe distance) to gently remove dust.
• Grilles: The magnetic grilles can be cleaned with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment on a low setting.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your speakers, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• No Sound:
  • Check all cable connections between the speakers and your amplifier/receiver. Ensure they are secure and correctly connected (positive to positive, negative to negative).
  • Verify that your amplifier/receiver is powered on and the correct input source is selected.
  • Check the volume level on your amplifier/receiver.
• Distorted Sound:
  • Reduce the volume level. Distortion often occurs when the amplifier is overdriven.
  • Inspect speaker wires for any frayed strands that might be touching each other or the opposite terminal.
  • Ensure the speakers are connected to the correct impedance output on your amplifier (if applicable).
• Unbalanced Sound (one speaker louder/softer):
  • Check the balance settings on your amplifier/receiver.
  • Verify that both speaker cables are securely connected and have correct polarity.
  • Ensure both speakers are receiving power from the amplifier.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, please consult your amplifier/receiver manual or contact Focal customer support.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Warranty Information

The Focal Chora 826-D Floorstanding Speakers come with a Limited Warranty. Please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official Focal website for detailed terms and conditions regarding coverage, duration, and claims procedures.

8.2 Customer Support

For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please contact Focal customer support. You can typically find contact information on the official Focal website or through your authorized retailer.

You may also visit the Focal Store on Amazon for additional product information and resources.