Focal Theva Loudspeakers

Quick Start Guide

This guide provides initial steps for setting up your Focal Theva loudspeakers. For detailed instructions, please refer to the full user manual available at www.focal.com/usermanual/theva.

Initial Setup

Unpacking: Carefully unpack your loudspeakers and identify all included accessories such as screws, feet, and grilles.

Base Attachment:

• Theva N°1 (Bookshelf): Attach the included silicone feet to the bottom of the speakers to protect surfaces and provide stability.
• Theva N°2 / N°3 (Floorstanding): Align the base with the fixing holes on the bottom of the loudspeaker. Use the provided screws and Allen key to securely attach the base. Ensure the base is oriented correctly with the upper part facing the front of the loudspeaker. Attach either the rubber feet (for hard floors) or spikes (for carpeted floors) to the base for optimal stability and floor protection.

Connections: Connect the loudspeakers to your amplifier using appropriate speaker cables. Ensure correct polarity: connect the positive terminal (+) on the loudspeaker to the positive output on the amplifier, and the negative terminal (-) to the negative output. Incorrect polarity can significantly affect sound quality.

Grilles: Theva loudspeakers come with magnetic grilles. While they offer protection, removing them during listening sessions is recommended for optimal acoustic performance.

Important Safety Instructions

[!] Warning: The exclamation mark in an equilateral triangle [!] alerts users to important instructions in the user manual regarding the use and maintenance of the device.

[High-Voltage Warning] The bolt of lightning in an equilateral triangle [high-voltage-warning] warns that the device contains high voltage, posing a risk of electric shock.

1. Read these instructions carefully.
2. Keep these instructions for future reference.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions provided.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
10. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
11. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
12. Do not use this device in tropical climates or where the ambient temperature exceeds 35°C (95°F).
13. Do not place naked flame sources, such as lit candles, near the device.
14. The appliance should only be mounted on a wall or ceiling if the manufacturer allows for this.
15. This product may have sharp corners. Handle it with care.
16. Do not attempt to repair this device yourself. Opening the device may be dangerous. Contact a qualified professional for all work on the device.
17. When replacement components are needed, use only components specified by the manufacturer or components with identical technical features to those of the original product. Using non-compliant components could cause fires, electric shocks, or other risks.
18. After any maintenance or repair work, test the device to ensure it is working safely.
19. Turn the source volume to minimum before connecting products and turning up the amplifier volume. Gradually increase the volume to a reasonable level once the products are in place.
20. To avoid damaging your hearing, do not listen to loudspeakers at high volumes for extended periods. Listening at excessive volumes can cause hearing problems, including temporary or permanent deafness, buzzing in the ears, tinnitus, or hyperacusis. Exposure to volumes higher than 85dB SPL-LAeq for several hours can irreversibly damage your hearing.
21. Keep packaging out of the reach of children, as it may present a suffocation risk.
22. Ensure that users who are not self-sufficient enough to use the product safely, particularly children under 14 or individuals with certain disabilities, are supervised and/or accompanied when using the device.

User Manual Details

Handling

Theva N°2 and N°3 loudspeakers weigh approximately 20kg (44 lbs). It is strongly advised to have two people assist with lifting during unpacking and installation. Theva loudspeakers have sharp corners; handle them with care to avoid injury.

Fixing the Base (Theva N°2, N°3)

Align the base with the fixing holes on the bottom of the loudspeaker. Use the four supplied screws and the provided Allen key to tighten them securely. Ensure the base is oriented correctly, with the upper part at the front of the loudspeaker. Attach either the rubber feet (for hard floors) or spikes (for carpeted floors) to the base for optimal stability and floor protection.

Fixing the Silicone Feet (Theva N°1)

Silicone feet are included with the Theva N°1 bookshelf loudspeakers. If positioning the loudspeakers on a shelf or furniture unit, attach the silicone feet before installation. For installation on optional Theva feet, refer to the assembly instructions supplied with those feet.

Grilles

Theva loudspeakers are supplied with grilles that attach magnetically to protect the speaker drivers. For the best listening performance, it is recommended to remove the grilles.

Connections

Theva connectors are versatile and accept stripped cables (up to 4mm diameter), fork terminals, or banana connectors. It is crucial to respect the polarity of both the loudspeaker and the amplifier. Connect the '+' terminal to the positive output on the amplifier and the '-' terminal to the negative terminal. Incorrect polarity will seriously compromise stereo imaging and bass perception. Use good quality cables with a cross-section appropriate to their length; your retailer can provide advice.

Positioning

These loudspeakers are designed for faithful reproduction. To optimize their performance, follow these guidelines:

• Position loudspeakers symmetrically, facing the listening area, ideally forming an equilateral triangle with it. Adjust distances according to your room's design.
• Ensure loudspeakers are at the same height and in the same horizontal plane. The tweeter should ideally be at the same height as the listener's ears in the usual listening position.
• Avoid positioning loudspeakers too close to a corner or a wall, as this can induce unwanted room resonance and artificially increase bass response. Conversely, if bass is insufficient, try moving the loudspeakers nearer a wall to re-balance the bass level.

Optimization Formula

For optimal positioning, consider the formula B² = AC, where A is the distance from the center of the woofer to the nearest floor or wall, B is the distance to the next closest floor or wall, and C is the greatest distance (A < B < C).

Example: If the center of the woofer is 50cm (A) from the rear wall and 60cm (B) above the floor, then the side wall (C) should ideally be 72cm away (C = 60² / 50 = 72cm).

Recommendations for Use

• Imprecise stereo perception: Move loudspeakers closer together and/or angle them more towards the listening point.
• Harsh, aggressive sound: The listening room acoustics may be too reverberant. Use sound-absorbing materials (carpets, upholstered furniture, tapestries, curtains) and sound-reflecting materials (furniture) to balance resonance.
• Flat, strangled sound: There may be too many sound-absorbing materials in the room. Find a compromise between sound-absorbing and sound-reflecting materials. A reflective wall behind the loudspeakers helps sound development, while the wall behind the listening area should ideally be sound-absorbing to avoid rear reflections affecting the stereo image. Furniture near side walls can diffuse sound waves and prevent certain frequencies from being excited.

Break-in Period

The speaker drivers require a break-in period to operate at their best. This typically lasts a few weeks but can be reduced by operating the loudspeakers for approximately twenty consecutive hours. This allows the drivers to adapt to the listening environment.

Special Precautions

Dust with a dry cloth. If dirty, clean with a slightly damp cloth. Never use solvents, detergents, alcohol-based or corrosive products, scrapers, or scourers. Keep loudspeakers away from heat sources.

Choosing the Right Amplifier

A lack of amplifier power, rather than excess, can damage loudspeakers. If the volume is turned up too high, the amplifier can saturate and generate parasite signals that may damage the tweeter. Theva loudspeakers' dynamic capacity and definition will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of any connected amplifier. Consult your retailer for assistance in choosing a suitable amplifier.

Warranty Conditions

All Focal loudspeakers are covered by a warranty provided by the official Focal distributor in your country. Your distributor can provide full details on warranty conditions, which at least match the legal warranty in force in the country of purchase.

Technical Specifications

About Focal

Focal is a renowned French audio brand dedicated to delivering exceptional sound experiences through a combination of innovation, tradition, performance, and pleasure.

Focal Collections

Focal offers a diverse range of audio products, including home loudspeakers, integrated systems, Home Cinema solutions, headphones, in-car kits, and professional studio monitors. These collections blend performance with elegant design.

Innovation

Focal distinguishes itself through exclusive patented technologies and meticulous design by its acoustic engineers. Their workshops combine artisanal craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to achieve audio excellence.

Excellence

Focal's commitment is to create benchmark products that offer an absolute listening experience. Their expertise in acoustics and control over manufacturing processes enable the creation of unique, high-performance audio solutions.

Handcrafted in France

Since 1979, Focal has been proud to manufacture its exceptional products in its workshops in Saint-Étienne and Bourbon-Lancy, France. This dedication to unique know-how has earned them recognition as a French Living Heritage Company.

Utopia

The Utopia line symbolizes Focal's exceptionalism, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in audio technology and design. Products like the Grande Utopia EM Evo loudspeakers and Utopia headphones represent the pinnacle of Focal's achievements.

Vervent Audio

Focal is part of the Vervent Audio group, working in synergy with Naim Audio, a leading British electronics brand. This collaboration allows for the offering of complementary, high-technology audio solutions that blend luxury craftsmanship and advanced engineering.

Correct Product Disposal

This marking indicates that within the European Union (EU), this product should not be disposed of with other household wastes. To protect the environment and human health, please recycle responsibly to encourage the reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the available return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased. They can recycle this product safely.