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To look after your headphones, it is essential to follow these recommendations :  Make sure that your headphones are not exposed to humidity or extreme temperatures, which could affect the internal components. When your headphones are not in use, store them carefully in their protective case, in a dedicated place where there is no risk of them being dropped. To clean your headphones, use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and fingerprints from the surface. If necessary, you can use a microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water. We recommend that you do not use harsh chemicals. When storing your headphones, ensure that the cable is not bent excessively, as this could damage the internal wires.

The choice between a bookshelf speaker and a floorstanding speaker depends first and foremost on your objectives in terms of sound definition and bass power.  Here are their specific characteristics : Specifications Bookshelf speakers  Floorstanding speakers Installation On shelves or stands Freestanding, floorstanding Size More compact  Larger Ideal for Small spaces  Larger rooms Audio quality Excellent quality Powerful and detailed sound Configuration Often integrated intro different audio systems Used in hi-fi or home cinema Low frequencies May have limited low frequency performance Full reproduction with deep low frequencies The choice between these two audio systems also depends on your budget and how well they match your interior design.

The choice between a passive and active speaker is determined by your future use. 1 - Passive speakers :  They operate via an external amplifier which powers them. The amplifier must be chosen according to the power tolerated by the speakers, for a quality listening experience. Note that this type of audio system takes up more space due to the presence of an external amplifier. This operation by module will allow you to gradually improve your system later.     2 - Active speakers Incorporating an amplifier, they can be used directly with audio sources to listen to music. The fact that the amplifier is integrated can limit the customization of the audio system. They are an all-in-one.  

FOCAL sets itself apart by offering a diverse range of car audio kits to meet the varied needs of music enthusiasts.  At the heart of this offer are two main types of kit : 2-way and 3-way audio kits, typically comprising a tweeter, woofer and crossover, and car audio installations, typically comprising two front/rear speakers and an amplifier.  Each of these kits is designed with meticulous attention to detail to deliver an exceptional sound experience.  Note that these kits are coherently designed with a view to offering good sound clarity. The components cannot therefore be separated, as they are specifically calibrated to work together.  Installation :  2-way and 3-way audio kits: Before considering installing a 2-way kit in a vehicle, you need to check the dimensions of the original slots. You need to measure the diameter and especially the depth, as some woofers have a deep breech.  Car audio installation: Everything you need to know about installing the kit is set out in the assembly instructions supplied with it. Remember that for each product, the instructions are available as a PDF download on our website.  

If you prefer a music-focused listening experience, a stereo hi-fi system seems to be the most suitable system. If you're looking for an immersive multimedia experience, a home cinema system is probably the best solution.  The choice between these two systems depends on your preferences and needs.  1- Stereo hi-fi The stereo hi-fi system is simple to use and configure, as it generally consists of an amplifier and two speakers. This is the configuration to choose if you want to enjoy excellent quality audio reproduction, whatever the content you are broadcasting. 2- Home Cinema The home cinema system is more extensive, generally consisting of at least five speakers and a subwoofer (other speakers can be added for a more immersive experience). It requires a specific multi-channel amplifier. This type of configuration provides an immersive sound experience for your film/video game content.

The impedance of a pair of headphones determines the amount of energy needed to operate them. If the impedance is greater than 100 ohms, we recommend you use an amplifier. For an impedance of 80 ohms or less, a simple smartphone or tablet may be enough to power the headphones.  However, we recommend that you use a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC) to take full advantage of your headphones' performance. There are several reasons for this: using a DAC improves sound quality and reduces distortion. Finally, a DAC makes for a more immersive sound experience.  Suggestion related to this article : - What is a digital to analogue converter dac ? - How do i choose headphones ?  

When choosing your headphones, there are several factors to consider : 1. Type of headphones : In-ear : type of headphone; some models offer passive sound isolation. Supra-aural : lightweight headphones with less sound isolation from ambient frequencies. Circum-aural : headphones that completely cover the ears. This creates maximum sound isolation and superior audio quality. 2. Headphones design : Open-ear headphones : The earcups' grilles allow sound to pass through. These headphones are appreciated during long listening sessions in a quiet environment. Closed headphones : The earcups are closed, isolating external noise. These headphones are particularly appreciated in situations where sound isolation is require.  3. Comfort : Focal headphones feature a lightweight system and memory foam ear cushions that adapt perfectly to the user. 4. Connectivity : Make sure your headphones are compatible with your devices. Wired : Headphones offering connectivity via a wired system (Jack cable / USB-C). Wireless : Headphones offering wireless connectivity via Bluetooth. 5. Battery life : Wireless headphones have a battery. It's important to consider its autonomy and recharging speed. The Bathys headset has a battery life of 30 hours and a full recharge speed of 1.5 hours and 15 minutes for 5 hours of listening. Wired headphones have no internal battery, as they use a physical connection. 6. Integrated controls : Play/pause control: starts, pauses or resumes playback. Next/previous control : allows you to skip music or go backwards. Noise reduction control: adjusts the level of external noise reduction. Volume controls: adjust sound volume. Answer/end calls: answer and end phone calls. Voice navigation control: provides voice assistance. Focal headphones combine sound quality with optimum comfort. Careful earcup design and ergonomic padding make them ideal for extended listening sessions. These headphones offer a perfect fit for the user's comfort.

Loudspeaker impedance is an aspect to be taken into account when installing an audio system. Electrical impedance measures the resistance that an electrical circuit opposes to the passage of a sinusoidal alternating current expressed in ohms (Ω). Unlike pure resistance, the value of impedance is not fixed and varies with frequency. For example, a hi-fi loudspeaker may have an impedance of between 3.5 ohms and 25 ohms, or even more at low frequencies, depending on the technology used. The official standard, established in the 1990s, generally indicates 8 or 4 ohms in the technical specifications of hi-fi speakers, based on the speaker's impedance in the midrange at a frequency of 1000 Hz. However, this value gives only a partial indication, as impedance varies considerably throughout the audible frequency range.  On the whole, it is reasonable to regard most current hi-fi speakers, including those from Focal, as having an average impedance of around 6 ohms. Modern amplifiers accept a range of impedances, but it is advisable to refer to RMS power over 8 ohms when assessing performance under difficult load conditions. This provides a safety margin in terms of available current. Focal distinguishes itself by clearly displaying the minimum impedance of its hi-fi products, thus acknowledging the diversity of the nominal impedance of 8 ohms, but an actual minimum impedance of 5 ohms. Taking speaker impedance into account ensures compatibility between your speakers and amplifier, good frequency response and a balanced audio system where the impedance of the speakers matches that of the amplifier. This protects your equipment from potential damage. 

The main purpose of a subwoofer is to enhance the reproduction of low frequencies in an audio system, offering a richer, deeper and more immersive sound experience. The subwoofer is specially designed to reproduce low frequencies with precision, adding power and clarity to musical elements such as percussion, the bass of electronic music and sound effects in films. It helps to balance the overall sound spectrum and create a more complete audio experience. Positioning the subwoofer in the listening room : The subwoofer is a component that can be hidden from view, preferably at the front of the listening room and if possible in a corner, to optimize its performance. Unlike a loudspeaker, which must be sufficiently distant from the walls and corners of the listening room, we recommend placing the subwoofer in a corner. If the subwoofer is placed against a single wall or far away from partitions, the frequency response will not be linear and the bass quality will be affected. By placing the subwoofer in a corner, the room's resonances will be excited in a more linear and predictable way. Not only will bass perception be optimal, but this arrangement will also allow you to increase the level by up to four times. If layout constraints prevent you from placing the subwoofer in a corner, try different positions in the room until you find the best compromise. As the frequency bands concerned are omnidirectional, the bass is in principle unaffected by any object or piece of furniture placed between the subwoofer and the listening point.

Generally speaking, the answer is no. Drilling a loudspeaker weakens the body. What's more, any modification to the speaker will invalidate the warranty and may alter its behaviour. To install a loudspeaker on a wall, there are manufacturers who specialise in making suitable brackets. Of course, the choice of models depends on the weight and size of the speakers concerned. This only applies to small models such as bookshelf speakers. We would also like to point out that we have several ranges of flush-mount loudspeakers designed to be inserted into partitions or ceilings, avoiding the need for additional external supports, which are not always very aesthetic. Some of our compact products include a mounting system for versions designed to be used as surround speakers in a home cinema system.  For more details, please refer to the user manual for your product. Suggestion related to this article :                                           - What recommendations should i take into account to maintain the condition of my loudspeakers ? - Why opt for built in speakers ?

A subwoofer is a loudspeaker specifically designed to reproduce low and extreme low frequencies that cannot be reproduced by a coaxial loudspeaker or 2-way kit. It helps enhance the low-frequency response in your living room or car. When you connect a Focal subwoofer to your sound system, you have two main options depending on your configuration: Low-level RCA input For two-channel amplifiers with "Pre-out" line outputs, you can use the subwoofer's stereo RCA "Line inputs Right (R) / Left (L)". This option is ideal for a stereo configuration. LFE input For multi-channel audio/video amplifiers, connect the subwoofer's single LFE "Low-Frequency Effects" input to the amplifier's dedicated "subwoofer" output. This configuration is ideal for multi-channel home cinema systems. It's also important to note the operation of the "Auto Standby" mode. This mode automatically switches the subwoofer on and off.When the "Auto Standby" switch is activated, the subwoofer switches on automatically as soon as an audio signal is detected at the input. In "Disable/OFF" mode, the detector is deactivated, keeping the subwoofer permanently switched on. If no audio signal is detected at the subwoofer input for around twenty minutes, the detection system automatically switches the subwoofer to standby mode. If you're planning an extended absence, it's advisable to set the power switch to the "Off" position. Car audio It's common practice to install a subwoofer in a trunk, mainly for reasons of space.Please note, however, that our subwoofers are not "free-air" models intended for installation under a rear parcel shelf, for example. We strongly advise against making cut-outs in the sheet metal of the rear decks of three-box sedan models.This could compromise the car's rigidity.Our subwoofers are designed to operate in dedicated enclosures: they cannot be installed as they are. For an optimal audio experience and to preserve your vehicle, carefully follow our installation recommendations. Cable selection To connect the subwoofer to the amplifier, use a shielded RCA/RCA cord of suitable length. If in doubt, ask your dealer for advice to find the best solution for your needs. Location Unlike a loudspeaker, which must be far enough away from the walls and corners of the listening room, we recommend placing the subwoofer in a corner. By placing the subwoofer in a corner, the room's resonances will be more linear.Not only will bass perception be optimal, but this arrangement will also increase the bass level.If layout constraints prevent you from placing the subwoofer in a corner, try different positions in the room until you find the best possible compromise. Generally speaking, the subwoofer should be placed at the front of the listening position. Placing it at the rear is not recommended. As the frequency bands concerned are omnidirectional, the bass is in principle unaffected by any object or piece of furniture placed between the subwoofer and the listening point. Break-in period The loudspeaker in your subwoofer is a complex mechanical element that requires a break-in period to perform at its best and adapt to the temperature and humidity conditions of your environment. This period varies according to the conditions encountered, and can extend over several weeks. To accelerate this operation, we recommend that you run the subwoofer for around 20 hours at medium level, on bass-rich music programs.Once the speaker's characteristics have fully stabilized, you'll be able to take full advantage of your subwoofer's performance.

A Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) is an essential electronic component in digital audio devices. Its role is to convert digital signals into analog signals, enabling sounds to be reproduced through loudspeakers or headphones. The use of a DAC enables the conversion of a digital signal into a precise analog signal, reducing unwanted distortion and providing a clearer frequency response. Some offer the possibility of programming options to suit your personal preferences. The Digital-to-Analog Converter replaces the internal converter and offers the opportunity to improve the conversion of a sound signal to make it more efficient. There are three types of Digital-to-Analog Converter: Integrated into a HI-Res Audio nomad player. Bathys headphones feature this audio conversion system.   Aspects   Advantages Disadvantages Quality Better sound quality and no compression Channel separation  Improves clarity and separation of instruments Requires high-quality audio files Noise reduction Reduces interference No direct impact on noise reduction Compatibility Compatible with various audio sources Some DACs are not universally compatible Options Setting options to personalize sound Portability Compact and portable Adds weight and volume to portable player Minimalist, the size of a USB flash drive, with USB / USB-C connection, powered by a source that serves as a player, and equipped with a headphone jack.   Aspects   Advantages Disadvantages Portability Easy to carry May have audio limitations Connectivity Easy to connect Audio quality Improves audio source quality May lack power compared to a dedicated headphone amplifier Compatibility Compatible with a variety of USB / USB-C devices Some DACs are not universally compatible Footprint Doesn't take up much space Operation Simple May not satisfy demanding audiophiles Separate unit (mains or battery), with volume control and sometimes usable as a preamplifier.   Aspects   Advantages Disadvantages Power High output power Depends on mains or battery supply   Power supply   Constant power supply Less portable due to need for a power source Sound quality   Better audio quality More bulky and expensive than more compact models Connectivity More expensive quality options Requires mains plug or recharging Advanced settings More advanced audio customization options Possibly more complex to set up and use Suggestion related to this article : - What is a Digital to Analogue Converter (DAC) ? - Can i use a headphone amplifier ?