Short answer: the Focal Theva N°2, if you are buying new. The Focal Chora 816 ranks higher than the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle (#26 vs #125 of 188 floorstanding speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the Focal Theva N°2, is rated 4.4/5 at $999 and is still sold new.
The Focal Chora 816 is the better-sounding choice. CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. The tradeoff: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz.
The SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle is the more accurate, deeper-bass option. Flagship three-way tower with a diamond-coated tweeter, dual midranges and four force-balanced 8-inch woofers. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.91 against 4.30 for the Focal Chora 816. Its bass reaches about 41Hz before falling 3dB, against 60Hz for the Focal Chora 816. The catch: The 5.25-to-8-inch transitions and complex array do not produce class-leading smoothness: 0.184 on-axis, 0.226 predicted in-room and 3.64 directivity-index consistency.
Buy the Focal Theva N°2, the replacement for the discontinued Focal Chora 816; it is rated higher for sound quality than the SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle.
Want more options? Browse the full Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Chora 816 | SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 per pair used, Discontinued | $2,499.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #26 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers | #125 of 188 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | about 27.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) | 50.2H x 11.8W x 18.1D in |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) | 6 ohms nominal |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, dual 5.25” midranges, quad 8” woofers |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88dB |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each | 96.8 lbs (43.9 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 | 4.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 | 6.13 |
| DIY Kit | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 3-way passive, dual rear ports |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Chora 816: $900 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Focal Theva N°2, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5.
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity. Predicted in-room response is very good aside from a peak around 8kHz. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees is typical and fairly controlled. Distortion is very low at 86dB SPL/1m and still usable at 96dB SPL/1m. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 91dB.
Cons: Some messiness appears between 500Hz-2kHz on-axis, including a dip around 550Hz. Vertical directivity narrows a little, so listening height matters more than with a coincident design. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a fair bit of resonances lingering across the midrange. Distortion rises substantially in the 1-2kHz region at 96dB SPL/1m. Minimum impedance dips to about 3.9 ohms. Discontinued.
Full Focal Chora 816 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.37 |
| Weight | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, front |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle: $2,499.00 per pair Amazon SVS eBay
Same family: the SVS Ultra Evolution Nano (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.9/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Bookshelf (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Tower (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.1/5), the SVS Ultra Evolution Titan (smaller floorstanding, ranked higher, estimated 4.2/5) and the SVS Ultra Evolution Center (center, estimated 4.1/5).
Pros: Flagship three-way tower with a diamond-coated tweeter, dual midranges and four force-balanced 8-inch woofers. Erin measured exceptional 27Hz extension, broad roughly +/-75-degree horizontal coverage, an 88.1dB sensitivity and a 4.91 preference score even without a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 41.0Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 5.25-to-8-inch transitions and complex array do not produce class-leading smoothness: 0.184 on-axis, 0.226 predicted in-room and 3.64 directivity-index consistency. At 96.7 pounds each, these are difficult to position, and their Q of 1.25 indicates some bass emphasis. A dip in the upper midrange followed closely by a peak around 2 to 3kHz gives vocals a shouty, forward quality that toe-out alone does not resolve.
Full SVS Ultra Evolution Pinnacle review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 27.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 41.0Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner via spinorama.org) |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 50.2H x 11.8W x 18.1D in |
| Drivers | 1” diamond-coated tweeter, dual 5.25” midranges, quad 8” woofers |
| Enclosure | 3-way passive, dual rear ports |
| Impedance | 6 ohms nominal |
| Sensitivity | 88dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.13 |
| Weight | 96.8 lbs (43.9 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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