Short answer: the Focal Theva N°2. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#49 and #47 of 228 floorstanding speakers), and the Focal Theva N°2 costs $799 against $1,900 for the Arendal 1961 Tower, so with nothing between them on sound quality, price settles it.
Why pick the Focal Theva N°2: Slim three way floorstanding speakers with high sensitivity that get loud from a small amplifier, a stylish tower for modest budgets. Watch for: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers.
The case for the Arendal 1961 Tower: Slim sealed towers with accurate sound and exceptionally clean output at high volume, a great home theater front pair with a subwoofer. The catch: Erin measured F3 at 62Hz and F10 at 43Hz, so the four woofers prioritize clean output over deep extension; a subwoofer remains necessary.
Buy the Focal Theva N°2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $1,101 less than the Arendal 1961 Tower.
About the ratings: the Focal Theva N°2’s rating is estimated from measured siblings and predecessors rather than its own measurements, with a likely range of 4.2 to 4.6, so this verdict could change once it is measured.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Efficiency: the Focal Theva N°2 is rated at 90 dB sensitivity against 86.5 dB for the Arendal 1961 Tower, so it plays as loud with roughly half the amplifier power.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Theva N°2 | Arendal 1961 Tower | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.00 per pair | $1,900 per pair |
| Ranked | #49 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers Estimated | #47 of 228 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 53Hz (manufacturer specified) | 62Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter, 5” (13cm) Slatefiber midrange, 2x 5” (13cm) Slatefiber woofers | Four 5.5-inch woofers; 28mm waveguided soft dome |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (manufacturer specified) | 86.5dB/2.83V/1m (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 4 ohms nominal; dips below 4 ohms (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Recommended Power | 40-200W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | - |
| Dimensions | 36.7”H x 7.5”W x 13.9”D (931 x 191 x 352 mm) | 33”H x 6.4”W x 11.2”D (837.5 x 163 x 285 mm) (without feet) |
| Weight | 37.5 lbs (17 kg) each | 39.5 lbs (17.9 kg) each |
| Cabinet Color | light wood, black, dark wood | - |
| Country | France | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Enclosure | - | Sealed HDF |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.25 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Focal Theva N°2: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- Arendal 1961 Tower: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner video.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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