Short answer: the Focal Theva N°2 is the newer model that replaces the Focal Chora 816, but only the Focal Chora 816 has been measured and ranked so far, so this comparison is on specs and features rather than sound. The Focal Chora 816 is discontinued, so it is now a used buy.
What the Focal Theva N°2 offers: A slim three-way bass reflex tower with a 1” aluminium-magnesium inverted dome tweeter, a 5” Slatefiber midrange and two 5” Slatefiber woofers.
What the Focal Chora 816 brings: CEA2034 spinorama shows a generally even on-axis response with nice bass extension and high sensitivity.
Price: the Focal Theva N°2 lists at $1,998 and the Focal Chora 816 at $900.
Buy the Focal Chora 816 if you want a speaker whose sound quality has been measured and ranked.
Buy the Focal Theva N°2 if you want the newer model, and you can wait for measurements to confirm how it sounds.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Passive Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Theva N°2 | Focal Chora 816 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,998 per pair | $900 per pair used, Discontinued |
| Ranked | - | #15 of 73 in Large Size Floorstanding Speakers |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter, 5” (13cm) Slatefiber midrange, 2x 5” (13cm) Slatefiber woofers | 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber woofer, 6.5” (16.5cm) Slatefiber midrange, 1” (25mm) TNF Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (manufacturer specified) | 91dB (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) | 8 ohms nominal (3.9 ohms minimum, measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Recommended Power | 40-200W | - |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear | ported, front |
| Dimensions | 931H x 191W x 352D mm | 40.7”H x 11.8”W x 15.3”D (1033.8 x 299.7 x 388.6 mm) |
| Weight | 17 kg each | 40.8 lbs (18.5 kg) each |
| Cabinet Color | light wood, black, dark wood | - |
| Country | France | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 35Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.30 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.37 |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 PM 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 Theva N°2: $1,998 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the Focal Chora 816 (rated 4.5/5).
Pros: A slim three-way bass reflex tower with a 1” aluminium-magnesium inverted dome tweeter, a 5” Slatefiber midrange and two 5” Slatefiber woofers. Focal rates it at 53Hz to 28kHz (±3dB) with a high 90dB sensitivity, so it gets loud from a small amplifier.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared with ranked speakers. Impedance drops to 2.9 ohms, a demanding load that calls for an amplifier comfortable with low impedances. Sold individually, so a pair costs twice the listed price.
Full Focal Theva N°2 review and specifications →
| Cabinet Color | light wood, black, dark wood |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Dimensions | 931H x 191W x 352D mm |
| Drivers | 1” (25mm) Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter, 5” (13cm) Slatefiber midrange, 2x 5” (13cm) Slatefiber woofers |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz-28kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Impedance | 8 ohms nominal, 2.9 ohms minimum (manufacturer specified) |
| Recommended Power | 40-200W |
| Sensitivity | 90dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 17 kg each |
| Woofer Cabinet | ported, rear |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- These figures are manufacturer-specified rather than independently measured.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Chora 816: $900 per pair used Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Focal Theva N°2. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet.
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