Sopra N3

The Focal Sopra N3 is a 3-way high-end loudspeaker and the longest-standing model in the Sopra range. It combines dynamic performance, room integration and harmonic richness in a relatively compact enclosure.

Two 8 1/4-inch (21cm) woofers provide solid, rich and clearly defined bass. Despite its reasonable size, the Sopra N3 is intended for rooms measuring up to 860 ft² (80 m²). Its compact, modern design is intended to integrate into an interior without making room size a constraint.

Focal developed the Sopra range around new performance criteria for Premium High End loudspeakers. The enclosure uses the company’s midrange drivers with NIC and TMD technologies to improve transparency and reduce distortion. Unlike Utopia, whose design is not constrained by size, Sopra prioritises compactness for integration into reasonably sized rooms.

Stabilising the magnetic field

Neutral Inductance Circuit

The stability of the magnetic field in a drive unit affects the precision and detail of audio reproduction. Focal’s NIC technology, or Neutral Inductance Circuit, controls and stabilises the magnetic field to limit distortion. This reduces the effects of distortion and supports high-definition sound with dynamic reproduction.

The midrange suspension

Tuned Mass Damper

Focal identified resonances in the suspension connecting the cone to the basket, which can affect definition. Conventional methods of increasing suspension damping add mass and can therefore alter definition. TMD technology, derived from systems used in earthquake-resistant skyscrapers and racing-car suspension, optimises the suspension profile to control resonance. It reduces distortion and increases the definition of bass and midrange frequencies.

Innovation

The Beryllium tweeter uses a light, rigid dome for transparent and dynamic treble. Its principal limitation is air compression in the cavity behind the dome. As the Sopra enclosure uses as much of its available volume as possible for bass reproduction, Focal developed the IHL, or Infinite Horn Loading, system to load the tweeter within the compact cabinet.

IHL gradually absorbs the tweeter’s rear wave to reduce distortion while retaining the required compact enclosure. The design increases treble definition.

No sacrifice of performance to aesthetics

Design agency Pineau & Le Porcher developed the Sopra range around the principle that aesthetics should not compromise performance. The design is intended for sound enthusiasts while also providing the qualities required of a loudspeaker integrated into elegant interiors and décors.

Lacquered or bloodwood finishes are combined with noble materials. The front has been designed with a tidy appearance, including the areas around the drive units, to address both acoustic and visual considerations. The cabinet is structured around an intermediate section made from injected polyurethane. This allows the upper and lower cabinets to be inclined for Focus Time, the acoustic convergence of the channels.