Focal is one of my favorite companies in audio. Their products are impeccably built, well engineered, sound incredible, and most importantly are beautiful. They are truly deserving of the label Hi-Fi.
Greetings from Greece, in wall and in ceiling speakers are very popular for home theater application but they are not reviewed too much because it's hard to install. Very little content in reviews and comparisons there is on internet. I would love to see more videos like this with other brands, also your opinion about how do they sound if you compare them with bookshelf speakers or floorstanders. Thank you for your very good content that you always have in your channel.
upgrading to the 300 ICW in dining room in a few months based upon this review and others. Thanks for posing content like this to aid in the buying decision
I have the 300 IC6 in my ceiling as height channels and the 300 ICW6 as my side channels and I was floored by how good they sounded as in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. I was already a Focal fanboy and that only furthered my love of the brand. Solid engineering with impeccable build quality and made in France. Perfection. I have the Aria line as my front sound stage and the chorus for my rear surrounds as well as running their K2 Power line in my car and the computer speakers that they produced awhile back. Literally no other brand for me, haha.
I didn’t put them in a box, but I did put some fiberglass insulation all around the installation hole for some isolation. I’m sure the bass would be reinforced with a box, but I have two subs in my room so that’s not a huge issue for me.
I use the 100 series for my atmos speakers. I broke them in with just running my 2 channel music for a few days. Iet me tell ya, for in wall speakers they surprised me with how good they sound.
Hey man I dig lots of flush mount products from several companies, some are absolutely on par with Focal, however I have installed and listened to many that were mediocre and focused on "Gimmicks" that made the speaker look cool, but did little to nothing to improve the sound...and I snicker at the "Look Cool" aspect in a speaker that will never been seen. From top to bottom in the Focal line of architectural speakers, they truly focus on attention to detail in materials, drivers and even seemingly unimportant things like quality and look of their speaker grills. Now these types of things may not be as important to hobbyist, I get that, but as someone who designs and installs multiple six figure systems into multi-million dollar homes, where aesthetics and detail are more often than not as important as performance...I really appreciate those kinds of little details. Sorry If I came across a little to "Fanboy", but hey I was excited to unveil these, and then spending some quality time listening to these in a more critical aspect vs just a background music speaker. Again there are many amazing architectural speakers I love and am also a big fan of, but few lines overall offer this kind of quality in their line from top to bottom. Full disclosure, my company is not a Focal dealer.
@@DigitalDonAV Like your style. Many reviewers (Gene) try to be completely scientific and objective, but you end up missing something in this steralized approach. I really learned a lot from your approach and passion towards some of Focal's design strengths. Some things can't be conveyed by measurements etc. and saying that a design just sounds really good in some areas seems very valid to me. I'm a home theater neophyte of sorts, but I love my Atmos. Guys like AVRant really don't put a ton of stock in quality in ceiling Atmos speakers, but to me as I contemplate them it just seems a huge and much more permanent move then the base layer given the install costs in many cases. In these Covid times where its hard to audtion we need those nuances conveyed. When/if I make a move to in celing speakers I want it all right and even guru's like Gene when you compare with others as a group are all over the map on some things. So keep bringing the passion.
I actually use Focal Dome speakers as my Surround & Atmos speakers. It gives me some flexibility with directing the speakers, great quality sound + great Wife Acceptance Factor. For me it is an ideal solution for my home theater in the family room.
I have all Focal in my cinema. Big Nova Be's with 13" in front, the wood element versions in all surrounds and in-ceiling coax versions in my ceiling. Coupled together with 4 18s Dayton sealed subs. Could not be happier! :D
Sounds promising but then again it also seems like a promo video as not much useful information from this unpackaging. What's the specs, sound quality, distortion, SPL, power rating, frequency range, cost...? I wouldn't want to mix/match my speakers rather I prefer to buy speakers from the same family so I know they are optimally designed and will play well together.
I am currently building 5.1.4 setup with focal speakers with 100ICW6 (and Denon receiver). I'm sure it's going to be awesome. I'm looking forward to the review. 😉
i have the flax series in my car, theyre absolutely amazing. their systems for Peugeot, Citroen are absolutely one of the best Car-audio systems on the market.
Hello Audioholics - I have bought 7 of these Focal IC 8inches 300 series speakers and they are rated at 150 wpc at 8 ohms i believe. I have a Denon 4700 which i use on a Multi channel stereo mode mainly to listen to music in my basement and feel that Denon doesnt have enough horse power to drive these in ceiling Focal speakers. Now I am in the market for a 7 channel power amplifier and looking at Emotiva XPA7 and Outlaw currently. I also think Marantz 7 channel would be good too but all these power amps are rated for more 150 wpc. Please advice on a good power amp for my in ceiling speakers. I love Focal and i feel like Denon AVR is not doing a good for them. Looking forward to your response. @Audioholics
How are they for 2 channel music only? Looking for speakers for my kitchen ceiling, can two of these provide high fidelity to a cooking area without a sub or other components of a theater system?
Hey Gene, after talking to numerous home theater experts and over a hundred hours of research and reading, I stumbled upon your channel! Thank god. I am scientifically trained and appreciate science (over the pricey snake oil approach), and so it has been refreshing to watch your many videos. Thank you for this video on the various Focal speakers. I am getting some of these, along with the Focal Aria 948s and CC990 (center) speakers. Speaker wires... WHAT will work well with these? You have under several of your videos, including this one on Focal speakers, recommended the Monoprice 103844 (250 ft, 12AWG CL2 rated cables). Would you run the 948s even on such wires? (Thanks, in advance, Gene).
Thanks for your compliments. If your runs to the Aria's are more than 30ft/ea, go with 10AWG. Bluejeans cable offers a great option. You may find this article useful: www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/speaker-wire-gauge For the in-ceiling speakers, the Monoprice cable is just fine.
Hi! first of all, congratulations for the video! I follow your really interesting channel from Italy. Do you suggest the FOCAL 300ICW6 as in ceiling Atmos speakers? What do you think about these speakers in comparison with the KLIPSCH PRO-180RPC or CTD 5800 C II or the Monitor Audio C380-IDC. Thank you very much! Alvise
I'm actually using the same Focal and Klipsch models you reference for the AH SmartHome. Focal is the way to go IF your building a system with emphasis on music and you have the budget. Klipsch are very good for the price and especially serve well for home theater applications.
They actually have an 8 inch version in the 300 series that's the one Id be putting up in my ceiling for atmos! 😂 or better yet that amazing lcr with the dual woofers full 3 way with a angle already built in 😂. No such thing as overkill
@@Audioholics The sound of bullets, airplanes, rain, wind and the voice of god all will sound about the same from a $100 to a $500 overhead speaker. Your technical knowledge is great but please don't come across so much as a shill these days.
@@Yakena1 wanting better speakers that more sonically match the rest of your theater speakers is not shilling, its common sense. I just took out my RBH Sound Atmos speakers in my old house to move them to the new house and replaced them with inexpensive builder grade speakers. There is a very noticeable difference in sound. Quality matters for ALL your speakers.
@@Audioholics I didn't know if these type of speakers required enclosures or just insulation over them. I sure would like to upgrade my poor-man's 5.2 system. But, hey it sure beats a sound bar. I can't imagine the great amount of money you are spending on your sound system components. I've really got rethink my income strategy. Being a blue collar welding equipment repairman/ grease monkey/ self employed electro-mechanical stooge isn't going to get it. Guess I aught to think about getting a "green new job" now.
I really enjoy the channel and content but these would be a no go for me as far as home theater goes not having tweeters that can be aimed appropriately just won’t do for atmos
@@Badazz08 then these will probably be my choose lol only disappointment is no insulated box anyone have a recommendation for what insulated box to use or in ceiling speaker box
@@screwydrewy7027 I used Rockwood safe and sound and built a somewhat box in my ceiling out of it. I mean its not air tight or anything but I think it worked well for me. I thought that focal actually had boxes that these would work with but I looked forever and couldn't find anyone that could get them for me. I guess I could have called focal but...
Don what do you think of the brand Focal? "I don't want to sound like a fanboy but their lowest models blows away other brand top models." OK Don, sure. Don is making your channel bad Audioholics.
@@DigitalDonAV Yes I have heard Focals. Not all their models, but some. I have no doubt they are great speakers. But there are many many brands that are as good in the same price range and some even lower price. Again they are great speakers but definitely not a best bang for you buck kind. To say their lowest model sounds as good as a lot of other higher end/price is a bit disrespectful to many great speaker desingers imo.
Hey man I dig lots of flush mount products from several companies, some are absolutely on par with Focal, however I have installed and listened to many that were mediocre and focused on "Gimmicks" that made the speaker look cool, but did little to nothing to improve the sound...and I snicker at the "Look Cool" aspect in a speaker that will never been seen. From top to bottom in the Focal line of architectural speakers, they truly focus on attention to detail in materials, drivers and even seemingly unimportant things like quality and look of their speaker grills. Now these types of things may not be as important to hobbyist, I get that, but as someone who designs and installs multiple six figure systems into multi-million dollar homes, where aesthetics and detail are more often than not as important as performance...I really appreciate those kinds of little details. Sorry If I came across a little to "Fanboy", but hey I was excited to unveil these, and then spending some quality time listening to these in a more critical aspect vs just a background music speaker. Again there are many amazing architectural speakers I love and am also a big fan of, but few lines overall offer this kind of quality in their line from top to bottom. Full disclosure, my company is not a Focal dealer.
Turn off all your other speakers and only leave the ceiling ones playing music- try that with the Miccas, then the Focals- then the curtain will unveil.
@@Audioholics actually I think I didnt articulate the message properly, I meant that if you hear these speakers by the themselves, you will notice how superior the Focal will sound! I used to have Miccas, then listen the Focal 100 and wow- ultimately I settled with Revel C380 for Atmos just because I got them on a great sale! My front stage is Focal!! Love them!
Focal is one of my favorite companies in audio. Their products are impeccably built, well engineered, sound incredible, and most importantly are beautiful. They are truly deserving of the label Hi-Fi.
Greetings from Greece, in wall and in ceiling speakers are very popular for home theater application but they are not reviewed too much because it's hard to install. Very little content in reviews and comparisons there is on internet. I would love to see more videos like this with other brands, also your opinion about how do they sound if you compare them with bookshelf speakers or floorstanders. Thank you for your very good content that you always have in your channel.
upgrading to the 300 ICW in dining room in a few months based upon this review and others. Thanks for posing content like this to aid in the buying decision
I have the 300 IC6 in my ceiling as height channels and the 300 ICW6 as my side channels and I was floored by how good they sounded as in-wall/in-ceiling speakers. I was already a Focal fanboy and that only furthered my love of the brand. Solid engineering with impeccable build quality and made in France. Perfection. I have the Aria line as my front sound stage and the chorus for my rear surrounds as well as running their K2 Power line in my car and the computer speakers that they produced awhile back. Literally no other brand for me, haha.
Did you put a back box on the 300 IC6? Thinking about getting a pair of these for surround but not sure if the bass would benefit with a backbox?
I didn’t put them in a box, but I did put some fiberglass insulation all around the installation hole for some isolation. I’m sure the bass would be reinforced with a box, but I have two subs in my room so that’s not a huge issue for me.
I’ve never personally owned Focal but I still consider myself a fan.
I use the 100 series for my atmos speakers. I broke them in with just running my 2 channel music for a few days. Iet me tell ya, for in wall speakers they surprised me with how good they sound.
Kind of my point here, the internet hates, but they really do sound terrific.
Hey man I dig lots of flush mount products from several companies, some are absolutely on par with Focal, however I have installed and listened to many that were mediocre and focused on "Gimmicks" that made the speaker look cool, but did little to nothing to improve the sound...and I snicker at the "Look Cool" aspect in a speaker that will never been seen. From top to bottom in the Focal line of architectural speakers, they truly focus on attention to detail in materials, drivers and even seemingly unimportant things like quality and look of their speaker grills. Now these types of things may not be as important to hobbyist, I get that, but as someone who designs and installs multiple six figure systems into multi-million dollar homes, where aesthetics and detail are more often than not as important as performance...I really appreciate those kinds of little details. Sorry If I came across a little to "Fanboy", but hey I was excited to unveil these, and then spending some quality time listening to these in a more critical aspect vs just a background music speaker. Again there are many amazing architectural speakers I love and am also a big fan of, but few lines overall offer this kind of quality in their line from top to bottom. Full disclosure, my company is not a Focal dealer.
Boys during xmas ... though I wouldn't be different. Like the spontanous spirit of Don. Keep going guys ;-)
Don the hype machine awesome; Focal now sending expensive towers as well after this rave.🤩
@@meles3740 Really? That would be cool. :-) Sorry Man, I truly dig these after listening to them. But that being said, I love many brands.
@@DigitalDonAV Like your style. Many reviewers (Gene) try to be completely scientific and objective, but you end up missing something in this steralized approach. I really learned a lot from your approach and passion towards some of Focal's design strengths. Some things can't be conveyed by measurements etc. and saying that a design just sounds really good in some areas seems very valid to me. I'm a home theater neophyte of sorts, but I love my Atmos. Guys like AVRant really don't put a ton of stock in quality in ceiling Atmos speakers, but to me as I contemplate them it just seems a huge and much more permanent move then the base layer given the install costs in many cases. In these Covid times where its hard to audtion we need those nuances conveyed. When/if I make a move to in celing speakers I want it all right and even guru's like Gene when you compare with others as a group are all over the map on some things. So keep bringing the passion.
I actually use Focal Dome speakers as my Surround & Atmos speakers. It gives me some flexibility with directing the speakers, great quality sound + great Wife Acceptance Factor. For me it is an ideal solution for my home theater in the family room.
It's really good to see natural materials like Flax, be at the pinnacle of performance.
I have all Focal in my cinema. Big Nova Be's with 13" in front, the wood element versions in all surrounds and in-ceiling coax versions in my ceiling. Coupled together with 4 18s Dayton sealed subs. Could not be happier! :D
Sounds promising but then again it also seems like a promo video as not much useful information from this unpackaging. What's the specs, sound quality, distortion, SPL, power rating, frequency range, cost...?
I wouldn't want to mix/match my speakers rather I prefer to buy speakers from the same family so I know they are optimally designed and will play well together.
I guess you missed the title that this is an unboxing video.
I don't think Don was shilling Focal so much as he was gushing over the quality of their products. They are world-class.
I am currently building 5.1.4 setup with focal speakers with 100ICW6 (and Denon receiver). I'm sure it's going to be awesome. I'm looking forward to the review. 😉
What are u using as centre speaker? Focals have dedicated centre speaker?
How did it turn out?
Perfect timing. I'm in the market because I have a dead in-ceiling speaker I need to replace.
i have the flax series in my car, theyre absolutely amazing. their systems for Peugeot, Citroen are absolutely one of the best Car-audio systems on the market.
Just to let yaw know... I got that Center Spread update... Sounds awesome.
oh ya thanks, I need to due that yet
they brought back center spread?
Hello Audioholics - I have bought 7 of these Focal IC 8inches 300 series speakers and they are rated at 150 wpc at 8 ohms i believe. I have a Denon 4700 which i use on a Multi channel stereo mode mainly to listen to music in my basement and feel that Denon doesnt have enough horse power to drive these in ceiling Focal speakers. Now I am in the market for a 7 channel power amplifier and looking at Emotiva XPA7 and Outlaw currently. I also think Marantz 7 channel would be good too but all these power amps are rated for more 150 wpc. Please advice on a good power amp for my in ceiling speakers. I love Focal and i feel like Denon AVR is not doing a good for them. Looking forward to your response. @Audioholics
I just installed my first focal. The icw 100 8”. I’m coming from kef. I am finding these very bright. Is this normal or perhaps break in stage?
The backing is for when you paint the grill, remove the backing or you get vailed
How are they for 2 channel music only? Looking for speakers for my kitchen ceiling, can two of these provide high fidelity to a cooking area without a sub or other components of a theater system?
Hey Gene, after talking to numerous home theater experts and over a hundred hours of research and reading, I stumbled upon your channel! Thank god. I am scientifically trained and appreciate science (over the pricey snake oil approach), and so it has been refreshing to watch your many videos. Thank you for this video on the various Focal speakers. I am getting some of these, along with the Focal Aria 948s and CC990 (center) speakers. Speaker wires... WHAT will work well with these? You have under several of your videos, including this one on Focal speakers, recommended the Monoprice 103844 (250 ft, 12AWG CL2 rated cables). Would you run the 948s even on such wires? (Thanks, in advance, Gene).
Thanks for your compliments. If your runs to the Aria's are more than 30ft/ea, go with 10AWG. Bluejeans cable offers a great option. You may find this article useful:
www.audioholics.com/audio-video-cables/speaker-wire-gauge
For the in-ceiling speakers, the Monoprice cable is just fine.
How do these compare to origin acoustics?
Great speakers but price wise...compared to the Klipsch CDT-5800-C II, I know what to buy.
Has anyone tried in-ceiling speakers running Auro-3D as opposed to using heights?
Hi! first of all, congratulations for the video! I follow your really interesting channel from Italy. Do you suggest the FOCAL 300ICW6 as in ceiling Atmos speakers? What do you think about these speakers in comparison with the KLIPSCH PRO-180RPC or CTD 5800 C II or the Monitor Audio C380-IDC. Thank you very much! Alvise
I'm actually using the same Focal and Klipsch models you reference for the AH SmartHome. Focal is the way to go IF your building a system with emphasis on music and you have the budget. Klipsch are very good for the price and especially serve well for home theater applications.
They actually have an 8 inch version in the 300 series that's the one Id be putting up in my ceiling for atmos! 😂 or better yet that amazing lcr with the dual woofers full 3 way with a angle already built in 😂. No such thing as overkill
very nice stuff . what is the price point though?
prices are in the editorial and also Amazon links.
@@Audioholics thank you
I don't need over-priced speakers for the overhead speakers. Invest in the front three makes more sense.
Or get great overhead speakers to match your great LCRs.
@@Audioholics The sound of bullets, airplanes, rain, wind and the voice of god all will sound about the same from a $100 to a $500 overhead speaker. Your technical knowledge is great but please don't come across so much as a shill these days.
@@Yakena1 wanting better speakers that more sonically match the rest of your theater speakers is not shilling, its common sense. I just took out my RBH Sound Atmos speakers in my old house to move them to the new house and replaced them with inexpensive builder grade speakers. There is a very noticeable difference in sound. Quality matters for ALL your speakers.
@@Yakena1 This is a true statement, but if you enjoy lots of multi-channel music, matching systems definitely make a difference.
Yes, front left n right make most of the noise
Can’t wait to listen to them
Do you build a box behind these?
you can for sure.
@@Audioholics I didn't know if these type of speakers required enclosures or just insulation over them. I sure would like to upgrade my poor-man's 5.2 system. But, hey it sure beats a sound bar. I can't imagine the great amount of money you are spending on your sound system components. I've really got rethink my income strategy. Being a blue collar welding equipment repairman/ grease monkey/ self employed electro-mechanical stooge isn't going to get it. Guess I aught to think about getting a "green new job" now.
Recommended for Dolby atmos ?
100 series would be fantastic for the average atmos setup.
He sure likes the phenomenal word
To bad your guest doesn't like Focal🤣🤣🤣
I really enjoy the channel and content but these would be a no go for me as far as home theater goes not having tweeters that can be aimed appropriately just won’t do for atmos
The tweeters do pivot and swivel also. I have the 100 series and have them aimed at the listening position.
@@Badazz08 then these will probably be my choose lol only disappointment is no insulated box anyone have a recommendation for what insulated box to use or in ceiling speaker box
@@screwydrewy7027 I used Rockwood safe and sound and built a somewhat box in my ceiling out of it. I mean its not air tight or anything but I think it worked well for me. I thought that focal actually had boxes that these would work with but I looked forever and couldn't find anyone that could get them for me. I guess I could have called focal but...
Don what do you think of the brand Focal? "I don't want to sound like a fanboy but their lowest models blows away other brand top models." OK Don, sure. Don is making your channel bad Audioholics.
He was fanboying a bit for sure. LOL
@@AudioholicsMore like a lot! I still like you Gene. Just watching out for the channel ;)
Gotta listen, I have...have you?
@@DigitalDonAV Yes I have heard Focals. Not all their models, but some. I have no doubt they are great speakers. But there are many many brands that are as good in the same price range and some even lower price. Again they are great speakers but definitely not a best bang for you buck kind. To say their lowest model sounds as good as a lot of other higher end/price is a bit disrespectful to many great speaker desingers imo.
Hey man I dig lots of flush mount products from several companies, some are absolutely on par with Focal, however I have installed and listened to many that were mediocre and focused on "Gimmicks" that made the speaker look cool, but did little to nothing to improve the sound...and I snicker at the "Look Cool" aspect in a speaker that will never been seen. From top to bottom in the Focal line of architectural speakers, they truly focus on attention to detail in materials, drivers and even seemingly unimportant things like quality and look of their speaker grills. Now these types of things may not be as important to hobbyist, I get that, but as someone who designs and installs multiple six figure systems into multi-million dollar homes, where aesthetics and detail are more often than not as important as performance...I really appreciate those kinds of little details. Sorry If I came across a little to "Fanboy", but hey I was excited to unveil these, and then spending some quality time listening to these in a more critical aspect vs just a background music speaker. Again there are many amazing architectural speakers I love and am also a big fan of, but few lines overall offer this kind of quality in their line from top to bottom. Full disclosure, my company is not a Focal dealer.
What happened to Hugo 😂
Dude on the right reminds me of Jeff Lowe from Tiger king 🤴 😝😂
little too on the knows with the praise.. but good info though..
Don't care how good the drivers are. The "Voice of God " sound is never good.
Ok, I'm editing this, maybe for Atmos it might be ok.
Agreed, ear level for main channels is ALWAYS better but in situations where you must use in-ceiling, these are da bomb.
$600 for a 2 way with 6" woofer? Micca has a 2 way with 10" woofer for $40 with nice crossover. Is Focal better? Yes. Is it 15 times better? No.
Hyundai makes cars 5x cheaper than BMW. buy the Hyundai and save but if you want the best performance with 4 seats, get a BMW.
Turn off all your other speakers and only leave the ceiling ones playing music- try that with the Miccas, then the Focals- then the curtain will unveil.
@@ialgarindiaz I'm not installing any Micca and if that's your favorite brand than more power to you. Enjoy.
@@Audioholics actually I think I didnt articulate the message properly, I meant that if you hear these speakers by the themselves, you will notice how superior the Focal will sound! I used to have Miccas, then listen the Focal 100 and wow- ultimately I settled with Revel C380 for Atmos just because I got them on a great sale! My front stage is Focal!! Love them!
@@ialgarindiaz yep, you usually get what you pay for with legitimately well engineered loudspeakers.
Sounds like Don needs some time alone with those speakers. lol Get a room!
Don Trump , talk like Trump , walk like Trump