Focal, France's premier hi-fi brand with 40 years of excellence, crafts unparalleled high-end speakers. Discover their latest Kanta series—stunning design loudspeakers that Caroline van Hees explored firsthand on an exclusive press trip.
These retro-inspired speakers are visual masterpieces, yet deliver breathtaking sound. Handmade with precision, they integrate seamlessly into your interior as stylish focal points. Because exceptional audio deserves to look as good as it sounds.
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For immersive music at home, Focal Kanta speakers are essential. Transform your space into a live concert venue, surprising guests with artist-level reproduction. For movie nights on Netflix or Videoland, pair with a home cinema setup for cinema-quality audio and visuals.
As busy professionals and parents, we crave relaxation after long days. Unwind on the couch with tea and a blanket, elevated by Focal Kanta's home cinema prowess and rediscover music's magic.
Every Focal speaker proudly bears “Handmade in France.” I verified this during a two-day immersion at Focal's facilities, invited by Mamsatwork alongside hi-fi experts. Women belong in hi-fi—let's change that! 😉
After flying from Amsterdam to Lyon, Focal's Marketing Director guided us. Stay tuned for more on Lyon; we then headed to Saint-Étienne, Focal's headquarters.
These days focused on production. I'll share the craftsmanship behind Kanta speakers—beyond technical specs covered elsewhere—highlighting the listening experience and timeless design.
Pronounced “Fo-cahl,” Focal is hi-fi's Ferrari. With 40 years of expertise, it dominates: 50% home hi-fi, 40% car audio, 10% pro gear, plus headphones since 2010.
Among Focal's range, Kanta stands out with retro elegance. These aren't just speakers—they're art that enhances your living room and delivers transcendent sound.
Tours revealed fully handmade production in France. From passionate teams, Kanta achieves ListenBeyond excellence.
Cabinets hail from Bourbon-Lancy; drivers and assembly from Saint-Étienne—170km apart.
At this site, 40 artisans craft Kanta cabinets. The director detailed the process with evident pride.
Production begins with exclusive, eco-friendly MDF from Ollier Bois—sustainable, HDF-like density for superior acoustics.
Machines and skilled hands shape, cut, and sand panels into multi-chamber cabinets, prepped for electronics.
Cabinets receive 13 hand-applied lacquer layers in high-gloss or matte, plus Brazilian wood veneers. Polished to perfection, rigorously QC'd, and shipped twice weekly to Saint-Étienne.
Here, 200 staff handle everything. Cabinets are unpacked; handmade drivers—flax-sandwich cones—installed.
Top-floor: Beryllium tweeters (15x gold's cost), ultra-light and rigid for pristine highs. Full assembly, testing in soundproof rooms, then ready.
The demo gave me chills—pure bliss for ears and eyes.
Kanta captivated me instantly—elegant curves, feet, bold colors in matte/gloss.
Select from:
Gauloise Bleu matte with veneer suits my Scandinavian home; Solar Yellow for retro/industrial. Options: Gloss fronts (Gauloise Bleu, Carrara White, Black, Solar Yellow); matte (Gauloise Blue, Warm Taupe, Dark Gray, Ivory). Sides: Black gloss or veneer.
Curious? Book a demo at a Kanta dealer. Experience Focal's Listen Beyond magic!