In this review, we will be comparing Chora 806 and Aria 906, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Focal
Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Focal Chora 806 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" inverted dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Slatefiber Woofer
- 55-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 89 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25 - 120watts
- Weight:7.35kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 431.0" x 8.25" x 10.7"( 431.0 x 210.0 x 270.0mm )
Focal Aria 906 Key Specs
- 2-way Design
- 1" Inverted Hard Dome Tweeter
- 6.5" Flax Woofer
- 55-28k Hz Frequency Response
- 89.5 dB Sensitivity
- Impedance: 8ohms
- Power Range:25-120watts
- Weight:8.64kg
- Dimensions (H x W x D): 391.0" x 8-15/16" x 11-5/16"( 391.0 x 228.0 x 288.0mm )
What size room are the Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision
factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size
and max power parameters:
| Listening Environment* |
Focal Chora 806 |
Focal Aria 906 |
| Near-field |
Poor |
Poor |
| Small Room |
Average |
Average |
| Mid-size Room |
Good |
Good |
| Large Room |
Average |
Average |
| Very Large Room |
Poor |
Poor |
(* Approximate Room sizes: Small < 100sq. ft / 9 m2,
Mid-size: 100-220 sq. ft / 9-20 m2, Large 220-400 sq. ft / 20-36 m2, Very Large: >
400 sq. ft / 36 m2.
Average Floor Height: 9" / 2.7m. Typical room sizes differ from country to country, and the actual
listening experience changes depending on floor height, room shape, surface materials, listening
position, speaker locations, etc.)
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking
through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Chora 806 and Aria 906 are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Chora 806 |
Focal Aria 906 |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
1 x 6.5-inch
|
Chora 806 features a 1" TNV2 AI/Mg inverted dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Slatefiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 3000Hz. On the other hand, the Aria 906 features a 1" TNF aluminum/magnesium Inverted Hard Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2800Hz.
Frequency Response
Chora 806 and Aria 906 has exactly the same frequency range of 55-28k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 55Hz, the Aria 906 can go slightly deeper then the Chora 806's min frequency of 58Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Chora 806 and Aria 906 have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. Chora 806 sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the Aria 906's is at 89.5 dB. This 1 dB difference makes the Focal Aria 906 a more sensitive speaker compared to Focal Chora 806, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using
an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the
max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Chora 806 features Binding post type posts and Aria 906 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Focal Chora 806's Binding post terminals
Focal Aria 906's Binding post terminals
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Both Chora 806 and Aria 906 have rear firing ports. Rear ported speakers generally need more room between the backside of the speaker and the wall compared to sealed and front/bottom ported speakers. Placing the speakers too close to the walls may cause the bass to sound boomy.
If you are limited in space and can't get the speakers away from the backwall, check our Speakers with Front Firing Ports page.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Focal Chora 806's and Focal Aria 906's external dimensions. Focal Chora 806 has external dimensions of 431.0 x 210.0 x 270.0mm ( 17 x 8.25 x 10.7inch) whereas Focal Aria 906 has external dimensions of 391.0 x 228.0 x 288.0mm ( 15-3/8 x 8-15/16 x 11-5/16inch) .
Focal Chora 806 is 18mm narrower and 18mm less deeper than Focal Aria 906 but it is also 40mm taller.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 in scale.
Comparison image of Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Focal Chora 806 is approximately 567.0cm2 / 87.9inch2 and base area of the Focal Aria 906 is approximately 656.6cm2 / 101.8inch2. The Chora 806 requires 14% less surface area than the Aria 906 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Size Comparison image of Focal Chora 806 and Focal Aria 906 on a Media Console
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Focal Chora 806 weighs 7.35kg / 16.2lbs and the Focal Aria 906 weighs 8.64kg / 19lbs. This makes the Aria 906 18% heavier than the Chora 806.
Here is a comparison of how Chora 806 and Aria 906's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of Focal Chora 806?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Chora 806:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles 8 Self-adhesive rubber pads User manual
What's in the Box of Focal Aria 906?
Here are the items that come with the Aria 906:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Cloth grilles User manual
 Base Surface Area |
567cm2
vs
656cm2
|
Takes less floor space |
 Sensitivity |
90 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Low Frequency Response |
55 Hz
vs
58 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 Height |
391mm
vs
431mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Focal Chora 806 |
Focal Aria 906 |
| Brand |
Focal |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Power Range |
25 - 120 watts |
25-120 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
89.5 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
4.6 ohms |
4.6 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
55-28k Hz |
55-28k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
6.5" |
6.5" |
| Woofer Composition |
Slatefiber |
Flax |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
inverted dome |
Inverted Hard Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
3000Hz |
2800Hz |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
431.0mm (17") |
391.0mm (15.4") |
| Width |
210.0mm (8.3") |
228.0mm (9") |
| Depth |
270.0mm (10.6") |
288.0mm (11.3") |
| Weight |
7.35kg (16.2lbs) |
8.64kg (19lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
Lacquer/Leatherette |
MDF/Glass/Leather |
| Available Colors |
Black, Dark wood, Light wood |
Walnut, Black |
| Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
| Recommended Stand Height |
22-24" |
24-28" |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 |
5 Years |