In this review, we will be comparing Sib Evo and Sib-T, two Passive Bookshelf speakers by Focal Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Focal Sib Evo and Focal Sib-T first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
Sib Evo and Sib-T are members of Focal's Sib series of speakers. Below you can find the loudspeakers from this series.
Focal Sib Series History
|
Model |
Body |
Frequency |
Sensitivity | Impedance | Woofer |
 |
Focal Sib-T
|
Bookshelf |
80-20kHz |
90 dB | 4Ω |
1 x 5.125"
|
 |
Focal Sib Evo
|
Bookshelf |
70-25k Hz |
90 dB | 6Ω |
1 x 5"
|
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Focal Sib Evo and Focal Sib-T compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both Sib Evo and Sib-T are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Focal Sib Evo |
Focal Sib-T |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
.75-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
1 x 5-inch
|
1 x 5.125-inch
|
Sib Evo features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5" Polyflex Woofer . On the other hand, the Sib-T features a .75" Dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.125" Polyflex Woofer .
Frequency Response
Sib Evo has a frequency range of 70-25k Hz whereas Sib-T has a frequency range of 80-20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 70Hz, the Sib Evo can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Sib-T's min frequency of 80Hz.
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
Sib Evo is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the Sib-T which has a nominal impedance of 4 ohms. Lower impedance speakers, especially the ones that are rated at 4 ohms may put more pressure on the amplifier unit especially when played at high volume levels, so make sure the amp you pair with the Sib-T can provide this impedance level.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 90 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Sib Evo features Spring posts type posts and Sib-T has a Spring posts type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Focal Sib Evo's Push button terminals
Focal Sib-T's Spring posts terminals
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 Sib Evo's and Focal Sib-T's external dimensions. Focal Sib Evo has external dimensions of 251.0 x 162.0 x 164.0mm ( 28-36inch x 6-3/8inch x 6-7/16inch ) whereas Focal Sib-T has external dimensions of 64.0 x 143.0 x 170.0mm ( 2-1/2 x 5-5/8 x 6-11/16inch) .
Focal Sib-T is 19mm narrower and 187mm shorter than Focal Sib Evo but it is also 6mm deeper.
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 Sib Evo is approximately 265.7cm2 / 41.2inch2 and base area of the Focal Sib-T is approximately 243.1cm2 / 37.7inch2. The Sib Evo requires 9% more surface area than the Sib-T which gives it a small disadvantage on placement in tight spaces.
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 Sib Evo weighs 1.80kg / 4lbs and the Focal Sib-T weighs 2.60kg / 5.7lbs. This makes the Sib-T 44% heavier than the Sib Evo.
Here is a comparison of how Sib Evo and Sib-T'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 Sib Evo?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Sib Evo:
2 Satellite loudspeakers (base attached)2 Wall-mount brackets6 Screws6 Wall-anchorsUser ManualThank You card
What's in the Box of Focal Sib-T?
Here are the items that come with the Sib-T:
One 100V/4-ohm commercial speakerAdjustable mounting bracket (installed)3 Drywall anchors w/ 2 screws5mm Allen key (attached to mounting bracket)User manual
 Nominal Impedance |
6 ohms
vs
4 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
 Low Frequency Response |
70 Hz
vs
80 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
698USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
| Woofer Size |
5.125 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
 Height |
64mm
vs
251mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
243cm2 (143x170mm)
vs
265cm2 (162x164mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
| General |
Focal Sib Evo |
Focal Sib-T |
| Brand |
Focal |
Focal |
| Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
| Sensitivity |
90 dB |
90 dB |
| Impedance |
6 ohms |
4 ohms |
| Frequency Response |
70-25k Hz |
80-20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.125" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polyflex |
Polyflex |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Not given |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
.75" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Dome |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
rear |
n/a |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
251.0mm (9.9") |
64.0mm (2.5") |
| Width |
162.0mm (6.4") |
143.0mm (5.6") |
| Depth |
164.0mm (6.5") |
170.0mm (6.7") |
| Weight |
1.80kg (4lbs) |
2.60kg (5.7lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Lacquer |
Plastic |
| Available Colors |
Black |
White |
| Mounting Bracket |
Yes |
Yes |
| Recommended Stand Height |
28-36" |
2-1/2" |
| Grille |
Yes |
n/a |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |