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Focal Kanta No.1 Review
Focal Kanta No.1

Main Features

  • 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter
  • 6.5" Flax Woofer
  • 46-40k Hz Frequency Response
  • 88 dB Sensitivity
  • Impedance: 8ohms
  • Power Range: 25-150watts
  • Weight:28.70 lbs / 13.05 kg
  • Dimensions(HxWxD): 24-28"x9-1/4"x15-7/16" / 609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm
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Focal Kanta No.1 Review
Focal Kanta No.1 Focal Kanta No.1
See at AMAZON

Focal Kanta No.1 is a 2-way Passive Bass Reflex Bookshelf speaker by Focal. It features a 1.1" Hard-Dome Tweeter and 1 x 6.5" Flax Woofer. The speaker has a frequency range of 46-40k Hz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. Focal Kanta No.1 has an MSRP of 7998$ per pair.

Room Size Suitability

The size of the room where you plan to use the Focal Kanta No.1 is a crucial factor in your decision. We have assessed its suitability for various room sizes based on its dimensions and maximum power output:

Listening Environment* Suitability
Near-fieldPoor
Small RoomAverage
Mid-size RoomGood
Large RoomAverage
Very Large RoomPoor

(* 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.)

Focal's Kanta Series of Loudspeakers

Kanta No.1 is a member of Focal's Kanta series of Passive speakers. Below you can see the main specs of these speakers.

Focal Kanta Series Speakers
Model Frequency SensitivityImpedance Woofer
Focal Kanta No.1
46-40k Hz 88 dB8Ω 1 x 6.5"
Focal Kanta No.2
Compare
35-40k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Focal Kanta No.3
Compare
33-40k Hz 91 dB8Ω 2 x 8"
Focal Kanta Center
Compare
55-44k Hz 92 dB8Ω 2 x 6.5"
Focal Kanta Series Speakers
Focal Kanta Series Speakers


**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.

Frequency Response of the Focal Kanta No.1 Speaker

Focal Kanta No.1 has a Frequency response range of 46-40k Hz at ±3dB and Power Range of 25-150 watts. With a minimum frequency of 46 Hz, Kanta No.1 delivers moderate bass depth so depending on your use case, you might want to consider adding a subwoofer to your system.

Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available subwoofer options.
Here we have a comparison of how Kanta No.1's Low and High frequency values compare with the average, max and min Low and High frequency values in its class.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Focal Kanta No.1
Min
Average
Max
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
Focal Kanta No.1
Min
Average
Max

Among the speakers in our database with a max MSRP price of 10000$ (Pair), there is only one Passive Bookshelf speaker that have the deeper bass levels than the Focal Kanta No.1's 46Hz:

  • Dynaudio Evoke 20 with Low Frequency of 40 Hz (Compare w/ Kanta No.1)

Crossover frequency of the Focal Kanta No.1?

The Crossover frequency of the Kanta No.1 is set to 2400 Hz. This is the threshold frequency where the higher frequency signals over this level are sent to the tweeter and the lower-frequency signals are sent to the woofer by the crossover component.

Impedance and Sensitivity

Focal Kanta No.1's nominal impedance level is 8 ohms but can go down to as low as 3.9 ohms, and has a sensitivity of 88 dB.

Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Focal Kanta No.1
Min
Average
Max

8 Ohms is pretty much the standard nominal impedance amongst stereo speakers and amplifiers so Focal Kanta No.1 is not considered a difficult to drive speaker from nominal Impedance perspective.

Sensitivity

88dB of the Focal Kanta No.1 is an average sensitivity for stereo speaker so it is neither easy nor difficult to drive Sensitivity wise.

Minimum Impedance of the Focal Kanta No.1

Even though the nominal impedance of the Kanta No.1 is 8 ohms, the minimum impedance level of this speaker according to Focal is 3.9 ohms Focal Kanta No.1 so while choosing an amplifier, you should ideally check if the unit you are considering can provide this impedance level.

Check the amplifiers that are in a similar price range to the Focal Kanta No.1:

  • Integrated Amps under 5000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 10000 USD
  • Integrated Amps under 20000 USD
  • All Integrated Amplifiers

Input Type

Kanta No.1 features Binding post type connectors. Bi-amping and Bi-wiring are not possible.
Focal Kanta No.1 Back View
Focal Kanta No.1 Back View

Focal Kanta No.1 External Dimensions and Weight

Focal Kanta No.1 has external dimensions of (Height x Width x Depth) 24-28inch x 9-1/4inch x 15-7/16inch (609.6 x 228.6 x 393.0mm ).

Base Surface Area
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited. The base area of Focal Kanta No.1 is approximately 898.4cm2 / 139.3inch2.

Weight

The Focal Kanta No.1 weighs 13.05kg / 28.7lbs per piece. Here is a comparison of how Kanta No.1's weight compares with the average, max and min weights in its class.

Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
Focal Kanta No.1
Min
Average
Max
Weight
Bookshelf Speakers under $10000
Focal Kanta No.1
Min
Average
Max
Focal Kanta No.1  on a Stand
Focal Kanta No.1 on a Stand

Cabinet type and Materials

Focal Kanta No.1 has a Bass Reflex type cabinet and a Multi-ply/Polymer/Veneer finish. Bass Reflex type loudspeakers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.

Focal Kanta No.1  - Side View
Focal Kanta No.1 - Side View

Port Position

Focal Kanta No.1 is a rear-firing port speaker so you have to make sure you leave enough space between the back of the speaker and wall or bookshelf so that it has room to breathe.

Available colors

Focal Kanta No.1 is available in High-Gloss Carrara White, High-Gloss Black/Deep Black, Matte Walnut/Dark Grey and Matte Walnut/Ivory.

Wall Mounting

Kanta No.1 doesn't sport any built-in mounting bracket, so you need an external structure to mount it on walls.

Speaker Stands

Focal sells a dedicated speaker stand for the Kanta No.1 with a model name Focal Kanta No.1 Stand. You can check the latest price and availability of these stands at B&H PHOTO and Amazon.

Focal Kanta No.1 Stand for Focal Kanta No.1
Focal Kanta No.1 Stand Speaker Stands for Focal Kanta No.1

Does the Focal Kanta No.1 come with a Grille?

Kanta No.1 comes with magnetic grilles. The purpose of the grille is to protect the delicate driver elements from external impacts while still allowing the sound to pass as clearly as possible. Since the included grille of the Kanta No.1 is magnetic type, it is very easy to put it on and off.

Focal Kanta No.1  with Grille
Focal Kanta No.1 with Grille

What's in the Box of Focal Kanta No.1?

Here are the items that are included inside the box of Kanta No.1:
  • Bookshelf loudspeaker
  • Grille
  • Port plug
  • 4 Slicone pads
  • User Manual
  • Recommended Accessories

    Here is a list of accessories that we think you may need for the Focal Kanta No.1.

    • Speaker Cable and Connectors
      • Speaker Cables with Banana Plugs: If you know the lenght of the cable you need, this is the easier option to connect your speakers with your amp.
      • Speaker Cables without Connectors: If you are not sure about the lenght or need longer than standard cables with plugs, choose this option.
      • Banana Connectors and Plugs: If you chose the cables without connectors option or already have some cable around, pick the banana plugs separately.
    • Vibration Isolators: IsoAcoustics isolators more affordable options too.
    • Acoustic Panels and Treatments: Your room is as important as your stereo equipment so acoustic treatments goes a long way in improving the overall performance.
    • Speaker Stands: Stands bring your bookshelf speakers to ideal height (rule of thumb is to have the tweeter level with your ear in your listening position), helps stability and acoustical isolation.

    User's Manual

    For more information about how to setup, use and maintain the Focal Kanta No.1, use the direct link below to download the official manual document:
    Download User Manual for Focal Kanta No.1

    Official Product Page

    Official manufacturer's product page for the Focal Kanta No.1 speaker can be found below:
    Official Product Page for Focal Kanta No.1

    Warranty

    5 Years of parts warranty and 5 Years of labor warranty is generally provided by the manufacturer.

    Focal Kanta No.1 Alternatives in Passive Bookshelf Speakers
    Model Type Sensitivity Impedance Frequency
    KEF Reference 1 Meta
    Compare
    3-way 85 dB 4 ohms 45-35k Hz
    B&W 705 S3
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 8 ohms 50-28k Hz
    Focal Kanta No.2
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 35-40k Hz
    Wharfedale Elysian 2
    Compare
    3-way 89 dB 4 ohms 35-22k Hz
    Buchardt S400 MKII
    Compare
    2-way 88 dB 4 ohms 33-40k HZ
    Focal Kanta Center
    Compare
    2-way 92 dB 8 ohms 55-44k Hz
    Focal Kanta No.3
    Compare
    3-way 91 dB 8 ohms 33-40k Hz
    Dynaudio Evoke 20
    Compare
    2-way 86 dB 6 ohms 40-23k Hz
    Frequently Asked Questions about Focal Kanta No.1
    What is the External Dimensions of Focal Kanta No.1
    What is the Speaker Sensitivity of Focal Kanta No.1
    is the Focal Kanta No.1 an easy to drive speaker?

    Focal Kanta No.1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    BrandFocal
    Full Model NameFocal Kanta No.1
    Speaker Type2-way Bookshelf
    Power Range25-150 watts
    Sensitivity88 dB
    Impedance8 ohms
    Frequency Response46-40k Hz
    DRIVERS
    Woofer Size6.5-inch
    Woofer CompositionFlax
    Woofer SurroundRubber
    Tweeter Size1.1-inch
    Tweeter TypeHard-Dome
    Crossover freq2400 Hz
    Port Positionrear

    CONNECTIONS
    Connector TypeBinding post
    Biamp InputsNo
    Port Positionrear
    PHYSICAL SPECS
    Height609.6mm ( 24-28-inch)
    Width228.6mm ( 9-1/4-inch)
    Depth393.0mm ( 15-7/16-inch)
    Height609.6mm ( 24-28-inch)
    Weight13.05kg ( 28.70 lbs)
    EnclosureBass Reflex
    FinishMulti-ply/Polymer/Veneer
    Available ColorsHigh-Gloss Carrara White, High-Gloss Black/Deep Black, Matte Walnut/Dark Grey,Matte Walnut/Ivory
    Mounting BracketNo
    Recommended Stand Height24-28
    GrilleYes
    Moisture ResistanceNo
    OTHER
    Handheld RemoteNo
    Parts Warranty5 Years
    Labor Warranty5 Years
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