Focal FD: Maximum power without limits!

PRESS RELEASE • JULY 2013

As the sound from car head units with built-in amplifiers often lacks power and dynamics, power amplifiers are the key to musical and lively sound. Today, car power amplifiers must also meet new requirements in terms of integration. Backed by this analysis and by their expertise in the high-fidelity car stereo industry, Focal is launching their new range of ultra compact Focal Direct Fet® amplifiers, FD for short.

Maintaining the pleasure of music without invading the car

Whether you have a family car or you’re unable to change the factory head unit, from now on, amplifiers must be suitable for integrating into a car. That said, for Focal, there’s no question of sacrificing their core values: high technology, musicality, power and objective performance. In order to keep to these values whilst satisfying new demands, Focal has developed the FD range around the new Direct Fet® technology.

Amplifiers designed for easy installation

FD amplifiers have been designed to make them easy to install into your car. Thanks to the optional audio transformers, they are compatible with both after-market and factory head units. Their extremely compact design (7.8"x1.7"x4.2"/19,9 x4,3x10,8 cm) allows them to be concealed under a car seat, in the glove compartment or even under the dashboard.

The 3 models in the range all have the same size chassis and are also stackable, enabling you to install several amplifiers in confined spaces.

Finally, as the design is also important for on-board Hi-Fi enthusiasts, FD amplifiers feature an aluminium bi-material heat sink with logo, in addition to hidden connectors.

Amplificateur DIRECT FET FD 2.350®

19,9 cm

10,8 cm

Direct Fet®: cutting-edge technology in an extremely compact casing Direct Fet® technology optimises the amplifier’s heat management. This technology helps reduce the overall temperature of the MOSFET components, thanks to the optimisation of their electrical and thermal resistance. Actually, everything takes place in the casing of the component: thanks to a specific design, heat is dissipated via the aluminium heat sink and also via the chassis. This gives the advantage of obtaining more power in a confined space, making it possible to combine integration and sound quality.

The use of low-noise operational amplifiers considerably reduces distortion. To be more specific, this means increased musicality and enhanced precision.

In order to avoid interferences and to guarantee musicality when connecting amplifiers to original head units (which aren’t equipped with output lines), the FD range features converters including audiophile components.

FD: a complete range satisfying all needs

The FD range is composed of three models of amplifier to meet the most common requirements.

The FD 2.350 is a 2-channel model delivering a power of 2 x 105 Watts RMS under 4 Ohms. For a perfect matching, it’s featuring an active high-pass and low-pass crossover. The FD 2.350 can consequently drive a pair of speaker drivers or a subwoofer.

The FD 4.350 is the 4-channel model (4 x 58 Watts RMS) and the most versatile of the range. It can operate in 4-, 3- or 2-channel mode. In most cases, it will be used to amplify a car’s front and rear speaker drivers. It can also be used to drive front speaker drivers and a small subwoofer, for a small installation which stays simple and integrated.

The FD 1.350 is a mono block amplifier specifically designed for handling a subwoofer channel. It has a power of 210 and 350 Watts RMS under 4 and 2 Ohms respectively. In order to configure the system’s bass according to the car’s installation; it is equipped with an active crossover, bass correction and phase adjustment.

D class technology

D class amplifiers have many advantages overso-called analogue amplifiers (AB class): smaller, lower power consumption and less heat output. However, due to higher distortion and a lack of precision in high frequencies, D Class amplifiers were originally mostly used for driving subwoofers. Now, thanks to new technological advances, they can satisfy consumers’ expectations for quality on-board audio.

The 3 DIRECT FET FD® ultracompact amplifiers of the range FD

Contact Press : Agence Esprit des SensAlix DÉCHELETTE - Email: alix.dechelette@espritdessens.net

Shelley GORE - Email: shelley.gore@espritdessens.netTél. +33 (0) 4 78 37 17 50

Since its foundation, Focal-JMlab has grown to become one of the Since its foundation, Focal-JMlab has grown to become one of the main manufacturers of high fidelity, integration and multimedia systems. Headquartered in Saint-Etienne, France, it is now internationally recognised as a world leader in the design and manufacture of loudspeakers for the home, speaker drivers for the car, monitor speakers for recording studio and headphones. Focal-JMlab has a wide range of high-technology high- performance loudspeakers from 190 to 135,000 Euros per pair and 99 to 2750 Euros for car audio. Market-leader in France, it exports around 77% of its output mainly to Europe, North America and South East Asia. The company’s key strength is its complete integration and quality control of the loudspeaker manufacturing process, from the design of drive units, cabinets and crossovers,

to the assembly of the finished product. This delivers a consistency of performance that stands far above its rivals. Utopia III from Focal is world renown as the finest sounding range of high- fidelity loudspeakers available. Focal-JMlab maintains an intense, continual programme of research and development into drive-unit technologies and improving sound quality; many patents have been registered.Focal-JMlab currently employs over 200 people in modern facilities of 17,400m2 that concentrates production, R&D and management on the same site. In 2011 Focal-JMlab merged with Naim Audio Limited the market-leading high-end electronics brand in the UK. Focal & Naim, the resulting holding company, has a turnover of over 62 million Euros.

About Focal

Focal Direct Fet® amplifiers will be launched on the French market in September. They will be marketed at a unique price of €299, unbeatable value for money when taking into account the technology used.

Key points

- Extremely compact amplifiers which are easy to conceal- Compatible with all head units- Optimised heat management thanks to Direct Fet® technology- Very low distortion for more precise sound- Musical and dynamic sound

In summary

The FD series is part of the Performance range. High technology, power and musicality, all in a compact casing. Focal has done everything required to ensure that these new amplifiers offer high performances and are easy to install.