Focal JMLab is a recognized leader in high fidelity products and professional studio monitors, and its efforts to expand to the headphone segment was a major investment for the company, currently offering an expanded catalog of solutions in all its targeted market segments. In 2016, Focal made a splash in the competitive high-end and audio enthusiast market with the introduction of its ambitious Utopia, and Elear models, which have been unanimously highly praised. The effort was reinforced in October 2017 with the introduction of the Clear circumaural open-back reference headphone, consolidating the brand's position in the top segment.
Its entrance in the more price-conscious lifestyle segment with a range of earbuds and the first Listen Wireless circumaural model was not as impactful, maybe a little too early, with the market still discovering the merits of the brand's reference models, and too many different products being introduced at the same time, not allowing for a proper promotional marketing cycle. With the launch of the Spark, Spark Wireless, and Sphear S in-ear models all at once, the attention deserved by the premium closed-back wireless over-ear Listen Wireless was diluted, not allowing for the attention the product truly deserved.
Now, Focal reinforces that segment with the unveiling of the new Listen Wireless Chic, offering three new finishes for their Listen Wireless closed-back headphones. After debuting Rose Gold and Cobalt Blue in 2017, for wired and wireless earphone designs Spark and Sphear S, Focal's marketing team decided that early spring was the ideal season to launch the Blue, Olive and Purple "flowery compositions."
Essentially brightly colored versions of the Listen Wireless, the Listen Wireless Chic range offers all the same technical characteristics and sound quality, with three finishes, for those seeking a touch of originality and style appealing to both men and women alike. In addition to being cutting edge, premium audio headphones, Listen Wireless Chic stands out for their style, just as much as their sound quality and extended autonomy, with 20 hours of playtime.
Audio performance is enhanced by the innovative 40mm Titanium / Mylar driver, with studio-quality isolation guaranteed by the closed design of the headphones. Large cushions, with thermosensitive memory foam on the ear pads provide optimal comfort, even during long listening sessions. Listen Wireless Chic also offers a dual 'Clear Voice Capture' microphone system, which improves voice quality during conversations.
The finish on the non-conductive metal earcups with its iridescent nuances is an elegant combination, providing these closed-back Bluetooth 4.1 headphones with a distinctive aesthetics that will help promote the brand in a crowded market that essentially doesn't know Focal as a brand. This will also allow many new potential users to discover the appeal of the traditional black high gloss look on the original Listen Wireless model. Price for the new Listen Wireless Chic models is also the same - very reasonable - $299 USD. Availability is announced for May 2018.
www.focal.com/headphones
