Focal 300 ICW4

Name: 300 ICW4
Brand: Focal
SKU: 3544058691317
Price: 279.0 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (25 reviews)

(25 customer reviews)

Overview

The Focal 300 ICW4 built-in speaker is a two-way model featuring a flax membrane, a material developed by the brand for its acoustic properties. Designed for discreet integration into living spaces, it aims to combine architectural installation with high-quality sound reproduction, both for hi-fi and home theater use.

French Design Rooted in Textile Innovation

The 300 ICW4 represents the culmination of five years of research by Focal’s engineers into the acoustic properties of natural fibers. At the heart of this speaker is a 10-centimeter Flax sandwich membrane, made of a core of French flax trapped between two thin layers of fiberglass. This three-layer structure gives the woofer/midrange driver remarkable mechanical characteristics: the lightness of the flax’s hollow fibers ensures instant responsiveness to electrical impulses, while their natural rigidity maintains control in the low frequencies.

The flax used comes exclusively from fields in northern France—mainly Normandy, Picardy, and Flanders—regions renowned worldwide for the superior quality of their textile fibers. This eco-friendly approach is part of Focal’s philosophy; the company has been awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label and has been a member of the prestigious Comité Colbert since 2024. The transformation of this raw material into a high-performance acoustic component is carried out entirely in the brand’s workshops in Saint-Étienne, thus perpetuating a unique artisanal know-how.

Paired with a 25-millimeter inverted dome tweeter made from an aluminum/magnesium alloy, this acoustic architecture is complete. This configuration, exclusive to Focal and inherited from technologies developed for the Chorus and Easya ranges, allows for optimal dispersion of high frequencies thanks to its inverted convex shape. The Poron suspension, a memory foam material derived from research on the Utopia range, minimizes distortion in the critical 2000 to 3000 Hz range, where the human ear is particularly sensitive.

Black circular plastic speaker with a textured beige fiber cone and central metal tweeter, black rubber surround, and red side mounts, slightly angled view

The EQI System: The Tool-Free Installation Revolution

Installing the 300 ICW4 breaks free from traditional constraints thanks to the patented EQI (Easy Quick Install) system. This mechanical innovation radically transforms the integration experience: the mounting frame is fixed into the wall or ceiling opening simply by pressing on cleverly designed mounting tabs. These spring mechanisms automatically adapt to partitions from 5 to 30 millimeters thick, ensuring perfect stability without the need for any tools.

Once the chassis is securely anchored, the speaker itself attaches to the support with a quarter-turn rotation. This bayonet locking system ensures a reliable mechanical connection while preserving the possibility of later interventions for maintenance or adjustments. The spring connectors accept 14 or 16 AWG cables, making electrical connection easy without complex soldering or screwing.

The set includes two interchangeable magnetic grilles—one circular, the other square—allowing you to harmonize the integration with your interior architecture. These frameless grilles, covered with acoustically transparent fabric, can be painted for absolute discretion. A dust cover protects the components during the construction phase, reflecting the attention paid to real-world installation conditions on site.

Black circular plastic ring, top view, equipped with three red ratchet locks and molded markings

Mastered Acoustic Versatility

Although positioned as the most compact model in the 300 Series range with its 192-millimeter diameter, the 300 ICW4 delivers impressive sound capabilities. Its frequency response extends from 80 Hz to 28 kHz (±3 dB), thus covering the essential audible spectrum with remarkable linearity. This frequency range allows faithful reproduction of both spoken voices and acoustic instruments, without artificial coloration of the timbre.

The nominal impedance of 8 ohms, with a minimum of 4.5 ohms, ensures broad compatibility with most amplifiers on the market. The sensitivity of 88 dB for 2.83 volts at one meter demonstrates respectable efficiency for this category of speaker, allowing comfortable sound levels with modest amplification from 25 to 100 watts. This energy efficiency is particularly appreciated in multiroom installations where several speakers need to be powered simultaneously.

The two-way coaxial design optimizes temporal coherence between registers, creating a precise and stable sound image regardless of the listening position in the room. This feature is crucial for home theater applications, where multiple listeners should benefit from consistent sound quality. The Flax membrane brings its unique signature: a strikingly transparent midrange that enhances voices and dialogue, combined with tight, articulate bass despite the speaker’s compact size.

Documentation

Documentation (brochure)
French User manual
French

Technical Specifications

Acoustic Configuration

2-way type
Speakers:
- Woofer / Midrange: Flax 10 cm
- Tweeter: Aluminum / Magnesium (Al/Mg) inverted dome 25 mm

Audio Performance

Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 88 dB
Frequency response (± 3 dB): 80 Hz - 28 kHz
Low cut-off (-6 dB): 72 Hz
Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum impedance: 4.5 Ω
Recommended amplifier power: 25 - 100 W

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions: 192 × 98 mm (diameter × depth)
Mounting diameter: 163 mm
Mounting depth: 93 mm
Net weight with grille: 1.3 kg

Packaging

Dimensions: 260 × 260 × 250 mm (W × D × H)
Total weight: 2.3 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the 300 ICW4 operate without a subwoofer?

With a low cutoff frequency at 72 Hz (-6 dB), this speaker correctly reproduces the mid-bass but requires a subwoofer for the deepest frequencies, especially in a home theater setup. For stereo use with acoustic or vocal music, it may suffice in smaller rooms.

What is the difference between wall and ceiling installation?

The 300 ICW4 adapts equally well to both configurations thanks to its omnidirectional design. On the ceiling, it excels for Dolby Atmos effects or ambient sound diffusion. On the wall, it is perfectly suited as a main or side surround speaker, with the square grille facilitating vertical visual integration.

How does the Flax membrane compare to traditional cones?

Flax offers a better stiffness-to-mass ratio than conventional synthetic materials, providing greater definition in the midrange and eliminating unwanted resonances. Unlike polypropylene or paper, the Flax sandwich structure maintains its mechanical properties over time without audible degradation.

What amplification power is recommended?

Focal recommends between 25 and 100 watts RMS at 8 ohms. For hi-fi use in a 15 to 25 m² room, amplification of 40 to 60 watts per channel offers optimal balance between dynamics and control. In multichannel home theater, 50 watts per channel is a minimum to handle the dynamic peaks of modern soundtracks.

Is the 300 ICW4 resistant to humidity?

Although robust, this speaker is not specifically treated against humidity. For installations in kitchens or bathrooms, opt for models from the 100 Series, which feature enhanced protection against water splashes and condensation.

How can placement be optimized for Dolby Atmos?

For ceiling-mounted Atmos configurations, install the 300 ICW4 slightly in front of the main listening position (about 80 cm) and spaced the width of the front speakers apart. This arrangement creates a coherent three-dimensional sound bubble with the front soundstage, maximizing spatial immersion.

Is the EQI system compatible with all types of partitions?

The mechanism adapts to partitions from 5 to 30 mm thick, covering most standard plasterboard (BA13) and insulated linings. For installations in concrete or thicker partitions, an optional pre-mounting kit allows for secure attachment.