Focal 300 ICW8

Name: 300 ICW8
Brand: Focal
SKU: 3544050691322
Price: 449.0 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 5.0 (24 reviews)

(24 customer reviews)

Overview

The in-wall speaker Focal 300 ICW8 is a two-way coaxial speaker designed for integration into ceilings or walls. It is suitable for both high-fidelity stereo setups and Dolby Atmos home theater systems. This model combines easy installation and versatile use, delivering neutral and precise sound reproduction.

Modern open-plan interior, wide-angle view, light wood herringbone parquet flooring, pastel gray walls, living area on the right with a beige fabric sofa, black leather folding armchair, and metal floor lamps, dining area on the left with a dark wood rectangular table and metal chairs, black kitchen in the background

The Flax Cone: Ecological Innovation and Acoustic Performance

At the heart of the 300 ICW8 is a 21 cm driver featuring Focal’s exclusive Flax technology. This revolutionary sandwich cone is made of a core of French flax fiber encapsulated between two thin layers of fiberglass. Flax, an eco-friendly material with remarkable structural properties, gives the cone exceptional rigidity for minimal weight.

This Flax technology, developed after more than five years of research, rivals the prestigious W cones used in the brand’s Utopia, Sopra, and Electra ranges. The result is sound reproduction of outstanding neutrality, with a particularly well-defined, natural midrange—ideal for enhancing voices and dialogue. The bass, meanwhile, benefits from surprising articulation and depth for an in-wall speaker, with extension down to 35 Hz (-6 dB).

Black circular in-ceiling speaker made of metal and plastic, with a textured beige cone and central black dome, red mounting claws, oblique view

The TNV2 Inverted Dome Tweeter: Precision and Controlled Directivity

The 25 mm tweeter uses Focal’s exclusive aluminum/magnesium inverted dome technology. This unique design offers several major acoustic advantages. The inverted shape allows for a small-diameter, very lightweight voice coil, enabling better acceleration and superior transient response.

The combination of aluminum and magnesium is no accident: aluminum increases the dome’s rigidity and reduces distortion, while magnesium provides optimal damping. The Poron suspension, a memory foam material derived from the famous Utopia beryllium tweeter, reduces distortion by a factor of three between 2000 Hz and 3000 Hz—the range where the human ear is most sensitive.

This tweeter is not only 360° rotatable but also tiltable up to 20°, allowing you to optimize directivity according to your room’s layout. A three-position switch (-3 dB, 0 dB, +3 dB) lets you finely adjust the treble level to suit the acoustics of your installation space.

Revolutionary Installation: The EQI System

The EQI (Easy Quick Install) system is a true innovation in the field of in-wall speakers. Patented by Focal, this revolutionary mounting system completely eliminates the need for tools. The mounting frame adapts to all walls and ceilings with a thickness between 5 and 30 mm.

Installation takes place in two simple steps: first, the mounting frame is attached to the wall or ceiling using fixing tabs that can be operated with one hand. These integrated clamping mechanisms hold the system firmly in place. Then, the speaker itself is inserted into the frame and locked with a simple quarter turn, ensuring a solid fit with no unwanted vibrations.

Black plastic circular support with perforations, featuring four red spring-loaded mounting legs, shown in a slightly elevated three-quarter view

Magnetic Grilles and Refined Finish

Focal supplies each 300 ICW8 with two magnetic grilles: one round and one square. These frameless grilles attach directly to the speaker via magnets, making them easy to install and remove for maintenance or redecorating. The magnets are positioned around the edge of the speaker and include anti-vibration pads, a detail that shows the attention paid to eliminating any source of sound disturbance.

The grilles, supplied in a white finish, are designed to be painted to perfectly match your interior. A protective mask is provided to shield the drivers during painting. This aesthetic flexibility allows for total visual integration, making the speaker virtually invisible once installed.

Acoustic Performance and Versatile Use

With a high sensitivity of 90 dB (2.83 V/1 m), the 300 ICW8 can deliver powerful sound levels even with modestly powered amplifiers. This remarkable efficiency, combined with power handling up to 150 watts, allows it to effectively fill large rooms while maintaining exemplary dynamics and clarity.

The frequency response extends from 48 Hz to 28 kHz (±3 dB), covering the entire audible spectrum with impressive linearity for an in-wall speaker. This wide frequency range ensures complete and balanced reproduction, from deep bass to crystalline highs, with no gaps or excessive coloration.

Dolby Atmos Compatibility and Multiple Configurations

The 300 ICW8 truly shines in modern home theater installations. Its compatibility with Dolby Atmos technology makes it an ideal candidate for creating height channels, adding that crucial vertical dimension for total sound immersion. Installed in the ceiling, these speakers create a true three-dimensional sound bubble, placing the listener at the heart of the action.

The speaker’s coaxial design, with the tweeter positioned at the center of the woofer/midrange driver, ensures optimal phase coherence and precise imaging—essential qualities for both music and the complex surround effects of modern soundtracks.

Contemporary living room, front view, gray walls with concrete texture and central recessed area, large black flat-screen TV mounted on the wall above a long low brown wooden cabinet, built-in light wood shelf on the left, light rattan armchair and white cylindrical coffee table in the foreground, floor lamp with white shade and gold stem on the right, several green potted plants, and a rectangular skylight in the ceiling.

Documentation

Documentation (brochure)
French User manual
French

Technical Specifications

Configuration

Type: 2-way
Speakers
- Woofer / Midrange: Flax 21 cm
- Tweeter: Inverted dome aluminum / magnesium (Al/Mg) 25 mm

Acoustic Performance

Sensitivity (2.83 V / 1 m): 90 dB
Frequency response (± 3 dB): 48 Hz - 28 kHz
Low cut-off (-6 dB): 35 Hz
Nominal impedance: 8 Ω
Minimum impedance: 4.5 Ω
Recommended amplifier power: 25 - 150 W

Dimensions and Weight

Dimensions (diameter × depth): 299 × 127 mm
Mounting diameter: 264 mm
Mounting depth: 122 mm
Net weight (with grille): 3.2 kg

Packaging

Carton dimensions (W × D × H): 375 × 375 × 310 mm
Total carton weight: 5.1 kg

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this speaker be installed in a bathroom or kitchen?

While the 300 ICW8 can technically be installed in damp environments thanks to its robust design, it is not specifically certified for such settings. For installation in humid rooms, it is recommended to ensure adequate ventilation and avoid direct exposure to water or steam.

What is the main difference between the 300 ICW8 and the 300 ICW6?

The 300 ICW8 features a 21 cm driver compared to 16.5 cm for the ICW6. This results in deeper bass extension (48 Hz vs. 65 Hz), slightly higher sensitivity (90 dB vs. 89 dB), and the ability to fill larger spaces with sound. The ICW8 is the largest model in the 300 Series range.

Does the EQI system really require no tools?

Absolutely no tools are needed to install the speaker itself thanks to the EQI system. Only the initial cutout in the ceiling or wall requires a hole saw or suitable cutting tool. The included cardboard template makes it easy to trace the precise 264 mm diameter needed.

How do you precisely adjust the tweeter’s directivity?

The tweeter can rotate 360° and tilt up to 20°. For home theater use with multiple ceiling speakers, it is generally recommended to leave the tweeters pointing straight down for even coverage. For stereo use, angling the tweeters slightly toward the listening area can improve imaging.

Which amplifier should I choose for these speakers?

With a nominal impedance of 8 ohms and a sensitivity of 90 dB, the 300 ICW8 is compatible with a wide range of amplifiers. A power output of 25 to 150 watts per channel is recommended. A quality amplifier of 50–80 watts will be more than sufficient for most home installations.

How do they perform with different musical genres?

The neutrality of the Flax cone and the precision of the TNV2 tweeter allow the 300 ICW8 to adapt to all musical genres. From acoustic jazz requiring finesse and naturalness, to rock demanding dynamics and impact, to classical music requiring transparency and faithful timbre reproduction, these speakers deliver every style with fidelity and musicality.