Yoann
Absolutely perfect with Dolby Atmos
Comment from August 11, 2025 — Experience from December 04, 2020
The Focal 100 ICW5 embodies the pinnacle of French expertise in in-wall speakers. This 13 cm 2-way coaxial speaker combines absolute discretion with remarkable acoustic performance, making it perfectly suited for small and medium-sized rooms. Designed for both hi-fi and home theater applications, it offers a sensitivity of 88 dB and an extended frequency response from 65 Hz to 23 kHz.
The Polyglass cone is the technological heart of this speaker. This exclusive Focal innovation involves applying fine glass microbeads to a cellulose pulp cone, thus combining the excellent damping of paper with the rigidity of glass. The rigidity index even surpasses that of single-layer Kevlar and is nearly 10 times higher than that of polypropylene.
This technology results in outstanding linearity of the frequency response curve right from the cone’s design, and significantly increases definition in the midrange. The result? A natural, uncolored sound that faithfully reproduces every musical nuance.
The speaker features an ODC (Optimized Directivity Control) filter that enhances off-axis listening and significantly reduces the “shower effect” typical of in-wall speakers. This technology ensures even sound distribution throughout the room, eliminating those privileged listening zones that can create imbalances depending on the listener’s position.
The 25 mm inverted aluminum dome tweeter offers a three-position level adjustment (-3 dB, 0 dB, +3 dB), allowing you to tailor the treble to the specific acoustics of each room. This flexibility is especially useful depending on the speaker’s placement and surrounding materials.
Thanks to the “tropicalization” process applied to the Polyglass cone drivers, the 100 ICW5 is suitable for humid environments such as bathrooms. This moisture resistance greatly expands installation possibilities, allowing you to create a sound atmosphere in any room of the house, including those traditionally excluded from audio setups.
Tropicalization protects critical components against corrosion and deformation caused by humidity changes, ensuring exceptional durability even under the most demanding conditions.
Installation is especially easy thanks to a shallow mounting depth of just 82 mm and three optimized grip mounting tabs. The anti-drop screw system secures the speaker for future removal, a thoughtful detail that reflects careful consideration of installation ergonomics.
Magnetic grilles, available in circular or square shapes, attach tool-free and are ready to paint. This aesthetic versatility allows perfect integration with any interior decor style. The ultra-rigid unibody chassis eliminates unwanted vibrations, ensuring clear and precise sound.
The 100 ICW5 excels in multiple configurations: sound distribution in hallways, stereo use in bedrooms or kitchens, or integration into a Home Theater setup. Two speakers can be connected to a single amplifier, simplifying multiroom installations.
With an impedance that never drops below 7.3 ohms, any home theater or hi-fi amplifier can make full use of the speaker. This ease of powering makes it a smart choice for a wide range of equipment, from entry-level amplifiers to high-end systems.
The speaker can be mounted in walls or ceilings with a thickness of 8 to 35 mm, covering most home configurations: plasterboard, wood panels, MDF, or suspended ceilings. The shallow mounting depth of 82 mm makes installation easy even in structures with limited rear space.
No back box is required thanks to the tropicalized design and rigid unibody chassis. However, to optimize acoustic performance and sound insulation, adding an absorbent material (glass wool or foam) behind the speaker can improve sound quality.
Although tropicalized for moisture resistance, the 100 ICW5 is still designed for indoor use. For outdoor installations, even under shelter, it is best to choose models specifically certified for outdoor use to ensure optimal durability against changing weather conditions.
Adjustment is made via a three-position switch accessible during installation. The 0 dB position suits most situations, -3 dB softens the treble in highly reverberant rooms or for a smoother sound, while +3 dB boosts clarity in muffled environments or when the speaker is far from the listening area.
Yoann
Absolutely perfect with Dolby Atmos
Comment from August 11, 2025 — Experience from December 04, 2020
Yann
Super satisfied, I’m going to keep them for a long time.
Comment from February 04, 2025 — Experience from August 10, 2023
Pascal
Ideal for pairing with Focal SIB Evo speakers to achieve "true" ATMOS sound (rather than relying on ceiling reflections). Very easy to install.
Comment from February 09, 2024 — Experience from January 31, 2022