Our history

Since the creation of Focal-JMlab in 1979 by Jacques Mahul, an engineer with a passion for music and hi-fi, Focal has been manufacturing top-of-the-range acoustic equipment. Anchored in the spirit of the times, the brand innovates and strives to satisfy all listening desires. Over the years, our collections have grown steadily to offer the very best in sound, everywhere: at home, in recording studios, outdoors, on the road, in the car, at sea...

1979

In the beginning

The story of a small business in Saint-Etienne begins with Jacques Mahul... France Filières, a precision engineering company, hosts the first loudspeaker manufacturing workshop. It would go on to make its mark on world acoustics for more than four decades to come.

  • 1982/1985

    Focal's DB 13 revolutionizes the bookshelf loudspeaker. A noteworthy innovation, among others, in the Polyglass and Polykevlar® loudspeaker diaphragms. The loudspeakers are gradually positioning themselves at the top end of the range.

  • 1989

    Jacques Mahul's passion for classic cars led him to realize a childhood dream: to travel for hours on end with music. The result was the first in-car loudspeaker and amplifier kits for cars. The Car Audio department was created and became a benchmark in its sector.

  • THE 1990's

    Focal becomes international; a leader in the French acoustic market, the company diversifies and expands. Having been awarded numerous accolades, Focal's reputation goes from strength to strength.

  • 1995

    The Grande Utopia is hailed by the international press. A technological challenge and an aesthetic excess, it establishes the brand's leadership among audiophiles the world over.

2000s

The company puts design at the forefront. Design enhances technical density with aesthetics without compromising sound quality for the sake of style. The brand collaborates with the Parisian agency Pineau & Le Porcher, who designed many of the products and set up its own design teams.

  • 2002

    The "Focal Professional" department is born. Focal loudspeakers are quickly recognized by professionals and sound engineers the world over. Innovation and the conquest of new acoustic fields are key words for the company.

  • 2011-2014

    Focal forges closer ties with British company Naim Audio, leading to a merger in 2011 and the birth of the Vervent Audio Group.

  • 2016

    Launch of Utopia headphones. The world's smallest loudspeakers see the light of day in Utopia open-back headphones, acclaimed by the international press as soon as they are launched.

  • 2016

    Focal signs its first original equipment installation in a vehicle from the French manufacturer Peugeot. A Focal hi-fi option is offered in the new 3008 and 5008. Focal will subsequently develop specific hi-fi systems for numerous production vehicles, as well as sensational concept cars.

  • 2018

    "Utopia excellence" makes its entry into Focal's automotive range with the Utopia M line of loudspeakers. Just revealed, the line receives a famous "CES Innovation Award" in Las Vegas, and quickly establishes itself as a benchmark.

2019

Opening of the very first Focal Powered By Naim stores, in Seoul and Lyon. They mark the start of a worldwide roll-out of showrooms, shop-in-shops and corners. In the same year, Focal celebrates its 40th anniversary. Special products with unique finishes are developed for the occasion.

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  • 2020

    Focal enters the yachting market. Focal offers excellent acoustic solutions for boats and yachts, both indoors and out, with personalized service and custom installation.

  • 2021

    Focal's "Utopia excellence" enters the Integration range. The 1000 Series line and its seven top-of-the-range products are revealed. The line's sensational hi-fi and Home Cinema experiences are hailed by the international press.

  • 2022

    Focal reveals its first wireless headphones with active noise reduction (ANC): Bathys. With its Hi-Fi loudspeakers made in France, the brand demonstrates its ability to constantly innovate and respond to changes in the audio market.

  • 2024

    Since January 1, 2024, the Focal brand has been a member of the prestigious Comité Colbert, which brings together over 90 French luxury brands, including Chanel, Cartier, Dior, Hermès and Baccarat.

Alongside the development of its collections


Focal is increasingly involved in the design of exceptional audio systems, as demonstrated by the Naim For Mulliner system from its sister brand, featuring Focal Utopia loudspeakers. This system integrates the 18 models of the Bentley Batur, the fastest vehicle ever built by the British manufacturer.


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