The Focal Dôme Flax speaker system is a compact yet powerful solution for high-fidelity audio in home cinema and stereo environments. Designed with flexibility, performance, and aesthetic appeal in mind, it offers users a versatile system that can be configured for various room sizes and acoustic needs. While the Dôme Flax system is primarily marketed in configurations such as 5.1 and 5.1.2, it can be expanded to a 7.1 setup by adding additional satellite speakers and in-ceiling models. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide to installing and configuring a 7.1 setup using the Dôme Flax satellites and in-ceiling speakers, based on the technical specifications and real-world observations found in the source material.
System Overview and Key Features
The Dôme Flax system is a 2-way compact sealed speaker system that features Focal’s patented Flax technology. This material is a composite of flax fiber and glass fiber, used in the mid-bass driver to deliver a balanced and neutral sound. The system is designed to be installed in various ways, including wall mounting, ceiling mounting, or placement on furniture or tabletops. The speakers are small in size but are capable of delivering a rich and detailed audio experience.
The Dôme Flax system is available in several configurations, including:
- Dôme Flax 5.1: Includes five satellite speakers and the Sub Air subwoofer.
- Dôme Flax 5.1.2: Adds two in-ceiling speakers to the 5.1 configuration.
- Dôme Flax satellites and ICW-4 in-ceiling speakers: Can be purchased individually for expanded configurations such as 7.1.
The Dôme Flax 7.1 configuration is particularly suited for users who want to create a more immersive audio experience by adding additional surround channels. The ICW-4 in-ceiling speakers, which are part of the 5.1.2 configuration, can be used in place of or in addition to traditional surround speakers, depending on the room layout and acoustic preferences.
Speaker and Subwoofer Specifications
Understanding the technical specifications of the Dôme Flax system is essential for proper installation and performance optimization. The following are key specifications for the satellite speakers and the Sub Air subwoofer:
Dôme Flax Satellite Speaker
- Type: 2-way compact sealed speaker
- Drivers: 4″ (10cm) Flax mid-bass; 1″ (25mm) Al/Mg inverted dome tweeter
- Frequency response (±3dB): 80Hz – 28kHz
- Low frequency point (-6dB): 72Hz
- Sensitivity (2.83V/1m): 88dB
- Nominal impedance: 8 Ohms
- Minimum impedance: 4 Ohms
- Crossover frequency: 2500Hz
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 172 x 144 x 143mm
- Net weight: 1.9kg
Sub Air Subwoofer
- Type: Flat bass-reflex subwoofer with integrated 150W BASH amplifier
- Speaker driver: 8″ (21cm)
- Bass cutoff frequency (-6dB): 35Hz
- Frequency response (+/- 3dB): 40Hz–200Hz
- Crossover cutoff frequency variable: 50 Hz – 200 Hz
- Continuous power output: 110 W
- Peak power: 150 W
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 400 x 276 x 276mm
- Net weight: 8.2kg
These specifications indicate that the Dôme Flax system is designed for a wide range of listening environments, from small rooms to larger spaces. The sensitivity of 88dB and nominal impedance of 8 ohms suggest compatibility with a variety of amplifiers and AV receivers, although the minimum impedance of 4 ohms should be considered when selecting equipment.
Installation Requirements and Room Considerations
Before beginning the installation, it is important to assess the room where the Dôme Flax system will be installed. The system is designed to be flexible in terms of placement, but certain considerations can significantly impact sound quality and performance.
Room Size and Layout
The Dôme Flax speakers are relatively small and are best suited for rooms with moderate to large dimensions. The source material mentions a test environment of approximately 13 by 15 feet, which is considered the upper limit for the system’s output. For optimal performance, it is recommended that the speakers be placed within a few inches of a wall or mounted on a wall to take advantage of boundary reinforcement, which helps extend the low-frequency response.
Speaker Placement
The Dôme Flax system can be installed in multiple configurations, including wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, or tabletop placement. Each speaker has two sets of bases: one for wall mounting and one for tabletop use. The choice of placement should be based on the room layout and aesthetic preferences.
For a 7.1 setup, the following speaker placements are recommended:
- Front Left and Right: Positioned on either side of the screen or TV, angled toward the listening position.
- Center Channel: Placed directly below or above the screen, aligned with the listener’s ears.
- Surround Left and Right: Placed to the sides of the listening area, slightly behind the listener.
- Rear Left and Right: Added in a 7.1 setup, positioned behind the listening area.
- In-Ceiling Speakers: Used in place of or in addition to traditional surround speakers, mounted in the ceiling for a more immersive experience.
Subwoofer Placement
The Sub Air subwoofer is a flat, compact design that can be placed on the floor or mounted on a wall using the included bracket. The source material emphasizes the importance of placing the subwoofer as close to a corner as possible to maximize low-frequency output and minimize room mode issues. The subwoofer’s frequency response is limited to 35Hz–200Hz, and it is recommended to place it where it can blend seamlessly with the satellite speakers without overpowering the room.
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Step 1: Unboxing and Inspection
Before beginning the installation, unbox all components and inspect them for any damage or missing parts. The Dôme Flax system typically includes the satellite speakers, the Sub Air subwoofer, and any additional components such as mounting hardware, cables, and manuals. If the system is being expanded to a 7.1 configuration, ensure that all required satellite and in-ceiling speakers are included.
Step 2: Speaker Mounting and Placement
- Determine Placement: Based on the room layout and listening position, decide on the placement of each speaker. For wall or ceiling mounting, ensure that the mounting surface is secure and can support the weight of the speaker.
- Mounting Hardware: Each Dôme Flax speaker comes with two sets of bases: one for wall mounting and one for tabletop use. Use the appropriate base for the desired placement.
- Secure the Speaker: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to attach the speaker to the base or mounting bracket. For ceiling-mounted speakers, ensure that the mounting is secure and that the speaker is level.
Step 3: Connecting the Cables
- Speaker Cables: The Dôme Flax speakers use speaker cables that are connected at the base of each speaker. A small Allen wrench is included for tightening the connections. Ensure that the cables are connected securely and that the polarity (positive and negative) is correct.
- Subwoofer Connection: The Sub Air subwoofer is connected to the AV receiver or amplifier via an RCA or LFE cable. The subwoofer has a variable crossover frequency, which can be adjusted based on the room acoustics and speaker placement.
- In-Ceiling Speaker Cables: If using in-ceiling speakers, ensure that the speaker cables are run through the ceiling and connected properly to the amplifier or receiver.
Step 4: Calibration and Setup
- AV Receiver Configuration: Set up the AV receiver to recognize the 7.1 configuration. This typically involves selecting the appropriate speaker layout and adjusting the crossover frequencies for each channel.
- Room Correction: If the AV receiver supports room correction (such as Anthem Room Correction), run a calibration to optimize the speaker response for the room. This can help smooth out any irregularities in the frequency response and improve overall sound quality.
- Subwoofer Placement: Experiment with different subwoofer placements to find the position that provides the best low-frequency response and blend with the satellite speakers.
Step 5: Final Adjustments
- Volume and Balance: Adjust the volume levels for each speaker to ensure a balanced output. The center channel should be slightly louder than the front left and right speakers to ensure clear dialogue.
- Crossover Settings: Fine-tune the crossover settings for the subwoofer and satellite speakers based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and the results of the room correction.
- Listening Test: Play a variety of content, including music, movies, and test tones, to evaluate the system’s performance. Make any necessary adjustments to the speaker placement, crossover settings, or equalization.
Performance Considerations and Limitations
While the Dôme Flax system is capable of delivering high-quality audio, it is important to be aware of its limitations and how they can impact performance. The source material highlights several key considerations:
- Low-Frequency Extension: The Dôme Flax satellites have a reported low-frequency point of 72Hz (-6dB), but this is only achievable when the speakers are mounted close to a wall or boundary. In open placement, the effective low-frequency response may be higher, requiring a higher crossover point (e.g., 120Hz).
- Subwoofer Performance: The Sub Air subwoofer has a limited low-frequency extension, with a bass cutoff of 35Hz. While it is designed to integrate seamlessly with the satellite speakers, it may not provide the same level of deep bass as larger subwoofers.
- Room Size and Acoustics: The Dôme Flax system is best suited for moderate to large rooms. In very large or acoustically challenging rooms, additional subwoofers or larger speakers may be necessary to achieve optimal performance.
- Cable Management: The Dôme Flax speakers are designed with hidden speaker connections in the base, which makes cable management easier. However, in-ceiling speakers may require more planning to run cables through the ceiling without visible wires.
Troubleshooting and Common Issues
Despite careful installation and setup, users may encounter issues with the Dôme Flax system. The following are some common problems and potential solutions:
- Poor Bass Response: If the system lacks deep bass, consider adjusting the subwoofer placement or crossover settings. Experiment with different locations to find the optimal position for the subwoofer.
- Imbalanced Sound: If one speaker is significantly louder or quieter than the others, check the speaker connections and volume settings. Ensure that the polarity is correct and that the crossover settings are properly configured.
- Distortion or Overload: If the system distorts when playing loud content, it may be due to overdriving the speakers. Reduce the volume or adjust the amplifier settings to ensure that the speakers are operating within their recommended power range.
- Room Mode Issues: In rooms with parallel walls or large open spaces, standing waves and room modes can cause uneven frequency response. Use room correction or acoustic treatments to minimize these issues.
Conclusion
The Focal Dôme Flax system is a versatile and high-performance audio solution that can be configured for a wide range of listening environments. With its compact design, Flax technology, and flexible mounting options, it is well-suited for both home cinema and stereo applications. When expanded to a 7.1 configuration, the system can provide an immersive audio experience that is well-balanced and detailed.
Installation and setup require careful planning and attention to detail, particularly in terms of speaker placement, crossover settings, and room acoustics. While the system has some limitations, particularly in terms of low-frequency extension and subwoofer performance, these can often be mitigated through proper configuration and room correction.
For users seeking a high-fidelity audio system that combines style, performance, and flexibility, the Focal Dôme Flax system is a compelling choice. With its ability to deliver a rich and detailed soundstage, it is well worth the investment for those who value both technical excellence and aesthetic appeal.