Focal XS

price, design, size, usability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.co.uk give this product a positive rating.

reliability

100% of the reviews on Amazon.com give this product a positive rating.

Sensational scale and presence for a desktop speaker ; detailed, dynamic sound ; good stereo image

Could be too big for some desktops

A potent-sounding speaker, which brings hi-fi listening to your desktop

Great scale ; Good stereo sound ; Detailed and dynamic ; aptX Bluetooth connectivity is a nice touch

A little dynamically restrained ; Bass could be better

That said, since the original Focal XS Books arrived, we’ve seen some great steps forward in desktop audio. Though the originals were a five-star product, simply adding wireless connectivity to a 2011 product seems like a missed opportunity for new...

These speakers can rock and swing with some conviction – their main appeal, we’d contend. Stereo soundstaging and midband articulation are not so compelling, and the overall sound was a touch too sibilant for our tastes. Build quality is generally good...

The iPod dock market is certainly filled with a multitude of products, which by-and-large are aesthetically differentiated. Focal comes to this niche with a product that not only meets the aesthetic requirements typically associated with the market,...

Good-quality, well-made speakers; balanced sound in reasonably large spaces; well-priced

No USB connectivity or remote control

We recommend the Focal XS Book Music System as an affordable, stylish and capable desktop speaker set to boost your Mac’s audio. While it can also be used in mid-to-large spaces, the lack of remote control limits convenience and access for this...

the signature Focal sound at a (relatively) good price ; integrated iPod dock that also charges your device ; handsome, good looking

remote control needs line of sight, sometimes a little hit or miss ; subwoofer could use a bit more oomph. Doesn’t go as loud as you’d expect ; lots of far cheaper sound systems out there if your listening needs aren’t as discerning

But truthfully, what you’re really paying for is the Focal sound, and as my side by side comparison can attest, that’s what you’re getting. If you’re in the market for high end multimedia speakers, it can’t hurt to drop by an authorized retailer...

My bottom line is if budgetary limitations prevent you from going to that whole other financial level of high end studio monitors, than this is a darn great compromise. There is no more sour feeling than getting buyer's remorse, and you won't once you...