Focal XS Book Desktop Speaker Preview

A while ago Focal released their XS 2.1 system. This was a desktop solution sporting two small, cubes speakers on stands and a bass module to round out the system. The innovative speaker solution featured an iPod dock built in to the speaker stand. The next iteration in this line is a true desktop solution where no bass module is needed. The new XS Book speakers are two way speakers that are thin and tall limiting the amount of real estate they take up on your desk while maximizing performance.

Focal has gotten rid of many of the features of the XS 2.1 system to focus on good sound with the XS Book. These are speakers for people that care more about sound than an iDock. From the manufacturer:

Like all Focal loudspeakers, the XS Book is tuned by computer analysis, and then finetuned to perfection by ear. Every drive-unit we manufacture is fine-tuned for the speaker to which it is destined. Such attention to detail results in an unparalleled sound. The design of the XS Book absolutely respects every fact of our design philosophy.

It will produce exquisite quality sound, at any volume, and has a natural sounding deep bass that belies its size.

If that isn't a commitment to sound, we don't know what is. The XS Book speakers are active (20 watts per speaker), have a top-mounted volume control, and feature a .75" aluminum dome tweeter and a 4" polyglass-coned midbass woofer. As is common with desktop solutions, the Focal XS Book speakers have the amp and inputs in one of the speakers with a cable connecting to the second.

Focal is claiming a response down to -3dB point down to 50Hz if the spec sheet is to be believed. An impressive response for speakers that measure 11" by 4-1/2" by 7-7/8". According to Focal, the XS Book speakers can put out a maximum of 96dB at 1 meter (weren't not sure how long after they burst into flames). Part of that impressive bass response it coming from the front-firing port. There are two inputs on the XS Book speakers - stereo RCA and a 3.5mm port. There is no indication that they can both be used meaning it is really one or the other.

One interesting aspect of the Focal XS Book speakers is that they aren't being marketed solely toward the desktop crowd. Featuring a threaded insert on the back compatible with the Omnimount AB2 norm, the Focal XS Book speakers can be easily wall mounted with aftermarket mounts. At only 11 pounds (we're not sure if that is each or together though is really doesn't matter in this case), no wall mounting solution will have a problem with the XS Book speakers. Focal suggests that they XS Book  speakers can be used in conjunction with a flat panel display. With the sort of output they are claiming, it might be a good dorm solution for frat boys that don't measure their worth by the diameter of their woofers.

Conclusion

The Focal XS Book speakers look a little too good to be true on paper - but that doesn't mean they aren't good. We like how Focal has concentrated on getting good sound rather than worrying about how many connections or iDevices it can power. While we like the suggestion that the XS Book speakers can be used in a small home theater, without a remote for volume/power, they seem a little out of place. Still, with a .75" aluminum dome tweeter, 4" polyglass woofer, and front port plus a -3dB point at a manufacturer's specified 50Hz, these speakers deserve a listen. If for nothing else than to see if they'll pass muster on your desk.

For more information, please visit www.focal.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.