Customer Reviews and Ratings

4.5 out of 5 stars

Based on 52 reviews

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    AWSOME!!

    • Written by from Cypress

    8 of 9 people found this useful

    Been looking for small speakers for my iPod touch. These speakers rock right out of the box. I think having the separate bass is the key. Tried the Klipsch but the sound was so much bass I boxed them back up and spent the night listening to music through my iPad speaker. I've had Bose but find the sound not clean enough either.
    Focal lets you adjust the bass if you like.

    I never review anything but for $600 you can't do any better than these for pure cd sound. Very Happy!!!

    By the way, I did have to use lightning adapter with my new Ipod Touch - no problem.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    I HAVE OWN THIS ONE FOR ABOUT 2YRS OVER 5 STARS

    • Written by from vancouver

    30 of 32 people found this useful

    I MUST SAY IT IS SO AWESOME, FOR THIS PRICE IT WILL BEAT ALL OTHERS BRAND SUCH AS MM1 (B&W),WHICH I HAVE ONE TOO,BUT NO BASS UNIT.

    NEVER EVER CHOOSE BOSE!! NOT WORTH THE MONEY,GO WITH FOCAL OR B&W,OR B&O (NOT WORTH THE MONEY TOO IMO)

    THANKS

    Was this useful? I HAVE OWN THIS ONE FOR ABOUT 2YRS OVER 5 STARS

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  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Well worth the money

    • Written by from White Plains

    27 of 28 people found this useful

    After training my ear for 14 years with classical piano, I can assure you these are the best speakers (for the price range) I have ever heard.

    Although it took a few hours of "breaking in," I can hear a noticeable difference in sound quality. These are really one of a kind speakers. I'd recommend these to anybody any day!

    If you're looking for very high quality speakers with a higher than normal budget, look no further and buy these. You won't be disappointed!

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    THE BEST EVER!!!!

    • Written by from Brooklyn

    11 of 13 people found this useful

    Harman Kardon SoundSticks III 2.1 Channel Sound System are good but these Focal system is one of the best speakers!!!! i do myself recommend these speakers to anyone who is into loud music with great sound of bass. it was a bit over price but still worth every penny. it sound almost like your at a DJ party or at a club. lol

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Perfect

    • Written by from Atlanta

    7 of 7 people found this useful

    Bliss for my ears at any volume. These are the best speakers I've ever owned and they haven't even burned-in yet.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    The best speakers I ever had so far

    • Written by from Madrid

    22 of 24 people found this useful

    I recently got a pair of these Focal XS speakers and even though I knew that Focal was a professional speakers brand I was very impressed with the detailed sound of these ones when using USB in my iMac, I had a pair of HK Soundsticks and could lisentened both side by side: the soundsticks sounded dull comparing with the Focal, the Soundsticks sound good but they lack mid and mid-bass sounds so the detail is lost since they only have full range speakers for mids and highs, but in the other hand the Focal XS performs amounts of richness mids and detailed music and I can now hear instruments and notes in my music that I couldn't hear with other speakers!, the electric guitars, piano, voices, drums sound brilliant and accurate, the image of sound is clear you can close your eyes and feel that you are in from of the playing band, the highs are clean and well defined and doesn't mix up with the mids like almost full range speakers because the Focal has a mid and a tweeter speakers in each monitor basket, bass sounds are clear and sharp without being overwhelming.
    Focal XS is definitely a "most have" for an audiophile

    Was this useful? The best speakers I ever had so far

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  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    AWESOME!!

    • Written by from chino Hills

    11 of 12 people found this useful

    Have had these speakers for over a year and they still are very impressive

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Wow....

    • Written by from EVANSTON

    33 of 39 people found this useful

    I am a mid-fi guy. Balanced Audio feeding Martin Logans. So figure maybe $30k in gear. All 320k compressed, lossless or SACD. Apogee Duet (Duet2 on the way) into ADAM A7x is my main desktop setup and it's excellent.

    Received the Focal XS yesterday and all it's 99% of my Apogee/ADAM setup and w/o any burn-in. I can only imagine how good it will sound after 200hrs of burn in time.

    Amazing value.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Superior speaker system.

    • Written by from Toronto

    24 of 30 people found this useful

    I've own many 5.1 systems including Logitech z5500, Focal professional cms50, Bose Companion 5, Bang & Olufsen BeoLab 4, Bose CineMate GS Series II and this one. They're all superior when listening to music in flac, apple lossless and aiff anything other than lossless format you're just wasting money. I dislike when people say something is overpriced just because they don't like it and I often hear these a lot. The reviewer from Calgary is expecting too much from a 5.1 system, it's there for you to listen to music on your itunes not your iphone. What is the point to listen to music from your iphone when all your songs is from itunes anyway. Who said you can't sync your iphone and listen to music at the same time? use a usb cable to sync and charge duh what a closed minded person. Anyways this speaker are really great in my audiophile collections, I would recommend this product to anyone who is a moderate or extreme audiophile like myself.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Amazing

    • Written by from Chicago

    10 of 11 people found this useful

    I bought these speakers a couple of months back, they have been simply amazing. The quality of sound is nothing like i have ever heard before.

    The remote felt a little cheap as compared to the Zeppelin, but other than that- absolutely no complaints.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Awesome Speakers!

    • Written by from Blue Bell

    19 of 19 people found this useful

    I gave plenty of time to break my speakers in before really testing them. I have played them at about 75%, and they are loud enough to drown out my dorm's fire alarm. The only reason I haven't gone all out 100% is because I find it hard to imagine that these speakers can actually get louder! These are simply amazing! Much better than any Bose system I've ever heard.
    The most amazing part about these speakers the subwoofer. It's rated at 70w; however, it is solely responsible for any and all base for the system. Because of this, there is very little worry about blowing your midrange.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    OUTSTANDING! Much Better Than The B&W MM-1s. Worth Every Cent.

    • Written by from Brooklyn

    43 of 47 people found this useful

    I initially got the B&W MM-1s. They were very disappointing and I returned them after a few weeks. Here's my bottom line on them. If you like superior and lifelike bass response these are definitely not for you. And I'm not talking booming bass. I'm taking solid bass response - like hearing McCartney or John McVie in Fleetwood Mac just to name some old school music - clearly and distinctly. But, it's the same regardless of musical genre. I really think a major part of the problem is the MM-1s are 2.0 speakers thus no separate sub-woofer (a 2.1 system) to adequately handle the bass. They just don't cut it. I also gave these speakers a long burn-in time. Auditioned them with a wide variety of music in both compressed and non-compressed formats through my Apple MacBook Pro 15" with an i7 processor. To be honest, I have pretty good ears for music and can pretty easily discern the differences between speakers. My existing 2.1 system back then - which was a Klipsch Pro Media 2.1 - did a much better job overall for about 1/4 of the cost. Believe me, I had high expectations and really wanted to make them work. They look great and have a small footprint on the desk. Back they went......I can only think how amazing these B&W's would have been as a 2.1 system.

    I then got the Focal XS Satellite Speakers. THESE SPEAKERS ARE OUTSTANDING!! They are everything the MM-1 weren't. In fact, IMHO, they blow them out of the water. The Focal's are a 2.1 system - unlike the MM-1's which are a 2.0 system with no separate sub-woofer. And the separate sub-woofer for bass response make all the difference in the world. Even before burn-in I knew these were keepers. Finally, my search for great computer speakers was over! Yes, they cost about $100 more than the MM-1s. Let me tell you, they are worth every penny and more. The sound is incredible. Even for compressed MP3s. I also like that the two, smaller satellite speakers that sit on your desk are elevated. This makes a HUGE difference vs. any speaker sitting on the surface - like the MM-1s. The sub-woofer (which is well-designed and it very attractive BTW) has a separate bass level control. The fit, finish and look of these speakers is 1st class all the way! Do yourself a favor. If you are considering a high end set like the MM-1s, Bose or some other brand you owe it to yourself to give these a listen. But, not in a store. Get them delivered and try them during the 30-day trial period using your equipment and music in your listening location. If you don't like them all you have to do is return them - and all you're out is the return postage. In fact, if you time it right the charges won't even appear on your cc bill if you buy and return during a single billing period. One more thing, you can plug your Apple iPod/iPod Touch right into the unit (right-hand speaker) which has a built in dock - and adapters for all models are included. They even included a separate package with adapters for the newest versions. I imagine this component will be upgraded/modified as new models are brought to market and will be made available to owners of this system. So, no worry about obsolescence. You can play directly from it as well as charge it and sync to your computer. All controlled via the included remote control which also controls speaker volume. EZ set-up. You do need to change a setting in your Mac (System Preferences) or PC (Configuration Panel) after you plug it into your USB port and turn it in. Takes about 1 second. The included manual explains it very well.

    Yes, it's a major expenditure. But, like many of you my computer has for all intents and purposes replaced my traditional stereo equipment. I listen to most of my music there. And it really deserves the best possible speakers to maximize enjoyment.

    Was this useful? OUTSTANDING! Much Better Than The B&W MM-1s. Worth Every Cent.

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  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    excellent definition

    • Written by from san carlos

    24 of 29 people found this useful

    pro: sweet sounding speakers. even before burn-in, they sound wonderful. very accurate stereo image (depends on source, of course). there's a trick to adjusting the subwoofer to taste. the balance between the satellites & the subwoofer changes depending on volume; that's true of any speaker system.

    con: brand new, they stink - something cooking in the power supply. the supplied docs are terse: what's the difference between the power button on the right satellite (& the remote) & the toggle switch on the subwoofer? unknown. some reviews claim the system uses only 2w in standby mode but how do you put it in standby mode? unknown.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Excellent speakers!

    • Written by from Sturgis

    22 of 24 people found this useful

    After a very bad experience with another set of speakers that were nearly twice the price of these - I'm glad to report that these Focals are everything I wad hoped for in terms of superior sound from a small speaker. Great bass and trebles at any volume. Anything from thumping rock to tinkly classical sounds great.
    Also - you CAN listen to your iPod through these speakers when it's parked in their dock, contrary to what one other reviewer said.
    My only quibble with these speakers is that the satellites are a bit tippy. Nothing a nice rock or paperweight won't solve though. And it would be nice if the actual tops of the satellites would swivel just a little - it would make placement for optimal sound alot easier.
    I highly recommend these speakers though. Well worth the price.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Best By Far

    • Written by from FORT MYERS

    24 of 31 people found this useful

    I have tried many computer speakers, Bose, Harmon Kardon, M-Audio ect. The Focals are the most musical.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Great sound system for the iMAC and Snow Leopard.

    • Written by from HAMDEN

    15 of 15 people found this useful

    I've had the Focal XS system for two months now and it continues to amaze and entertain me with excellent sound on my iMAC 24/iTunes Library. Makes for a very enjoyable work environment in my home office. The Focal XS reproduces sound without any noticeable distorsion from the highs to the very low frequencies and sub-woofer is great with bass-oriented music (e.g. Techno, Electronica, House, Dance). I found that I don't need a sophisticated sound application software with this system. The iTunes Equalizer (under the Windows menu) does a great job. Set up of the Focal XS system was a breeze under Snow Leopard as the drivers are already included in the OS. One word of caution though. Keep in mind the old adage of "Garbage In - Garbage Out" which means that you need to pay attention to the sampling parameters you use when you convert music over to an MP3 format if you want to maintain good sound quality overall.

    Was this useful? Great sound system for the iMAC and Snow Leopard.

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  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Focal XS Review Update

    • Written by

    37 of 37 people found this useful

    This is my second review of the Focal XS multimedia speaker system. Some of you may appreciate a follow-up. I have been critically listening this little system for 4 months. The price of admission is not cheap, but I must say, at $700 Canadian, the Focal XS is a bargain! I suppose some would call me an audio snob because I simply cannot tolerate most of what is available. The majority of producers and studio engineers intend for music to be experienced the way it sounded in the recording/mixdown process. Most speakers "color" audio to the point of being nearly unrecognizable when compared to the original. The Focal XS is an abrupt departure from the norm. The XS system is very true to the original…if the audio has been recorded well, it sounds excellent…if the music has been equalized, compressed and limited, it sounds that way. The Focal XS compares very favourably to most better home/professional speaker systems costing 3 to 4 times its price. I won't tell you the XS system sounds as good my $8,500 Martin-Logans or the $269,000 Focal Grand Utopia EM system (which, incidentally sets the worldwide standard for premium systems…yes the same company that makes the Focal XS). The Focal XS stands on it own, outranking 99% of ALL small multimedia speaker systems, at any price. The system is unique in that it employs its own custom digital to analog converter; which feeds a custom designed and built crossover and amplification system; which drives the speakers, which are designed and manufactured specifically for the application…all designed to function collectively as a unit. The Focal XS is intended to be a near-field monitor, therefore it is not as "loud" as some other speakers…but the sound that emerges from the system is as nearly perfect, pure and true as $700 can possibly buy anywhere.

    As a side note: I have found iVolume to be the ideal companion to iTunes and the Focal XS, because without any compression or limiting, it sets all levels based on the loudest passages of each selection of music. I listen to everything from Jazz to Rock and Country to Classical…with iVolume, I rarely have any need to adjust levels.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Sync problem between iPhone 3G and iMac 27" i7 solved!

    • Written by from BERKEL EN RODENRIJS

    10 of 13 people found this useful

    I had a problem syncing my iPhone 3G with my iMac 27" i7. I got a message saying that "iTunes cannot read the content of the iPhone". After unsuccessfully testing all kind of possible solutions, including trying other USB ports, restoring the iPhone or disconnecting other USB devices, I managed to sync the iPhone by connecting the Focal XS through a powered USB Hub to the iMac. Strange but it works! The Hub is a Sitecom CN-052, not sold in the US, but it might work with other Hubs. For the ones who have the same problem, try it.

    For the rest: stunning sound and beautiful design!

    Was this useful? Sync problem between iPhone 3G and iMac 27" i7 solved!

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  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Power specs? Oh, please!

    • Written by from Rio Rancho

    15 of 21 people found this useful

    I have been into audio for almost 50 years. Focal speakers are primo quality. The detractors must be used to bass kickers for thump, thump, thump; not adjusting for accurate playback because they don't know what is.

  • 5.0 out of 5 stars

    Simply Stunning!

    • Written by from DIXON

    14 of 14 people found this useful

    I was all over the internet looking for a computer speaker upgrade and was so torn in which option to go with. I decided that I really liked the idea of the built in ipod dock with the Focal XS so I went that route. I just hooked them up in about 3 minutes. (Literally 3 minutes) The are simply STUNNING. These are not for the MEGA BASS enthusiasts. These are for the SOUND QUALITY enthusiasts. The tone of the satellites is amazing. Not too "Tinny" sounding at all. Clear hi's and mid's and The pefectly balanced Woofer which is sealed, tight, and super clear. It matches the satellites perfectly. Think Bose But, uhm EXCELLENT!
    I am thrilled with my purchase and have no regrets. They are really as good as the professional reviews state.
    Give em a try and you will thank yourself!