Our take on the Focal XS® 2.1 Multimedia Sound System

Enjoy superb audio from desktop speakers

Looking for multimedia speakers that can deliver high-performance sound from your iPod, iPhone, or computer? Enter the Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system. This advanced audio system features two desktop speakers and a powered subwoofer you can place on the floor.

Simple setup with USB connection

The system connects to your computer through a standard USB cable. This connection bypasses the PC's sound card and feeds the signal to Focal's advanced Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter, which produces highly accurate, richly detailed sound.

Integrated iPod and iPhone dock

An iPod dock built into the base of one of the speaker stands helps you avoid desktop clutter. Simply dock your player and enjoy clear, natural sound with your favorite tunes. The Focal XS also charges your iPod, and a switch on the back of the docking base lets you sync your player with your computer.

Quality construction for optimal performance

Three separate built-in amps power the system — one each for the left and right speakers, and a third for the subwoofer. This ensures optimal responsiveness from each speaker. Mylar dome tweeters reproduce clear highs, while 3" woofers handle the midrange frequencies. A 6-1/2" powered subwoofer deliver full, rich bass.

Convenient remote control operation

Use the system's compact remote to control volume, as well as basic commands on your iPod, such as play, pause, skip and start. And you can attach the magnetized remote to either of the anodized aluminum speaker stands for quick access when not in use.

From the review The Focal XS 2.1 Multimedia Sound System delivers audio goodness

"If you're working on a computer for long periods of time (and who isn't these days?) the Focal XS can deliver a listening experience that rivals a good home audio system. When I was sitting in that sweet spot typing away on my laptop, the Focal XS 2.1 Multimedia System's soundscape really made my stored music come alive."

— Ralph, Blog Editor and A/V Writer

Highlights:

powered desktop speakers and subwoofer
compatible with 120GB iPod classic, 4th generation iPod nano, and 3rd generation iPod touch
compatible with iPhone and iPhone 3G
USB input and built-in Burr-Brown DAC let you bypass computer sound card for better performance
separate amplifiers for each satellite speaker and
2 satellite speakers
- 3" midrange driver (each)
- 3/4" mylar dome tweeter (each)
- video shielded
- frequency response 150Hz - 20,000Hz
- anodized aluminum stands
- 3-9/16"W x 12-9/16"H x 5-15/16"D (on stands)
- weight: 2.2 lbs.
powered subwoofer
- 6-1/2" woofer
- frequency response: 39Hz - 150Hz
- weight: 18.5 lbs.
- 9-1/16"W x 10-1/4"H x 14-9/16"D
30 watts x 2 for satellites, 70 watts for subwoofer
high-speed USB cable
mini-jack audio cable
remote control
warranty: 2 years
Our 60-day money-back guarantee

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

What’s in the box? | In-depth notes

Product Research

What's in the box?

Download owner's manual

Right satellite loudspeaker with integrated pedestal stand and iPod dock (attached 6' speaker cable terminate by a proprietary connector)
Left satellite loudspeaker with integrated pedestal stand (attached 6' speaker cable terminated by a RCA-type connector)
Powered subwoofer
6' Detachable AC power cord
IR wireless remote control (with installed CR2025 3V lithium-cell battery)
5' USB cable (with a USB type-A connector on one end and a mini-USB type-B connector on other end)
41" Stereo minijack cable (with a right-angle male 3.5mm connector on each end)
6 iPod insert adapters
User Manual (Eng/Fre/Spa)

Our Product Research Team

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Features

Overview: The Focal XS is a high-end 2.1 multimedia sound system provides dynamic and powerful studio-quality sound for your Windows or Mac computer (with integrated sound card and USB connection), iPod or iPhone (featuring dock-connector), and other portable digital audio devices (equipped with a 3.5mm connector). The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system consists of two satellite loudspeakers with integrated pedestal bases and iPod dock, along with a separate 6.5" powered subwoofer.

Powered Subwoofer: The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system includes an active bass-reflex subwoofer with a 6.5" paper-cone down-firing woofer and 2.25" front-firing flared port. Three amplifiers are integrated inside the subwoofer; a 70-watt RMS amplifier is dedicated to the 6.5" subwoofer for deep low-end bass, and two 30-watts RMS amplifiers are designed specifically for the two loudspeakers. The powered subwoofer is equipped with a rear-panel bass-level control which permits you to adapt the subwoofer to your room's acoustics and proportions. The 6.5" powered subwoofer provides a frequency response of 39Hz-150Hz. The active subwoofer features three connections: Dock (proprietary port for the right-loudspeaker), Left Speaker (RCA-type jack for the left-loudspeaker), and an AC inlet (for the 6' detachable AC power cord). The powered sub also features a rear-panel main power switch.

Note: The powered subwoofer is designed to be placed under your desk, on the floor (not on top your desk with the loudspeakers).

Satellite Loudspeakers: The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system includes two 2-way, video-shielded satellite loudspeakers (Right/Left) with integrated pedestal bases for placement on top your desk by your computer. Each 2-way satellite loudspeaker features a 0.75" mylar dome tweeter and a 3.0" paper cone mid-bass woofer with a frequency response of 15Hz-20kHz. Each satellite speaker plugs into the included powered subwoofer and is powered by the subwoofer's integrated 30-watt RMS amplifiers. The satellite loudspeakers feature Focal's VCS (Visual and Sound Coincidence) concept which provides very realistic sound imaging. The right loudspeaker features a Power button and volume control for the system.

iPod Dock: The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system's right satellite loudspeaker features an integrated top-mounted iPod dock and is "Made for iPod" compatible. The iPod dock can be used for playback of your iPod's audio content and to sync your iPod with iTunes (USB from your PC must also be connected to the Focal XS). You can control basic playback functions of your iPod from the included remote or full control of your iPod's click-wheel or touch-screen will still be available. iPod text information, album art, and video/photo content will still need to be viewed from your iPod's LCD screen. While docked the Focal XS 2.1 will charge your iPod. The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia System includes 8 iPod dock insert adapters and is compatible with the following iPod models and functions (as of March 2010):

iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Media Type		Control Type		Display Type		Charge
iPod/iPhone Model	Generation	Audio	Video Out	Remote Control	iPod/iPhone	Song/Artist Info	Track Info	Charge
dock connector	3rd	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
clickwheel color	4th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
mini	1st	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
mini	2nd	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
video	5th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
classic	80GB	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	120GB	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	160GB	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
iPod nano	1st	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	2nd	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	3rd	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	4th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	5th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	6th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
iPod touch	1st	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	2nd	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	3rd	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
	4th	Y	N	Y	Y	N	N	Y
iPhone	2G	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
	3G	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
	3GS	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
	4	N	N	N	N	N	N	N
	4S	N	N	N	N	N	N	N

Note: There is a switch on the rear-panel of the right satellite loudspeaker to switch your iPod between audio playback and iTunes sync. If you download a newer software version, you may need to reset the device and your iPod/iPhone to regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert to the older software version or wait until an newer software update is available.

Remote Control: The Focal XS 2.1 comes with an IR remote control which allows you to control basic playback functions of your iPod, such as Play, Pause, Fast Forward/Reverse, Skip (Previous/Next). The Focal XS 2.1's volume (up/down) and power (on/off) can be adjusted from the included remote control or on the unit.

USB Port: The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system features a mini-USB type-B port and comes with a 5' USB cable for connecting your Windows or Mac computer. The mini-USB type-B port is found on the rear-panel of the right satellite loudspeaker.

Aux Input: The Focal XS 2.1 multimedia sound system is equipped with an auxiliary input (3.5mm) and comes with a 41" stereo minijack cable for connecting a portable digital audio player (other than iPod). The 3.5mm connector is found on back of the right satellite speaker.

Review Summary

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1-5 of 5 items Sort Results By: Date Reviewed | Rating | Helpfulness

5 out of 5

Best of both worlds, Performance and Beauty

Written By Visionmachine, New York, NY on Thursday, October 21, 2010

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

This is a Fantastic set of speaker system, make no mistake about it. As a long time user of 30" apple lcd and dell U2711, I can definitely say they did a wonderful job for producing this decent sppeakers. I know I paid more than a half grand for it, but considering its sharp, vivid, and bright sound quality you could easily forget about it. I'm hearing a lot of unknown sounds out these satellites, which I've never heard from my previous speakers. Just amazing.

3 out of 3 people found this helpful

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5 out of 5

My son's 1st system

Written By PeterJ64, Goshen, NY on Thursday, May 19, 2011

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

The 1st set were damaged, however 1 call to Crutchfield quickly and painlessly remedied the problem.

Great looking speakers that take up minimal space. Yes they are relatively expensive but their sound and build quality surely warrant the price tag. The only negative comment would be the attached speaker wire is not very flexible and a little short for my liking.

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

5 out of 5

High Fidelity in a small package!

Written By Freddie R., Lumberton, NJ on Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

I am a believer! FOCAL has produced great sound from a computer speaker. Low level detail,depth and timbral accuracy are stunning! A lot better performance than I would have thought! Very Pleased BURG

Was this review helpful? Yes | No

4 out of 5

Focal XS® 2.1 Multimedia Sound System

Written By Alvaro, Redwood City, CA on Sunday, September 11, 2011

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

I own a 27" iMac and I was looking for some speakers that would go well with it. I was a bit hesitant to pick these up mainly because of the price but the way I see it, I wont be buying any new speakers for my computer any time soon. These speakers sounds amazing.

I have two complaints about these speakers.

Volume Rocker: My Logitech Z4 speakers not only have a round knob (like most speakers) to adjust the volume but also a connector to connect your headphones. The Focal XS speakers have a "minus" and "plus" button to adjust the volume which is a pain because if you need to turn the volume down you need to keep pushing the button, its just a hassle. Its not that big of a deal because I can adjust the volume from my keyboard but still, for speakers at this price, I'd expect better.

Remote Control: I'll be pretty blunt, the controller is cheap.

overall though, great speakers. I'm giving it a 4 because of the volume buttons and remote control but overall I'm happy with these

1 out of 1 people found this helpful

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4 out of 5

Very good, not spectacular

Written By rsg, JP, MA on Monday, September 19, 2011

Crutchfield Customer Review (What's this?)

Crutchfield Customer Review

The reviewer purchased this item from us, verified by the email address on the order.

Good sound, easy to set up, small, nice looking. Remote not that easy to use because of the angle of the on/off switch. Doesn't have a headphone jack--that's a serious lack, in my view. Sometimes nobody in the house can deal with the volume!. But it's a good system, just not spectacular.

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1-5 of 5 items

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Crutchfield - North America's electronics authority since 1974

Focal XS® 2.1 Multimedia Sound System

with integrated iPod®/iPhone® dock

Item# 091XS21 offer details

Review Summary

By buying this product you'll earn up to 599 Rewards points.

Our take on the Focal XS® 2.1 Multimedia Sound System

Enjoy superb audio from desktop speakers

Simple setup with USB connection

Integrated iPod and iPhone dock

Quality construction for optimal performance

Convenient remote control operation

Highlights:

Hands-on research from the Crutchfield Labs (what are the Labs?)

Product Research

Our Product Research Team

Features

Product Reviews

Review Summary

Average Customer Review:

Best of both worlds, Performance and Beauty

My son's 1st system

High Fidelity in a small package!

Focal XS® 2.1 Multimedia Sound System

Very good, not spectacular

Learn more about High-fidelity iPod Systems

Learn more about High-fidelity iPod Systems

Accessorize Your iPod®

iTunes®: How to install, use, and enjoy

Intro to Apple AirPlay®

iPod® FAQ

iPod® Glossary

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