FOCAL XS MULTIMEDIA

THE Focal XS joins the growing list of speaker systems with an iPod dock built-in.
This excellent sound system - Focal is French audio equipment maker - is a quantum leap from the typical 2.1 computer speaker systems. At its price, it is a tough sell though.
You can use it to amplify your computer and your iPod as well as a third audio source, like an external CD player. The system offers two satellite speakers (one with the iPod dock at the base of the speaker stand) and a subwoofer. Mac users take note: The industrial design is somewhat Apple-like: The stylish system is a natural fit for the aluminium iMacs or MacBooks.

Interestingly, the Focal XS Multimedia Sound uses a digital USB connection to a Windows PC or a Mac, instead of the usual analogue audio cables used by most speaker systems. You need to go to the Mac or Window's speaker settings to indicate that you want the Focal XS as your desired output device, before you can let the music play.
The Focal XS also works well with a 160GB iPod classic plugged into the dock, to the extent that you can charge and sync the iPod with iTunes smoothly (if you choose to connect to a computer). In action, it performs like a proper hi-fi system: The audio is clean and clear, with decent treble and midrange. The overall impact, though impressive, is not likely to receive a standing ovation.

Gaming with the Focal XS is fun too, although the subwoofer can be understated at a typical listening volume, especially when playing a game like Command And Conquer: Red Alert 3.

Explosions, for example, lacked the resounding booms one might expect.
That said, it is generally a pleasure to listen to the Focal XS when it comes to music, especially with MP3 tracks ripped from audiophiles CDs.