[angevoi]

Is an objective statement or your personal preference?
 
Got it, the XS Book RCA input is much better, jack input is dull even with proper source.

 

[s4s4s4]

Everything I say regarding the sound of gear is personal....
 
I was really only kidding around, having fun on the forum, to each his own, but I do prefer it.
 
Enjoy your new Book set up.

 

[SoloHead]

Quote:

Is an objective statement or your personal preference?
 
Got it, the XS Book RCA input is much better, jack input is dull even with proper source.

Did you use the 2.1 with your external DAC or it's built in DAC?
 
I wonder if the 2.1 aux input suffers like that? I plan on using the 2.1 aux 3.5mm input sometimes instead of the built in DAC...
 
I still plan on getting the 2.1 because: 1) built in DAC 2) smaller desk footprint 3) louder 4) dedicated bass 5) portability not an issue

 

[angevoi]

I've used them only with my Odac. I did not notice quality loss on the 2.1 with jack input while it was conspicuous on the Book.
Your points are reasonable but 1) The 2.1 built in DAC is good but maybe you don't need an expensive external DAC ( ex.: Behringer UCA202 ). 2) The Book is pretty small. 3) The Book is as loud that i have only checked the max with some drone ambient music. 4) I don't miss the sub bass since i use the Book RCA, the bass is laudable for this sized speaker. 5) I'm biased with my new toy but  if i were you, i'd try to audition both.

 

[angevoi]

The Focal XS Book somewhat sounds like a HD600 with my Odac. They present music similar. Both sound neutral, laid-back, with modest full-bodied midrange. The biggest differences are bass, less extended on the little-big desktop speakers ( In size they are the closeset to those micro-hifi speakers) Treble extension and micro details are less then in HD600 as well. Strangley i don't feel i lose a lot while listening to the Focal. Never tiring listening compensates for the inaccurate presentation. Probably i'm not an analytical listener, i don't think much when i'm listening.They are about 1m (3feet) apart and i have a feeling they sound outside of my 20square meter room, i think their stereo width is outstanding.

 

[Pippin76]

I agree the Book has excellent stereo imaging, that really struck me when upgrading from an ancient Creative/Cambridge 2.1 system. Bass is sufficient for me and the mids shine.
 
I doubt you can do better at this price point and form factor.

 

[vackraord]

I bought the focal xs 2.1 system last year and I have been very satisfied since day one. Still haven't come across any computer speakers that sounds better. The mm-1 is not even close. One thing to mention though, the xs-system is optimized for near field listening. (As most monitors)

 

[SoloHead]

Quote:

I've used them only with my Odac. I did not notice quality loss on the 2.1 with jack input while it was conspicuous on the Book.
Your points are reasonable but 1) The 2.1 built in DAC is good but maybe you don't need an expensive external DAC ( ex.: Behringer UCA202 ). 2) The Book is pretty small. 3) The Book is as loud that i have only checked the max with some drone ambient music. 4) I don't miss the sub bass since i use the Book RCA, the bass is laudable for this sized speaker. 5) I'm biased with my new toy but  if i were you, i'd try to audition both.

Still thinking about the 2.1 vs book. I haven't gotten around to upgrading my setup yet. Your points are good, but I see nothing to suggest the Book is actually better than the 2.1, just that it is more compact. Now that you've had the Book for a while, if portability weren't a concern, which would you suggest?

 

[angevoi]

The 2.1 have the edge in plain SQ, have dedicated bass. They have reference like sound signature, bright, dry and still fun. The book matching easier with my ODAC. I like their moody sound which is warm with good energy, not dull nor laid back. The 2.1 were harsh with my ODAC which is considered very neutral. The book sounds fine with piano, vocals, classic rock from low to mid-high volume. The 2.1 sounds astounding from mid to high volume and presents complex orchestral music, fast rock better.

 

[XVampireX]

I've had a side by side listen between AudioEngine 5+ and Focal XS Book they're quite similar, it depends on what you're looking, AudioEngine 5+ for example has more mid-bass (low) presence while Focal XS Book probably sounds more mid-treble based. I bought AudioEngine 5+ and also I had a listen to the MM1 set, they probably sound very neutral, I don't like the design or the feeling of the sound... so if I would need to suggest one of the two that you asked about I'd say go for the Focal, they rock B&W in every way.

 

[starstern]

had anyone listened to the AV-40 ,
as reading in forums they may come close to the BWMN_1 as far clarity ,just lacks the bass altogether

 

[Jazz1]

  MM1 seems to only be good for very, very quiet listening, I don't know about the other one.

I got to second that opinion. I do love my MM1, but you are not going to rock the house with these. Form my use as a near field speaker I really like them. Also I have limited space on my desk. So they are perfect companions for my 27" iMac. 

 

[agoston.berko]

"Everything I say regarding the sound of gear is personal...."
 
this is ********.
everybody wants to hear the sound of the original recording.
this way you can enjoy the authentic sound spectrum created by the artist.
buying studio monitors are always something really special thing in life.
 
there are huge differences in focal sound and bowers sound.
the more closer it sounds to the real recording the better the results.
for me MM1 is amazing. XS book not bad but nothing special.

 

[angevoi]

You were right if all recordings had been as well made as the artists wanted. Hi-fi gear made to translate every story romantically misrepresented according their own taste.

 

[Tablix]

Most of the time artists have very little say in the end product, the mix/master is done by a professional for a reason  How many vocalists or instrumentalists also have the knowledge to do the final mix and mastering of a recording?  My answer would be almost none.  Producers and audio engineers do a specific job that they have invested years in mastering (pun intended), much like musicians and vocalists.  This is like saying an actor can direct a movie or write a screenplay, different jobs entirely.
 
As an end user you have the options to play around with the decisions the producer makes by using EQ or systems that flavour the sound, or you can play the direct recording using equipment that is as close to neutral as possible.  Everyone has different ears and preferences, which is what makes this hobby more about personal discovery than buying what others recommend.
 
This kind of post is pointless and to the OP, get yourself into a physical store and listen for yourself.  Support your local store, they may cost 10% more but they allow you physical experience with a product and specialist advice, you keep shopping online then these stores will all be gone and we have to rely on **** reviews from opinionated kids on youtube.  Best is subjective, and also depends on your room, listening preferences, speakers, headphones, music type and playback device. 
 
Use this site to gather options NOT opinions, as only yours counts.  Once you have a list of options its down to you to do the footwork and sample for yourself.  This is the only way to get satisfaction and value for money.

EDIT:seems this thread was necro'd, hopefully my  points still stand and have some value to a forum user in future.