Comments for Focal XS 2.1 iPod Amplified Speaker Dock at http://www.hometheaterhifi.com , comment 1 to 7 out of 7 comments http://www.hometheaterhifi.com Fri, 10 Feb 2012 00:38:52 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-2703 Can i connect also my pc thru it to play song? Or was it just for synchronization? - Mac Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:47:34 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-2152 I tried something similar with my B&W Zeppelin ipod dock. If you buy a toslink to optical mini jack cable and then set the PS3 audio output to the 'stereo digital PCM' format, you should be able to connect your PS3 directly to your speakers. I know for certain that this works with the B&W zeppelin ipod dock - i don't see why this wouldn't work with the Focal set up? However, i'm no expert when it comes to this! I'd like to know if you eventually got this up and running - as i've been looking into purchasing a set of focals, and connecting them to my PS3 would be a bonus! - James Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:28:33 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-1480 My initial, unstated assumption was that you would try to get the highest quality output from the PS3 and used the highest quality input on the XS 2.1. Thus the statement regarding the inability of the PS3 to output anything useful through USB. From my view, then, the next alternative would be to output audio from the HDMI through the Samsung. Obviously this introduces the DAC in the Samsung which is of unknown quality. In hindsight, Simon's recommendation would likely give the best result. Further to the discussion, as noted in the review, the design basis of the XS 2.1 was to be a near-field, multimedia speaker system. From my discussions with Focal, the input/output requirements were established by that market segment. Given the design and development approach, I'm fairly confident that Focal could have designed a remarkable 2.1 HTIB-type system, but it was not the intent/purpose of the XS. Gefen does make some products that might be suitable, but the price points would limit the attractiveness (I think) for your setup. The simplest product is a stereo DAC for $80 that you could use to output from the Samsung into the XS, which I'm fairly certain would be of better quality than the DAC in the TV. As for switching, you would effectively be using your TV as a switcher. - Andrew Yang Mon, 02 Feb 2009 07:01:48 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-1476 I am sure there's a device like a mini pre-amp type of setup out there to use and I can hook up both the tv sound and the PS3 and switch between them.The sound from Sammy is really bad, but the picture is a knock out though.Focal should have thought of such applications. An HDMI in/out puts would have been great. - Joe Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:27:00 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-1474 You can connect the analog stereo output of your PS3 directly to the Focal XS analog input (1/8" minijack at the back of the right speaker) - Simon Cote Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:20:32 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-1473 The XS 2.1 was narrowly targeted as a multi-media speaker. As highlighted in one of the pictures from the review, the inputs are limited to USB and a single 1/8" stereo miniplug. I don't believe the PS3 will output anything other than system and user generated sound from the USB (i.e. menu clicks and voice chat). I suppose you could hook the PS3 to the TV, and output from the TV via RCA to miniplug. The real problem would be the dispersion pattern of the speakers. They were designed for near field listening, with an assumption that the listener's head is aligned slightly above the height of the speaker. Having said all that, it would definitely be an upgrade over the built-in speakers, and the sound is still fantastic. I certainly had no issues listening to music walking about the room as opposed to being seated at the computer. - Andrew Yang Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:58:54 +0100 http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/ipod-accessories/535-a-secrets-accessory-review.html#comment-1472 I just bought a new Samsung 46 LCD display for the bedroom and I am planning to use the Focal instead of the sound from the Sammy and also I may ad a PS3 in the bedroom as well.My question is how do I incorporate the Focal to this setup of Sammy/PS3 and my Ipod? - Joe Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:05:27 +0100