Many audiophiles are very familiar with the Focal brand and its legendary Utopia series loudspeakers. Now it's time to introduce everyone to the new Focal XS Multimedia Sound System. Don't be fooled by the iPod integration that has permeated everything from running shoes to bathroom accessories. This is not your father's desktop audio solution. Focal designed a very nice looking 2.1 desktop system with great features and sound quality to match. iPod sync and playback, internal USB DAC, and an analog input are all part of the new Focal XS Multimedia Sound System.

There is one phrase that continually comes to mind when I think of AVI and its ADM9.1 speakers. The phrase, "Only dead fish swim with the current." In High-End audio there are plenty of magic pixie dust potions and endless discussions about the value of cables and cryogenics. Then there's AVI based in the United Kingdom where manufacturers like Naim, B&W, and Linn rule the roost. AVI's Ashley James has earned a reputation as a very outspoken and somewhat controversial figure. Perhaps this is because Ashley doesn't swim with the traditional High-End audio current. Ashley often urges customers to purchase the cheapest Toslink cable they can find. In fact the new ADM9.1s require this because of some creative design at the optical inputs. AVI's new ADM9.1 active loudspeakers may alter the course of many traditional manufacturers and may lead to a dam downstream for those who chose to ignore this breakthrough product.

The ADM9.1s have finally made the journey across the Atlantic and arrived here at Computer Audiophile. At first glance the ADM9.1s look just like the ADM9s. Appearance is about the only thing the two models have in common. So far I have spent a few hours listening to both the ADM9s and 9.1s individually and in direct comparison to each other. I certainly won't go into much detail since this is just a preview of what's to come. However I will say if the 9.1s continue the perform as well as they have so far the little elves at AVI better get to work. They'll be building a lot of ADM9.1s.

Over the last few weeks I've been dropping subtle hints about an upcoming magazine column I'd be writing. Today is the launch of my new column in Tone Audio Magazine called The Computer Audiophile. I'll be writing regular columns for Tone Audio about music servers, computer based playback, software, high quality downloads etc... Without further ado here is a snippet from my first product review for Tone Audio.

I know there are a few Klipsch fans who are active participants in The Computer Audiophile forums. So, I couldn't resist posting a little something about the new Klipsch Palladium™ P-39F Speakers. The Palladium™ P-39F Speakers will retail for $15,000. An interesting feature of these speakers is the lack of parallel walls. Most Klipsch designs since 1946 have been rather "boxy." I think this is one of the best looking Klipsch designs I've ever seen. I can't wait to hear them in person. Read more for some great high resolution photos.

Stereophile's Robert Reina has posted a review of the Audioengine 2 powered loudspeakers. He is pretty impressed by the speakers. At $199 /pair anything close to audiophile sound is impressive. Readers of Computer Audiophile will probably chuckle a bit to read the following statement from Robert. "In nearly 25 years, it's been rare that I've reviewed an exciting breakthrough product. The Audioengine 2 is such a product—not because it performs at an extraordinary level (though it does), and not because it's such an incredible value for money (though it is), but because it creates a new market, a new application for high-end audio, and a chance for audiophiles to enjoy music in ways they may have never considered before." While I don't agree these speakers create a new market by themselves (see Dynaudio, NHT, etc...), they do fill a niche many audiophiles are looking to fill. The desktop system is becoming just as important as the regular/traditional audiophile system. We want exceptional sound no matter where we are listening. In a way there is a little give and take going on between the systems. The desktop system is now integrating into the regular/traditional system, and great speakers are now integrating into the desktop system. The Audioengine 2 powered speakers provide a couple ways to connect to your desktop system. They have mini plug that can be used with the standard soundcard in 99% of computers out there. The other option, that really interests me, is the single ended (RCA) inputs. I hate to bring up the Benchmark DAC1 USB again, but these speakers would work great with the DAC1. Connect the RCA analog out from the DAC1 to the RCA in on the speakers and you should have a very good sounding system. Just like standard computer speakers the AE 2 speakers have the amp in one speaker and run a cable to the other speaker. I would really like to see a comparison between these and the Dynaudio MC 15 speakers.

At the 2007 CES Dynaudio debuted the MC 15 multimedia speakers. These speakers appear to put other desktop systems to shame. I would really like to hear these connected to a laptop with an external DAC. Based on the quality of other Dynaudio products these should be on the top of every audiophile's holiday gift list.

The MC 15 is $1299 per pair and the matching multimedia subwoofer, the Dynaudio Sub 250 MC is $1000.

UPDATE The Absolute Sound January 2008 issue will feature an equipment report on these speakers.

More info available at Dynaudio