Comparing Focal and Orb Audio

[amrogers3]

Hello all,

Been researching an audio solution for the home office. Looking at the Orb Audio system and the Focal XS 2.1.

Orb with a Super 8 Sub
http://www.orbaudio.com/boosterandspeakerpackage.aspx

Focal XS 2.1
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TV282LL/A/focal-xs-satellite-speakers


I don't much about audio so hopefully maybe one of you guys can help. The frequency response is about the same with the Orb hitting a bit lower on the range. Focal XS 150Hz - 20kHz compared to the Orb's 80Hz - 20,000Hz. The Focal is 30W per channel compared to 20W for the Orb. (so I assume the Focal can go louder??). Besides that limited information, not sure what else to compare

Does anyone have any feedback or recommendations on either of these two systems?

Thanks.

 

[spaceman]

Both are overpriced. I have actually heard the focal and it is good but for you can do better for the $$.

 

[amrogers3]

Recommendations?

I need a compact unit. Don't have space for receiver and other equipment. That's why both options above fit my setup.

 

[spaceman]

Topping TP32 Class T Digital Amp

http://www.amazon.com/Topping-Class...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

NHT superZero MiniMonitor. Need to buy two, they are sold in singles.

http://www.amazon.com/NHT-SuperZero...cs&ie=UTF8&qid=1345771422&sr=1-1&keywords=nht

Or Mirage Nanosat

http://www.amazon.com/Mirage-Nanosa...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1345771694&sr=1-20

Mirage 8" sub. Smallest I could live with myself.

http://www.amazon.com/Mirage-Omni-S...qid=1345771608&sr=1-13&keywords=hsu+subwoofer

 

[Archmage]

http://www.amazon.com/Topping-TP20-...e=UTF8&qid=1345778081&sr=1-4&keywords=class+t - If you don't need all the features of that other Topping amp, then this one seems better, no? More power. - For another $6, Topping offers the same amp, but adds the headphone output.

Me? I'm going with the cheapy Lepai amp based on the same ta2020 tripath chip: http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepa...e=UTF8&qid=1345778081&sr=1-1&keywords=class+t - I actually expect about 8-9w of usable power...maybe 12w at moderate distortion.

I'd go with the NHT speakers, given those 2 choices.

8" subwoofer sounds about right... If you need something more compact, then I wonder if someone offers a 6-7" "subwoofer" using one of those high excursion Tang-Band woofers available at PartsExpress (or a similar woofer). That could be the ticket, if it exists. If not, you'd have to build it.

Out of curiosity, I looked up the options:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-832 - This would be their high-end 6.5" part at a rated 13mm Xmax
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-919 - 11.5mm Xmax
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-831 - 5.25" version at 9.25mm Xmax
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-917 - cheaper version of the same, also 9.25mm Xmax
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=264-909 - A 3" option... makes no sense...novelty

Obviously a finished product would include the enclosure and a 50-75w amp...

I'd just go with an 8" subwoofer...

Compact and inexpensive suggestions:

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-627 - Dayton 8" is inexpensive. I believe Yamaha makes an inexpensive, compact 8" powered sub as well (amazon). - I have no idea how good these are, but the 12" Dayton version is acceptable, IMO.

I'd probably go with Spaceman's suggestion if I wanted something higher quality.

 

[amrogers3]

Thanks for the feedback. That system would work for my setup. I have heard about and read very good things about the NHT speakers.

For the topper though, 15 watts/channel doesn't seem like it would be that loud. The Orb booster has 20W/channel and the Focal has 30W/channel.

I am no audiophile, however, have tested out the Focal and the sound seemed very clean (haven't been able to try the Orbs). Plus it was built for listening to iPods which is a plus since the remote works well (FF, rewind, volume, on/off) and comes in very handy for my setup.

Would your recommendations change if I was able to purchase the XS 2.1 new for 40% off retail, i.e. $350?

Looking forward to hearing your opinions. Thanks.

 

[spaceman]

For $350 the focal is an excellent compact 2.1. $600? Not so much. So yes i would strongly consider the focal if bass impact is not a huge issue and you are strictly limited for space.

 

[TESLA]

The Focal system is good, but you are paying a significant amount of money for the i-device branding and for what I would categorize as a lifestyle product.

Even at $350 it's just barely in the running in my opinion as $350 is still wide open with options.

Watts per channel isn't the only factor to consider for loudness. There are plenty of tower speakers which can fill a small to medium sized room using only 3 Watts. The efficiency of the speakers will play a large role here, and efficiency is quite complex when it comes to speakers.

I love Mirage, but I wouldn't recommend their speakers for use with Class T amps. They make good speakers, but even the Nanosats will be held back significantly if not fed enough power. It's just the nature of their design.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of the sub linked above. In terms of small subs, there are very few that I have felt comfortable living with. The Sunfire Junior is king here, but it is discontinued. Also, its list price was right around $1,000. Mirage, oddly enough, has the second small sub on my list, the MM-8. I am having a hard time finding the MM-8 on sale currently, but the Energy model (same sub, I believe) can be had for $300, and is a much, much better option than the S-8.

Energy ESW-M8: http://www.amazon.com/Energy-ESW-M8-NA-1200-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B004TA8YNW/ref=pd_cp_e_0

There are also a few Polk models which are small, yet decent, but I would rate them after the above two.

As far as amplification, for desktop use I am a big fan of the Emotiva mini-X: http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Speaker choices are too numerous to list and the NHT's are a good option, but I would consider solid powered monitor setups as well.

 

[Andyk5]

I am not sure about that exact model but I can vouch for Focal products. I have used the auto applications in many cars. Their speaker construction and audio quality, especially in the high frequency was hard to describe with anything less than exceptional.

 

[amrogers3]

The Focal system is good, but you are paying a significant amount of money for the i-device branding and for what I would categorize as a lifestyle product.

Even at $350 it's just barely in the running in my opinion as $350 is still wide open with options.

Watts per channel isn't the only factor to consider for loudness. There are plenty of tower speakers which can fill a small to medium sized room using only 3 Watts. The efficiency of the speakers will play a large role here, and efficiency is quite complex when it comes to speakers.

I love Mirage, but I wouldn't recommend their speakers for use with Class T amps. They make good speakers, but even the Nanosats will be held back significantly if not fed enough power. It's just the nature of their design.

Also, I'm not a huge fan of the sub linked above. In terms of small subs, there are very few that I have felt comfortable living with. The Sunfire Junior is king here, but it is discontinued. Also, its list price was right around $1,000. Mirage, oddly enough, has the second small sub on my list, the MM-8. I am having a hard time finding the MM-8 on sale currently, but the Energy model (same sub, I believe) can be had for $300, and is a much, much better option than the S-8.

Energy ESW-M8: http://www.amazon.com/Energy-ESW-M8-NA-1200-Watt-Subwoofer/dp/B004TA8YNW/ref=pd_cp_e_0

There are also a few Polk models which are small, yet decent, but I would rate them after the above two.

As far as amplification, for desktop use I am a big fan of the Emotiva mini-X: http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100

Speaker choices are too numerous to list and the NHT's are a good option, but I would consider solid powered monitor setups as well.

I am interested in your recommendations for a system around the $350 pricepoint. The Energy M-8 by itself is $300. However, if you have a recommendation for two small bookshelf speakers like the NHTs (Just read an article in Stereophile that gave the subZeros high marks), amp, and sub, I would be very interested. I know you know your audio, we have communicated in the past about a home theater system.

Anyway, thanks for post, and I look forward to your recommendations.

.

 

[amrogers3]

For $350 the focal is an excellent compact 2.1. $600? Not so much. So yes i would strongly consider the focal if bass impact is not a huge issue and you are strictly limited for space.

Thanks for post. I am greatly limited for space so that is why I was trying to go as small as possible but still have great sound without having to spend $$$$ to get it. I've read good reviews on the Focal XS 2.1 and felt it had good sound (again I am no audiophile) plus if I can get it for $350 new. Still open for suggestions and recommendations.

 

[spaceman]

If size is you main concern, there is not much out there which will best the focal. Please if anyone can do the same for the price let me know too. All I can think of is maybe a pair of powered monitors like Swans or something similar would also be a good idea.

If space was not a a premium, it would be easy to do better for $350. Just get two tower speakers and a small t-amp or power amp used on audiogon or locally and you will get blown out of your chair.

 

[TESLA]

Is speaker size the concern, or the amplifier and other equipment more-so?

Are powered monitors an option? These are generally what I reference as outpacing the Focals, but they are definitely larger.

You also have a few options with Swan. I like the M50s better than the Focals and they are within your budget ($300):
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/prod...udspeaker-system&cPath=21_24&products_id=167&

For an office I assume desk space is a priority, which makes footprint important and things more difficult.

This is for a home office... so mostly music use? What type of music do you listen to? Is a sub necessary, or are you just looking for some low-end impact for music and not necessarily something you'll feel in your chest?

A good sub for use with a bookshelf combination is very difficult to come by for under $350, but bookshelves capable of providing solid low-end impact (for most music, at least) are available for this price.

Does the sub need to be small as well? If you don't mind a large black box of a sub, things become easier.

Do you need this all in one go, or can you buy some now, some later? (This is usually the best way to go on a budget, but I don't know what level of investment you want for an office.)

As far as early recommendations go, the NHTs add up to around $200 for the pair, which is right in line with where you'd generally find good budget bookshelf contenders. Good subs generally start out right around the $150-200 mark if you are really on a budget.

I like the BIC F12 here:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F...F8&qid=1346252401&sr=1-2&keywords=BIC+america

It is still ~$200, however, and with the NHTs you are already up to $400 without an amplifier. So you are looking at $450-500 for the system.

Monoprice has some decent low-end extension type "subs" meaning that they will not go down to typical sub levels, but they are good for extending bookshelves a bit lower. These are generally under $100, but it looks like they changed things up as I can't find the old model anymore.

 

[amrogers3]

Is speaker size the concern, or the amplifier and other equipment more-so?

Speaker size is the main concern. I have a very limited work area. Something like the Subzeros would work for my setup.

Are powered monitors an option? These are generally what I reference as outpacing the Focals, but they are definitely larger.

You also have a few options with Swan. I like the M50s better than the Focals and they are within your budget ($300):
http://www.theaudioinsider.com/prod...udspeaker-system&cPath=21_24&products_id=167&

Powered monitors would probably not be the ideal setup due to my limited space. BTW, what is your opinion on the Orb Audio speakers? These would be ideal due to size, however, I assume a better option could be had for the money?

For an office I assume desk space is a priority, which makes footprint important and things more difficult.

This is for a home office... so mostly music use? What type of music do you listen to? Is a sub necessary, or are you just looking for some low-end impact for music and not necessarily something you'll feel in your chest?

Good question. I will be listening to music/podcasts mainly. I currently live in a condo with adjacent neighbors so high powered system will probably get the law called on me. I will probably be moving in the future (next 6-8 months) and my setup may change, however, I have no idea what my future setup would be. I would love a "feel it in your chest" system though. Just not sure how practical that is right now.

A good sub for use with a bookshelf combination is very difficult to come by for under $350, but bookshelves capable of providing solid low-end impact (for most music, at least) are available for this price.

Does the sub need to be small as well? If you don't mind a large black box of a sub, things become easier.

I can handle a decent size sub. The Focal sub works in my space as I was able to demo it for about a week, 10-1/4 x 9-1/16 x 14-9/16. If it gets much bigger than that then it would be stretching it.

Do you need this all in one go, or can you buy some now, some later? (This is usually the best way to go on a budget, but I don't know what level of investment you want for an office.)

As far as early recommendations go, the NHTs add up to around $200 for the pair, which is right in line with where you'd generally find good budget bookshelf contenders. Good subs generally start out right around the $150-200 mark if you are really on a budget.

I like the BIC F12 here:
http://www.amazon.com/BIC-America-F...F8&qid=1346252401&sr=1-2&keywords=BIC+america

It is still ~$200, however, and with the NHTs you are already up to $400 without an amplifier. So you are looking at $450-500 for the system.

Monoprice has some decent low-end extension type "subs" meaning that they will not go down to typical sub levels, but they are good for extending bookshelves a bit lower. These are generally under $100, but it looks like they changed things up as I can't find the old model anymore.

I would like to have a system that I can listen to from the get-go instead of trying to accumulate different parts of the course of a few months. I should proably post up a pic of my workspace and you can see how small we are talking here. It's basically a 4' x 5' area.

And thanks again for your help and thorough response and questions. You are very helpful sir.

 

[TESLA]

I'll post more later, but for now I can comment a bit on the Orb speakers.

I like them, and I was considering them for a second den (which would need to be more kid friendly than my HT room). They are great speakers and priced about right... for their size. That's the main issue here. You're paying a lot for their form factor, and you can do better for your money if you go larger.

That said, they do sound good, certainly one of the best options for their price and size, and if their form factor works best for you, I personally think you would do well giving them a try. They do have a 30 day home trial policy, which is very, very important when purchasing speakers. (You never really know how a speaker will sound until you get it in your room.) You will more than likely need to eat shipping, but in the event that you do not like them, shipping them should not be too bad given their size.

Also, they are also more flexible toward future expansion than the Focal system, and they do tend to do best in small spaces. (I would not recommend them for large rooms.)

You will want a sub with them though, and I have not had personal experience with Orb's subs. The BIC I linked is a very good budget contender, but it's far larger than the Focal. The Focal sub is actually relatively tiny in comparison to most quality subs.

Also, a note on subs in apartments and condos:
Sub isolation platforms go a long way toward limiting impacting your neighbors. I use the Auralex SUBDUDE HD with all of my subs. (It also helps their frequency response as a bonus.)

They are not cheap, though:
http://www.amazon.com/Auralex-SUBDU...=UTF8&qid=1346279300&sr=8-14&keywords=auralex

 

[amrogers3]

Thanks Tesla. With lack of space and size of speakers being my limiting factor, the Focal are probably the my best bet at the moment in terms of cost/size. If I had to pay full price for the Focal, I would probably go for the subZeros. The Zeros have a relatively small form factor as well and an amp + sub could run around the same cost as the Focals. Anyway, I appreciate your input and recommendations. I may have to hit you up again if/when my space ever increases. Thanks again.