LOUDSPEAKER
Almost five years after I submitted my review of Dynaudio’s Focus 200 XD class-D active bookshelf loudspeaker—my first product review for Stereophile—word of its imminent successor, the digital Focus 10 class-D active bookshelf loudspeaker ($5500/pair), and its two larger siblings arrived via Mike Manousselis, Dynaudio North America’s president, Americas. Then came the near-ubiquitous parts shortages and COVID-related slowdowns that have plagued high-end manufacturers worldwide.
More than 18 months later, the new Focus line debuted at Munich High End 2022. I recall my excitement as I entered Dynaudio’s huge multiroom exhibit area, and my confusion when I heard sound that, while dramatically different from the discontinued Focus 200 XD, was not what I’d hoped for or expected. Months later, when a broken-in Focus 10 pair finally arrived here, I approached them with a mixture of anticipation and dread. Would they sound similar to what I heard in Munich? Spoiler answer: No!
The Focus 10 is a completely different speaker than its predecessor, and far more advanced. Smaller, lighter (16.5lb), and—surprisingly—less expensive, the Focus 10 is a 2-way/2-driver active bookshelf pair that Dynaudio bills as a “complete wireless sound system.” The smallest model in an active wireless digital loudspeaker line that also includes two floorstanders—the 2.5-way/3-driver Focus 30 ($8250/pair) and 3-way/4-driver Focus 50 ($11,000/pair)—its multitudinous playback options range from full support for analog sources to wireless 24/48 or 24/96 streaming using WiSA1 and up to 24/192 wired playback of files and streams from various devices including smartphones.
After chatting with John Quick, Dynaudio North America’s VP sales and marketing, Americas, and Stephen J. Entwistle, Dynaudio’s Denmark-based chief engineer, I realized that the Focus 10’s complexity requires significant space to do it justice. Hence, I’ll dispense with a flowery introduction and tales from my youth in the late 18th century and instead get down to the speaker at hand.
Among the new Focus line’s many features are the ability to use the speaker’s wireless, digital, and analog inputs to connect to “every single” streaming service, internet radio, a WiSA-compatible TV or USB dongle, and your turntable. You can stream via Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, Apple AirPlay 2, Google Chromecast, Roon, “high-quality” Bluetooth, and more.
“If it’s been released as a recording, Focus will play it,” declares the website. “It” includes anything stored on a networked hard drive. The included subwoofer trigger is intended to autopower a sub connected to the sub-out port. No equipment rack, external amp(s) or sources, or cables are necessary. If you use the supplied power cables,
