Dynaudio just introduced the new Xeo loudspeakers, a high end wireless loudspeaker system at the 2012 International CES. Comprised of two models, the compact Xeo 3 bookshelf monitor and the slim Xeo 5 floorstander, the Xeo models are wireless, remote controlled active loudspeakers offering the convenience of wireless operation in a fully active loudspeaker concept.
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The Xeo has been designed to deliver reportedly high end sound quality, while the wireless active loudspeaker concept helps to achieve a high level of value in that there is no additional cost of amplification or cabling. The tweeters are 27 mm soft dome designs with Dynaudio's coating, while the long- throw mid/woofers are 14.5 cm drivers featuring Dynaudio's propretary MSP (Magnesium Silicate Polymer) cones.
No loudspeaker cables, no D/A converters, no amplifiers, no set-up software, no plug-in or IP address are needed: the Xeo 3 and Xeo 5 loudspeakers receive the music signal digitally from the Xeo wireless transmitter, and process the signal digitally until amplification. Setting up and operating the Xeo is allegedly as simple as unpack and play. Each Xeo loudspeaker set is supplied with a Xeo transmitter and a remote control, with the transmitter communicating to the internal amplifier in the loudspeaker, with no need for any further connection to a router or LAN. The Xeo speakers only need to be connected to the mains power, and the Xeo Transmitter connected to the sound source.
The Xeo Transmitter converts a digital, wireless signal, sending such at full CD resolution (up to 16 bit/ 48 kHz) to the Xeo 3 or Xeo 5 loudspeakers. The Xeo Transmitter even supports files up to 24 bit/48 kHz. Depending on room shapes and wall construction, one Transmitter can send the signal up to 50 meters, or up to 100 meters in spaces without any boundaries. The Xeo remote control allows for source selection between the three available inputs as well as powering the speakers on, setting the volume level, choosing an audio source, and switching the speakers off.
The Xeo Transmitter may be connected to multiple sources, as it features both an optical (Toslink) digital input as well as a mini USB digital input, allowing connection to the digital output of myriad audio devices, while two analog inputs - a stereo mini jack for connecting a Smartphone, Tablet or other personal media devices, as well as a set of RCA stereo inputs allowing connection to an existing hi-fi system. When connected via USB, the Xeo Transmitter doesn't require use of the supplied external power adapter. When connected to Toslink optical cable, or analogue via RCA Stereo cable or 3.5 mm Minijack cable, without any USB connection, however, the Xeo Transmitter must be powered by the compact mains power adapter.
In addition to wireless operation, the Xeo system is also ready for multi-room/multi-zone installations. One single Xeo Transmitter can also supply wireless sound to a second pair of Xeo loudspeakers in a second room, and to a third pair of Xeo speakers in a third room. Since each speaker set includes its own remote control, each of these pairs of Xeo loudspeakers is capable of wirelessly playing a separate source with independent volume control in each room or zone. The Xeo remote control facilitates independently selecting the source input, setting the volume, or muting the sound (in addition to powering the speakers on and off) for each set of speakers in each or any room. Similarly, multiple sets of Xeo loudspeakers can be combined in one single room as well.
Even when playing at high SPL levels, the speakers reportedly only need a few Watts, while the Xeo Transmitter runs on a few Microwatts. When not in use, the Xeo speakers automatically switch off into energy-saving standby-mode, consuming only 0.6 Watts.
The Dynaudio Xeo models will be shipping by March 2012 and retail pricing is as follows:
Xeo 3 Set $2,300 (1 pair Xeo 3 loudspeakers, 1 Xeo Transmitter, 1 Xeo Remote Control)
Xeo 5 Set $4,500 (1 pair Xeo 5 loudspeakers, 1 Xeo Transmitter, 1 Xeo Remote Control)
Xeo 3 Loudspeakers $1,950 /pair (Xeo 3 loudspeakers & remote - no transmitter)
Xeo 5 Loudspeakers $4,150 /pair (Xeo 5 loudspeakers & remote - no transmitter)
Xeo Transmitter $350 /each (Xeo transmitter only)
Additional Resources
• Read more floorstanding speaker news from HomeTheaterReview.com.
• See similar stories in our Bookshelf Speaker News section.
• Explore reviews for Bookshelf Speakers and Floorstanding Speakers.
