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EQUIPMENT REVIEW - Dynaudio Focus 260
defined, musically engaging soundscape. In my own system and my
own room, the 260 did not show signs of strain or unpleasantness,
or induce clipping at fairly high volume levels, when powered by
either the Hegel H200 (Issue 211) or my Gamut M200 monoblocks.
The 260 simply did its entertaining “musical thang” on all kinds of
music.
The 260 cast a fairly wide soundstage, extending about 6" beyond
the outer panels of the cabinets. Overall soundstage depth was in
keeping with its price level, and its depth layering was quite good.
Individual images were well-defined and always proportionally
sized and positioned credibly within the soundscape, although
images themselves had only partially fleshed-out 3-D depth.
The front of the soundstage began just behind the plane of the
speakers’ back panels and extended rearward from there, and my
listening perspective was mid-hall or thereabouts. Some musical
elements, like singers or trumpeters really belting it out, projected
into the listening room—an ability the Aerial 7T also had, which
is reminiscent of how such elements jut out from the stage when
heard live. Also compared to the Aerial 7T, the Focus 260 somehow
managed to come across as tonally neutral without being as overtly
revealing of tinny recordings. (It could simply be that the Aerial 7T
has an even flatter frequency response.)
Where the 260 gives up ground is in direct comparisons to
speakers that cost a lot more. For example, the $5000 B&W
805 Diamond (Issue 210) will create a wider and more detailed
soundstage, but the 805D also sounds to me as though it has a socalled
“Gundry Dip” (between 2kHz and 4kHz) which tends to make
harsh recordings more listenable and less fatiguing. In the case of
the 805D, although it has greater resolution within its range than
the 260, the 805D’s apparent tonal shift also deprives some wellrecorded
music of its natural verve and presence. Also, the 805D
can’t deliver anything close the 260’s bass performance or dynamic
freedom. Another example is the Dynaudio C1 II. It too will throw a
wider, deeper, and taller soundstage with larger individual images
(almost counter-intuitively, as the C1 is tiny compared to the 260).
The C1 is a more refined and resolving speaker, in general, but it
costs $7700 per pair in a standard finish (and also really should be
bolted to the recommended $450 stands). As mentioned above,
the 260 outperforms the C1 in bass extension and clarity. So, we
have trade-offs: deeper and clearer bass with greater dynamic
range in an easier-to-drive speaker in the Focus 260 for $4900; or
a better soundstaging, more-resolving speaker with some reduced
bass extension and dynamics (and that is more difficult to drive) in
the C1 II for about $8000 (with stands). Then there is the Aerial 7T;
it outperforms the 260 across the board, but it costs about $10,000
and has a tendency to portray bright and brittle recordings with
unerring honesty.
Just the fact that I could outline some pros and cons between
the Focus 260 and more expensive speakers is a testament to the
260’s overall performance. It competes well among elite company.
At the end of the day, the Dynaudio Focus 260’s lasting quality is
its inviting, lively musicality. It made me want to listen to my music
collection for the simple pleasure of it. If I were looking at the $5000
price point for a small, dynamic speaker that is relatively amplifierfriendly,
has respectable bass, is tonally honest, and honors the
human element in music, the Focus 260 would be a top contender.
SPECS & PRICING
Type: Two-way, vented-box system ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT
Drivers: Two 6.7" magnesiumsilicate-polymer
mid/bass drivers, turntable with Vector 4 tonearm,
Analog source: Basis Debut V
one soft dome tweeter
Benz-Micro LP-S cartridge
Frequency response: 32Hz–25kHz Digital source: Ayre C-5xeMP
(+/-3dB)
Phono stage preamp: Ayre P-5xe
Sensitivity: 87dB
Line stage preamp: Ayre K-1xe
Impedance: 4 ohms
Integrated amplifier: Hegel H200
Power handling: 250 watts
Power amplifier: Gamut M-200
Dimensions: 7.9" x 39.1" x 11.6" Speakers: Dynaudio Confidence
Weight: 42 lbs. each
C1 Signature, Aerial 7T, B&W 805
Price: $4900 (pair), Walnut, Black Diamond
Ash, Rosewood, Maple, Black Gloss, Cables: Shunyata Anaconda signal
and White Gloss
cables and power cords, Wegrzyn
Warranty: Five years, transferable power cords
A/C power: Two 20-amp dedicated
Dynaudio North America lines, Shunyata Triton power
1140 Tower Lane
conditioner
Bensenville, IL 60106
Room treatments: PrimeAcoustic
(630) 238-4200
Z-foam panels and DIY panels
marketing@dynaudiousa.com
dynaudiousa.com
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70 Guide to High-Performance Loudspeakers www.theabsolutesound.com
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