Well..., after a little checking it seems that the Focal XS System does have a built in internal DAC, but you're certainly on the right track using the mini Analog inputs, with that great sounding Benchmark DAC.
Enjoy,
Rich
Enjoy,
Rich
Benchmark DAC1 USB w/ Focal XS - observations
Because of the way my system is set up, I have a Benchmark DAC1 next to my iMac. When switching between the main set up and the Focal XS computer speakers, I have to go to "settings" then "audio" and select either the DAC1 or the XS system which is not difficult, but very annoying.
Last week I ordered a 1/8" to RCA cable from BlueJeans with the intentions of using the RCA outs from the Benchmark (main system uses the XLR outs) straight into the 1/8" input on the XS and bypassing the internal usb dac of the Focal speakers.
To put it bluntly, the DAC1 sounds significantly better than the built in DAC of the Focal XS system and it should at double the cost of then entire speaker system. The speaker system sounded really good before, but not quite up to "audiophile" standards. Using the DAC1 straight into the speakers really opened them up, especially the top end. Will the XS replace my main system? Of course not, but it's definitely the best sounding desktop system I've heard.
Last week I ordered a 1/8" to RCA cable from BlueJeans with the intentions of using the RCA outs from the Benchmark (main system uses the XLR outs) straight into the 1/8" input on the XS and bypassing the internal usb dac of the Focal speakers.
To put it bluntly, the DAC1 sounds significantly better than the built in DAC of the Focal XS system and it should at double the cost of then entire speaker system. The speaker system sounded really good before, but not quite up to "audiophile" standards. Using the DAC1 straight into the speakers really opened them up, especially the top end. Will the XS replace my main system? Of course not, but it's definitely the best sounding desktop system I've heard.