The Xeo speaker range is based on the identical Excite range (albeit without the built-in receiver and amplifier). The sound quality is similar, although the Xeo reportedly generates a slightly more pronounced bass. The wireless solution surely causes one to dream: finally a playback system of good quality without the length-limitations of the speaker cables. The system is more than suitable to be used as a multi-room solution. Given that Dynaudio above that has better (but more expensive) conventional speakers, it would be fair to say that it should be relatively easy for them to equip these ranges of speakers with wireless technology in the future. It would be even more fantastic if Dynaudio then also equips the speakers with (rechargeable) battery power so that you no longer have to depend on placement near a wall outlet!
Because of their relatively favorable weight, the Xeo 5 floor stands are easy to place. They look sleek and elegant and fit into most interiors. The bass port is located at the back, so you can play with it in function of the desired effect. If you want a solid bass response, it’s sufficient to position the speakers in a corner of the room. If you prefer a healthy balance between high, medium and bass, it is best to position them about a meter from the rear wall. The Xeo 5 offers you a choice: either you mount the included spikes or you can stick the preformed felts on the floor (depending on the floor in your listening room).
In an average listening environment the built-in amplifiers (2x50W) deliver enough power to make music like Daft Punk sound powerful. Songs like Robot Rock or Technologic grant the speakers ample opportunity to support a driven beat. Lipps Inc. created a mega-hit in the late seventies: Funky Town. The Xeo 5 has no problems whatsoever with the funk-disco electric and catapults me back into the time when I could listen to a similar program on the radio. In 1980, Yarbrouch&Peoples came with Don’t Stop the Music. With pleasure I re-listened the song: beautiful old-school groove and Alisa Peoples has a wonderful voice! Compared to the Xeo 3, the Xeo 5 sounds more “mature”. If you have the choice to, for example, listen to Time of the Season (The Zombies, 1967) on the Xeo 3 or the Xeo 5, then, in an average listening environment (distance 4 to 5 meters) you choose for the Xeo 5 of course. They also place sufficient and a pleasant pressure on songs like “Seven Stars” of the French band Air. The music does not stick to the casing of the Xeo, but is sufficiently loose, especially in the width. There is a little less depth, but you do need to realize in what price category you are listening. Church music is also perfectly listenable on the Dynaudio’s and they try their hardest to put out the lowest notes, but the bass will never roll as when you get when listening to bigger and more expensive systems. You need the help of a subwoofer for this. The relatively small woofers of the Xeo 5 try their hardest, but you can feel the limits. When listening on an average volume, the Xeo 5 sounds more homogenous then the Xeo 3. The bass of the Xeo 5 also sounds less bony, so therefore more pleasant. You will appreciate this for example when listening to songs of bands like Yello (Moon on Ince).
