Short answer: the Focal Solo6 ST6. It ranks #30 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $1499; the Barefoot Footprint 01 ranks #44, rated 4.1/5, and costs $3199, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Barefoot Footprint 01: Measured bass reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB, giving substantial low-end weight. Watch for: The 6.70 ideal-subwoofer score and 2.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz indicate tonal unevenness relative to the strongest monitors.
The case for the Focal Solo6 ST6: ASR measured a tight 1.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a 6.44 ideal-subwoofer score, supporting accurate midrange monitoring. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is 46.9Hz, so deep-bass work benefits from a subwoofer.
Buy the Focal Solo6 ST6. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Barefoot Footprint 01 and costs less, so the other one has nothing left to offer.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Barefoot Footprint 01 | Focal Solo6 ST6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,199 per pair | $2,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #44 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 3-way active, sealed woofer/midrange chambers, machined aluminum baffle | - |
| Drivers | 1" ring-radiator tweeter, 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 8" paper-composite woofers (Dual-Force opposed) | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 14.0H x 9.5W x 13.0D in | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each | 28.7 lbs (13 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 650W total per speaker (500W LF, 150W HF), bi-amped | 130W total (80W LF + 50W HF); Bi-amped (Class G LF + Class AB HF) |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-45kHz (+/-3dB) | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Country | United States | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.48 | 4.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.70 | 6.18 |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB peak at 1m |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Barefoot Footprint 01: $3,199 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Measured bass reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB, giving substantial low-end weight. Its active multiway format and opposed bass drivers offer a compact professional system, with a 5.48 standalone preference score reflecting useful full-range capability.
Cons: The 6.70 ideal-subwoofer score and 2.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz indicate tonal unevenness relative to the strongest monitors. Driver count and opposed-woofer construction do not guarantee neutral room sound. Careful placement and correction remain worthwhile.
Full Barefoot Footprint 01 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 650W total per speaker (500W LF, 150W HF), bi-amped |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | United States |
| Dimensions | 14.0H x 9.5W x 13.0D in |
| Drivers | 1" ring-radiator tweeter, 4" aluminum-cone midrange, 2x 8" paper-composite woofers (Dual-Force opposed) |
| Enclosure | 3-way active, sealed woofer/midrange chambers, machined aluminum baffle |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-45kHz (+/-3dB) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.70 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 35.1 lbs (15.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Solo6 ST6: $2,998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR measured a tight 1.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a 6.44 ideal-subwoofer score, supporting accurate midrange monitoring. The beryllium tweeter and Focus mode offer a useful professional workflow, with Focus serving as an alternate mix-check presentation. Measured bass extension of 46.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is 46.9Hz, so deep-bass work benefits from a subwoofer. The standard-mode score does not apply to Focus mode. There is no automatic room-calibration system, and premium driver materials alone do not establish superior sound.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 130W total (80W LF + 50W HF); Bi-amped (Class G LF + Class AB HF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 40kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB peak at 1m |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.18 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 28.7 lbs (13 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons


