Short answer: the Cambridge Audio L/R X for better sound quality, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for the lower price. The Cambridge Audio L/R X ranks #76 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.1/5, at $2,399. The Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #81, rated 4.0/5, at $804, $1,595 cheaper.
The case for the Cambridge Audio L/R X: Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass. The catch: On-axis response is less linear than the L/R S, with dips in the bass, a peak around 1-2kHz, and a dip spanning the upper mid-range into the lower treble; Cambridge confirmed the dip is a deliberate DSP notch for a tweeter breakup resonance rather than a driver flaw, but it was audible as a mild suck-out in an AB pink-noise comparison.
The case for the Focal Alpha 65 EVO: Studio monitors with useful bass for music, tone controls, and XLR, TRS and RCA inputs for easy studio setup. The tradeoff: The measured 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and listening-window variation do not support a claim of reference-level neutrality.
Buy the Cambridge Audio L/R X if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Active speakers with HDMI eARC, a phono input, Wi-Fi streaming, wide even dispersion, and solid bass.
Studio monitors with useful bass for music, tone controls, and XLR, TRS and RCA inputs for easy studio setup.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Cambridge Audio L/R X | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,399.00 per pair | $804 per pair |
| Ranked | #76 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #81 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Drivers | 28mm aluminum tweeter, 2x 5” mid-woofers, 2x 6” side-firing passive radiators | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 800W total (400W per speaker) | 85w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, RCA aux, RCA phono (MM), optical digital, USB-C, USB-A, Ethernet, Wi-Fi | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | - |
| App | Yes | No |
| DSP | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction | No |
| Dimensions | 7.9” (200 mm) W x 330mm H x 260mm D (each) | 13.4”H x 10.3”W x 11.4”D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4kg) each | 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | Yes | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 | - |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.59 |
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