Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It ranks #51 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $658. The Edifier S1000MKII ranks #80, rated 3.3/5, at $499.99, $158.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Edifier S1000MKII: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. The catch: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates.
The Focal Alpha 50 EVO is the better-sounding option. Rear shelving controls and a conventional studio-monitor layout provide practical placement adjustment. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Edifier S1000MKII lacks. Watch for: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $158.01 you would save on the Edifier S1000MKII does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Focal Alpha 50 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.99 per pair | $658 per pair |
| Ranked | #80 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Outputs | None | - |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | - |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 60w Per Speaker |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 1.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.70 |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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
Edifier S1000MKII: $499.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup. No independent measurements exist; reviews are limited to informal listening comparisons.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 7.6”W x 11.6”D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Focal Alpha 50 EVO: $658 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5), the Focal Alpha 80 Evo (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Focal Alpha Twin Evo (larger bookshelf, rated 3.8/5).
Pros: Rear shelving controls and a conventional studio-monitor layout provide practical placement adjustment.
Cons: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction. Careful placement is still important, especially near walls or on a desk.
Full Focal Alpha 50 EVO review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independent Measurements (spinorama.org)
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