Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It ranks #52 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $608 and is still sold new; the ADAM Audio A5X ranks #61 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The ADAM Audio A5X’s replacement, the ADAM Audio A4V, is rated 3.6/5 at $1,079.98.
The case for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO: Rear shelving controls and a conventional studio-monitor layout provide practical placement adjustment. Watch for: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction.
The ADAM Audio A5X is the more accurate choice. A compact active studio monitor with a 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer and ADAM’s X-ART folded ribbon tweeter, with 50W amplifiers for each driver. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.08 against 1.04 for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. The catch: The on-axis response is less even (0.79 average deviation).
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality; the ADAM Audio A5X is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | ADAM Audio A5X | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $608 per pair | $500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #52 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) | 11”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (280 x 170 x 220 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | - |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer, X-ART folded ribbon tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | 100W (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.49 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | about 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Focal Alpha 50 EVO (measured by an independent reviewer) and ADAM Audio A5X (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
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Prices on this page were last checked October 10, 2026 at 5:37 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
Focal Alpha 50 EVO: $608 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 →
| Released | Aug 2021 (5 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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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ADAM Audio A5X: $500 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the ADAM Audio A4V, ranked lower, rated 3.6/5, released Apr 2022. See every ADAM Audio A Series generation.
Pros: A compact active studio monitor with a 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer and ADAM’s X-ART folded ribbon tweeter, with 50W amplifiers for each driver. Audio Science Review measured a preference score of 4.08 that reaches 6.49 with an ideal subwoofer, with 0.54 listening window deviation. Measured bass extension of 58.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The on-axis response is less even (0.79 average deviation). ADAM discontinued it. Bass reaches 58.6Hz (-3dB) and about 50Hz (-10dB).
Full ADAM Audio A5X review and specifications →
| Released | Apr 2011 (15 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | about 49.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 11”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (280 x 170 x 220 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5” carbon/Rohacell woofer, X-ART folded ribbon tweeter |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.49 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org) More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio T7V vs Adam Audio A5X sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons