Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $608; the ADAM Audio A4V ranks #67, rated 3.6/5, and costs $1,079.98, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The Alpha 50 EVO is the simpler, cheaper studio monitor. Its 5-inch woofer runs on 60W with rear shelving controls for placement. Its measured preference score is a low 1.04, so its stock balance is far from neutral, and placement near walls matters. It is sold individually.
The A4V is a compact monitor with heavy DSP. Its folded-ribbon tweeter and 4-inch woofer reach about 59Hz before falling 3dB, with placement controls and room-correction support that can fix much of its response. Stock, Audio Science Review measured a 10.8dB swing from 300Hz to 5kHz.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality than the ADAM Audio A4V and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement.
A compact studio monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room correction support for tricky rooms.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | ADAM Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $608 per pair | $1,079.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #67 of 108 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) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | 130W RMS each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.33 |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
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