Short answer: the Alpha 50 EVO, and the ranking gap is large for this price bracket. It ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $658; the Classic 5 ranks #74 at $319.99, $338.01 less.
The Classic 5’s problems are specific and measurable. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz from port and woofer resonance, a directivity error at the crossover that dips the upper midrange, and distortion that exceeds 100% below 50Hz. Our notes say it’s not recommended out of the box, though EQ correction can turn it into a capable monitor.
The Alpha 50 EVO has no listed cons at all, which is unusual on this site and a large part of why it holds such a strong ranking relative to its price.
Buy the Alpha 50 EVO for the cleaner measurements and the higher ranking. Buy the Classic 5 only if you’re prepared to EQ it and you specifically want to save the $338.01.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement.
A basic 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs, best for someone willing to tune it with EQ.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $658 per pair | $319.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #74 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) | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 3.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 5.99 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | - | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
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