Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII for the higher ranking, the Focal Alpha 50 EVO for the lower price. The Neumann KH120 MKII ranks #1 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers at $2000. The Focal Alpha 50 EVO ranks #6 at $314, $1686 cheaper.
On the Focal Alpha 50 EVO side: More neutral than the great HS5.
The case for the Neumann KH120 MKII: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz. Set against that: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO if the price matters more than the ranking. Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII if the ranking matters more than the price.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.00 | $2000 |
| Ranked | #6 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 12.2"H x 9.0"W x 9.4"D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | XLR |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg each | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 60w Per Speaker | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m |
The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Alpha 50 EVO: $314.00 Amazon
Pros: More neutral than the great HS5
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2"H x 9.0"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) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Output Power | 60w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Adam Audio A5X vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Eve Audio SC205 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (2nd Wave) vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs JBL 305P MKII
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Kali LP-UNF
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Adam Audio T5V
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Genelec 8020D
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Genelec 8030C
- Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Presonus Eris E5
- See all 18 comparisons
- Links
Neumann KH120 MKII: $2000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama is about as flat as the reviewer has measured, with excellent directivity aside from a small blip around 2kHz, and bass response that stays flat almost down to 50Hz. Predicted in-room response is superb despite not being strictly valid for a near-field monitor at this distance. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is nice and well controlled. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is exceptionally low. Even at 96dB SPL/1m - just 1dB before the clipping indicator engages - it stays very clean outside of deep bass.
Cons: A minor directivity blip appears around 2kHz. Vertical directivity narrows quickly above the reference axis, so the reviewer recommends staying right at it. Distortion rises substantially in the deep bass under 50Hz at higher output (96dB SPL/1m). Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) shows a resonance in the upper midrange. High price.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3"H x 7.2"W x 8.9"D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" woofer, 1" titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs / 6.6 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8020D
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali LP-UNF
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs JBL 305P MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Adam Audio T5V
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- See all 11 comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.