Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO if sound quality matters most, the Onkyo GX-30ARC if price matters most. The Focal Alpha 50 EVO ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 3.8/5, at $658. The Onkyo GX-30ARC ranks #57, rated 3.7/5, at $349, $309 cheaper.
Why pick the Focal Alpha 50 EVO: A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement. The catch: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction.
The Onkyo GX-30ARC is the more accurate option. A compact desk or TV speaker pair with HDMI ARC, optical and USB inputs in one simple setup. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.69 against 1.04 for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Focal Alpha 50 EVO lacks. The catch: The response rises toward the treble by about 0.48dB per octave.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Onkyo GX-30ARC if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | Onkyo GX-30ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $658 per pair | $349.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 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) | approx. 8.7H x 5.8W x 7.9D in each |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | HDMI ARC, USB-C, optical, phono/line, 3.5mm aux, Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) (primary speaker) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 1” tweeter, 4” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | Class D amplification |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 3.69 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.42 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Country | - | Japan (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.3 |
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