Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $658 and is still sold new; the PreSonus Eris E5 ranks #77 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The PreSonus Eris E5’s replacement, the PreSonus Eris Studio 5, is rated 3.6/5 at $299.98.
The case for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO: More neutral than the great HS5.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality; the PreSonus Eris E5 is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | PreSonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $658 per pair | $186.98 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #77 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) | 10.2”H x 7”W x 7.7”D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) each |
| 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 | 80w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | - |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to Focal Alpha 50 EVO: