Short answer: the Alpha 50 EVO, by its own review’s admission. Our notes describe it as more neutral than the great HS5, which is a real compliment given how often the HS5 is the reference point for everything else in this price range. It ranks #6 of 25 powered bookshelf speakers at $320.71; the HS5 ranks #9 at $339.98.
The HS5 is still an excellent monitor in its own right. Our notes call it excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output, with the only real complaints being a slight midrange boost and bass that doesn’t reach quite as deep as some rivals in the class.
The Alpha 50 EVO has no listed cons at all, which is unusual on this site and part of why it holds the higher ranking despite costing less.
Buy the Alpha 50 EVO for the higher ranking, the lower price, and a review with no listed flaws. Buy the HS5 if its specific reputation as a mixing reference is what you’re after.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $314.00 | $339.98 |
| Ranked | #6 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #9 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) | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | XLR |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs / 6.0 kg each | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | 60w Per Speaker | 45w Per Speaker |
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
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- 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
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
Yamaha HS5: $339.98 Amazon
Pros: Very neutral. Excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output.
Cons: Not quite as deep of bass as some of the others in this size class. Slight midrange boost.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 6.7"W x 8.7"D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 45w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs / 5.5 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D vs Yamaha HS5 Soun & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: JBL 305P MKII vs Yamaha HS5 6-Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio T5V vs Yamaha HS5 5 Track Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS5 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound Demo
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: New PreSonus E5 XT and Yamaha HS5 could not sound any more different! SOUND AND RESPONSE COMPARISON
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8010A (Genelec G One) vs Yamaha HS5 Sound Demo w/ Bass Test
- Head-to-Head 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.