Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Genelec S360

Short answer: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO. It ranks #17 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $499; the Genelec S360 ranks #28 and costs $4775, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.

What the Focal Alpha 65 EVO gets right: Very neutral, not quite as good as the Klasik 2020 in the midrange, but with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8. Set against that: Ignores sub-bass, and the LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent so getting back to flat takes trial and error.

The case for the Genelec S360: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. The catch: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff.

Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec S360 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Focal Alpha 65 EVO: $499.00 Amazon

Pros: Very neutral, not quite as good as the Klasik 2020 in the midrange, but with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8

Cons: Ignores sub-bass, and the LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent so getting back to flat takes trial and error. The reviewer’s original sample showed an odd distortion spike between 1.5-8kHz at 86dB SPL, though a second sample from Focal didn’t reproduce it - likely a defective unit rather than a design flaw.

Full Focal Alpha 65 EVO review and specifications →

App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm)
Drivers	6.5" (165mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	TRS, XLR, RCA
Output Power	85w Per Speaker
Weight	16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each

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• Links
  • Official Focal Alpha 65 EVO Product Page
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Genelec S360: $4,775 each Bhphotovideo

Pros: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Listening window smoothness measures a solid 0.52 and the measured extension point reaches 39.6Hz, unusually deep for a monitor this size.

Cons: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff. On axis deviation measures a moderate 0.478dB average. At roughly $9,550/pair and 30kg (66 lbs) each it is one of the largest and most expensive entries in this catalog, intended for professional control rooms rather than home listening, and the model has since been updated to the S360A, so pricing and minor spec details should be confirmed with a dealer before buying.

Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Country	Finland
Dimensions	20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in)
Drivers	1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer
Enclosure	ported
Frequency Response	36Hz-22kHz -6dB
Max SPL	Peak 128dB
Power Output (Watts)	350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D)
Warranty	2 years (5 with product registration)
Weight	66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

• Links
  • Genelec S360A Official Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review: Genelec S360 Review
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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