Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 308P MKII

Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII on measured flatness, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for a more informative soundstage. The 308P MKII’s CEA2034 spinorama is essentially flat on-axis from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz appear. The Alpha 65 EVO is very neutral with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8, but ignores sub-bass.

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

Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Focal Alpha 65 EVO and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.

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Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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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The Two Speakers In Full

Focal Alpha 65 EVO: $998 per pair Amazon eBay

Pros: ASR measured 42.5Hz -3dB extension, providing useful low-end reach for music. Analog input options and tonal controls make it straightforward to integrate into a studio, with a 6.59 ideal-subwoofer score indicating respectable but not leading tonality. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The measured 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and listening-window variation do not support a claim of reference-level neutrality. Placement and external correction may help. An anomalous distortion result from an individual sample should not be treated as a proven defect in every unit.

Full Focal Alpha 65 EVO review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	85w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	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)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	TRS, XLR, RCA
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	Yes
Spinorama Preference Score	4.71
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.59
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Focal Alpha 65 EVO Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.

Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	112W total
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	16.5”H x 10”W x 12.1”D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm)
Drivers	8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter
EQ	No
Frequency Response	45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR, 1/4” TRS
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
Spinorama Preference Score	5.88
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	7.69
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official JBL 308P MKII Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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