Short answer: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #16 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $499; the JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 at $498. Close enough in price that the sound-quality gap is the deciding factor.
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.
What the JBL 308P MKII gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. The catch: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the JBL 308P MKII if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 65 EVO | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $498 |
| Ranked | #16 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | - |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 85w Per Speaker | 112W total |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Yamaha HS8
- Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Yamaha HS5 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio IN-8 vs JBL 308P MKII
- JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Focal Alpha 65 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio IN-5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio A7X sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio T7V sound.DEMO
- Reddit Search for Focal Alpha 65 EVO Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Buchardt A10
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4305P
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Neumann KH 310 A
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JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons