Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4329P

Short answer: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO. It ranks #16 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $499; the JBL 4329P ranks #19 and costs $4500, 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. The catch: 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 4329P offers: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement. Watch for: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC.

Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 4329P 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
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements
  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
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  • DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio IN-5 sound.DEMO
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  • Reddit Search for Focal Alpha 65 EVO Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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  • Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Buchardt A10
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  • Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 708P
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JBL 4329P: $4,500 Amazon

Pros: Genuinely full-range performance for a bookshelf-style speaker - anechoic response extends to 30Hz (measured F3 31Hz), reaching into the low 20s Hz range in-room depending on placement, with strong bass authority rather than a rolled-off, thin low end. Wide, constant horizontal directivity through the midrange and into the treble (about ±60°, wider than most horn-loaded designs which tend to run closer to ±40°) gives a wide, stable stereo image without needing to toe the speakers out and lose top-end energy. The reviewer listened for an hour-long sessions repeatedly without listener fatigue, across two very different rooms, with consistently great results in both. Extensive connectivity: USB, Optical, Bluetooth, analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2, and 24-bit/192kHz support; comes with a remote.

Cons: No HDMI input, a real drawback if you want to run these directly off a TV’s ARC. The supplied ethernet link cable between the two speakers is short - workable at close range but not long enough for wider speaker placement, so budget for a longer aftermarket cable if your setup needs it. A dip around 900Hz shows up in the on-axis measurement that the reviewer couldn’t fully explain (ruled out the ports as the cause, suspects cabinet edge diffraction), though it wasn’t something that bothered him in listening. At $4,500/pair, this is a serious investment for a bookshelf-format speaker.

Full JBL 4329P review and specifications →

Bass Extension (-10dB)	27Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	31Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Dimensions	20.3"H x 12.6"W x 12.7"D
Drivers	8" midwoofer, 1" compression driver with JBL High-Definition Imaging horn
Frequency Response	30Hz - 20kHz (anechoic, manufacturer specified)
Inputs	USB, Optical, Bluetooth, Analog, 3.5mm, AirPlay 2
Sensitivity	102.2dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Weight	34.5 lbs (primary), 34.3 lbs (secondary)
Woofer Cabinet	ported

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

• Links
  • Official JBL 4329P Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: JBL 4329P Will Rock Your Socks Off!
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website: JBL 4329P
  • Reddit Search for JBL 4329P Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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