Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 for sound quality, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for the lower price. The IN-8 V2 ranks #81 of 119 large powered bookshelf speakers at $858; the Alpha 65 EVO ranks #38 at $998, $140 less.
Bass extension is essentially a tie. Audio Science Review measured the Alpha 65 EVO’s -3dB point at 45Hz; Erin’s Audio Corner measured the IN-8 V2 at 44Hz, with both reaching a -10dB point around 36Hz. Where they diverge is midrange evenness: the Alpha 65 EVO’s response spans 2.7dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, which the review says does not support a claim of reference-level neutrality, while the IN-8 V2 spans a wider 3.0dB with unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward, particularly in the 4 to 5kHz range on-axis.
The IN-8 V2’s coaxial design is its main technical advantage. Its three-way coincident midrange and tweeter arrangement supports coherent imaging and sits in a front-ported cabinet that allows near-wall placement without port noise, something the rear or bottom-ported Alpha 65 EVO can’t offer as cleanly. The IN-8 V2 also outputs 140W per speaker against the Alpha 65 EVO’s 85W, and carries an 8-inch woofer versus the Alpha’s 6.5-inch.
The Alpha 65 EVO has its own strengths worth noting. Reviewers comparing it directly, including DSAUDIO.review’s sound demos against the Yamaha HS8 and Adam Audio A7X, note better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8, even if it isn’t quite as refined in the midrange as some class-leading rivals. Its LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent, though, so returning to a flat setting takes some trial and error.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 for a coherent coaxial driver, more output headroom, and easier near-wall placement, if the extra cost fits your budget.
Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO if you want nearly identical bass extension for $140 less and don’t need the IN-8’s coaxial imaging or output headroom.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 65 EVO | Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $858 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #81 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 13.4”H x 10.3”W x 11.4”D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) | 17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 6.5” (165mm) woofer | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 85w Per Speaker | 140w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 | 5.36 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.59 | 7.30 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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