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 #50 of 67 large powered bookshelf speakers at $499; the Alpha 65 EVO ranks #26 at $499, $0 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 $0 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 | $998 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #50 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 67 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 | 3.83 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.71 | 5.40 |
| 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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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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 5.71 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 | 3.83 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.71 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- 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
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio A7V
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio T8V
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Cambridge Audio L/R X
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio T7V
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs KRK Rokit 8 G4
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4329P
- See all 46 comparisons
Kali Audio IN-8 V2: $998 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 6.54 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89dB.
Cons: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward. Bass and limiter behavior constrain high-level playback. These measurements apply to the V2, not the first-generation IN-8.
Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.40 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec 8050B
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec 8040B
- See all 37 comparisons