Short answer: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 for the lower price. The Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #16 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $499. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 ranks #17 at $398, $101 cheaper.
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 Kali Audio LP-6 V2 gets right: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. The catch: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help.
Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha 65 EVO | Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499.00 | $398/pair |
| Ranked | #16 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (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) | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Output Power | 85w Per Speaker | - |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Amplification | - | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker |
| Max SPL | - | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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- SHIVAUDYO Point Zero vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- SHIVAUDYO Point Zero vs Thomann Swissonic A306
- SHIVAUDYO Point Zero vs Klipsch The Nines
- Kali Audio IN-8 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII
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 Buchardt A10
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4305P
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4329P
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 708P
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio IN-8
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs APS Klasik 2020
- See all 23 comparisons
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398/pair Amazon Sweetwater
Pros: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Erin measured 42Hz F3 and on-axis linearity within approximately -2.51/+1.99dB. The pair remains respectably linear to roughly 102dB at 1m, the front port controls turbulence, and rear DIP switches provide practical boundary-placement profiles plus LF/HF trims. Balanced XLR/TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs broaden compatibility; Erin needed only about +1.5dB near 8kHz for his preferred amount of air.
Cons: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help. Limiting becomes visible above 96dB/1m, and from 76 to 96dB the low-frequency/midband balance drops by roughly 1dB, making this better as a nearfield or modest-distance monitor than a far-field high-output system. There is no digital input or network control, and each speaker needs AC power and a separate signal cable.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4329P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 708P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kali Audio IN-8
- See all 22 comparisons