Short answer: the Ex Machina Pulsar MKII on measured sound quality, the Focal Alpha Twin Evo on price. The Ex Machina Pulsar MKII ranks #61 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers at $11700. The Focal Alpha Twin Evo ranks #62 at $659, $11041 cheaper.
What the Focal Alpha Twin Evo offers: The available Sound & Recording data indicates deep bass, reaching 28.7Hz at -3dB. Dual bass/midrange drivers and analog adjustment controls provide a flexible format for studio playback. Watch for: The measurements give a 5.17 ideal-subwoofer score and 3.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, suggesting appreciable tonal unevenness. Driver orientation and off-axis behavior also matter. Deep extension does not establish low distortion at high levels, and the bass-fit statistic alone is not evidence of boominess.
What the Ex Machina Pulsar MKII offers: Erin measured 32.2Hz -3dB extension, giving useful deep bass without a separate subwoofer. The active multiway format and DSP offer a substantial studio system. Watch for: Its 5.27 ideal-subwoofer score and uneven listening-window response do not support a top accuracy ranking. The measured balance rises toward the treble, despite a relatively modest 2.7dB midband span. Deep bass, premium drivers and processing features should not obscure the native tonal irregularities.
Buy the Focal Alpha Twin Evo if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Ex Machina Pulsar MKII if sound quality matters more than the price.
Neither of these is a sound-quality pick. Look higher up the 66 powered bookshelf speakers if that is what you are optimizing for.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Alpha Twin Evo | Ex Machina Pulsar MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $659 each | $11,700/pair |
| Ranked | #62 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2.5-way active, dual front ports | Powered sealed 3-way |
| Drivers | 1" inverted-dome tweeter, dual 6.5" Slatefiber woofers | 9-inch SEAS woofer, 7-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter |
| Dimensions | 10.2H x 21.7W x 11.4D in | - |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs each | - |
| Power Output | 210W each | - |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS and RCA | Analog and AES/EBU digital |
| Amplification | - | 250W LF, 100W MF, 50W HF per speaker |
| Frequency Response | - | 35Hz-32kHz (+/-1dB) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB continuous at 1m |
| Dispersion | - | 90 degrees conical |
| DSP | - | SHARC, phase and magnitude correction |
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- Ex Machina Pulsar MKII vs Focal Twin6 Be
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Prices on this page were last checked September 8, 2026 at 6:02 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 Twin Evo: $659 each B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The available Sound & Recording data indicates deep bass, reaching 28.7Hz at -3dB. Dual bass/midrange drivers and analog adjustment controls provide a flexible format for studio playback.
Cons: The measurements give a 5.17 ideal-subwoofer score and 3.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, suggesting appreciable tonal unevenness. Driver orientation and off-axis behavior also matter. Deep extension does not establish low distortion at high levels, and the bass-fit statistic alone is not evidence of boominess.
Full Focal Alpha Twin Evo review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.2H x 21.7W x 11.4D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1" inverted-dome tweeter, dual 6.5" Slatefiber woofers |
| Enclosure | 2.5-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS and RCA |
| Power Output | 210W each |
| Weight | 26.5 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
Ex Machina Pulsar MKII: $11,700/pair Vintage King eBay
Pros: Erin measured 32.2Hz -3dB extension, giving useful deep bass without a separate subwoofer. The active multiway format and DSP offer a substantial studio system.
Cons: Its 5.27 ideal-subwoofer score and uneven listening-window response do not support a top accuracy ranking. The measured balance rises toward the treble, despite a relatively modest 2.7dB midband span. Deep bass, premium drivers and processing features should not obscure the native tonal irregularities.
Full Ex Machina Pulsar MKII review and specifications →
| Amplification | 250W LF, 100W MF, 50W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| DSP | SHARC, phase and magnitude correction |
| Dispersion | 90 degrees conical |
| Drivers | 9-inch SEAS woofer, 7-inch coaxial midrange/tweeter |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed 3-way |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz-32kHz (+/-1dB) |
| Inputs | Analog and AES/EBU digital |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB continuous at 1m |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons