Genelec 8040B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO

Short answer: the Focal Alpha 65 EVO, if you are buying new. The Genelec 8040B ranks higher than it (#33 vs #51 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, 4.3/5 vs 4.0/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Focal Alpha 65 EVO is still sold new at $998.

What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on the smaller sibling’s measured performance against others, it is ranked accordingly. The catch: Very expensive.

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.

Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO new; the Genelec 8040B is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.

Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.

Specifications Side By Side

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The Two Speakers In Full

Genelec 8040B: $2,790 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay

Newer model: the Genelec 8340A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.

Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.

Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source. It is expensive. Discontinued.

Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →

AES Input	No
Amplifier Power	180w Per Speaker
App	No
Aux Input	No
Bluetooth	No
Coaxial Input	No
DSP	No
Dimensions	14.4”H x 9.3”W x 8.8”D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm)
Drivers	6.5” (165mm) woofer
EQ	Yes (Room adjustment)
Frequency Response	41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI Input	No
Inputs	XLR
Optical Input	No
RCA Input	No
TRS Input	No
USB Input	No
Weight	20.7 lbs (9.4 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Genelec 8040B Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
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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 6.59 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	4.71
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.59
TRS Input	Yes
USB Input	No
Weight	16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each
XLR Input	Yes

• Links
  • Official Focal Alpha 65 EVO Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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