Short answer: the Genelec 8040B for better sound quality, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for the lower price. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $2350. The Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #16 at $499, $1851 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this 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 Genelec 8040B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Focal Alpha 65 EVO if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) | 13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 85w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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
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- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio IN-8
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