Short answer: the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor. It ranks #1 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality; the Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #16.
What the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor gets right: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. The catch: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements.
What the Focal Alpha 65 EVO offers: Very neutral, not quite as good as the Klasik 2020 in the midrange, but with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8. Watch for: Ignores sub-bass, and the LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent so getting back to flat takes trial and error.
Buy the JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor 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
| JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Contact dealer | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #1 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) | - |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP | - |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified | - |
| Weight | 130 lb each | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each |
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required | - |
| 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) |
| Frequency Response | - | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | - | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| App | - | No |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 85w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor: Contact dealer JBL Professional Dealer Locator
Pros: Flagship quasi-active two-way with a 15-inch 2216Nd woofer and D2 compression driver crossing near 800Hz through a large Image Control Waveguide. Erin measured F3 at 34Hz, less than 1% THD at 86 and 96dB, and only about 0.25dB compression by 102dB. Radiation stays broadly constant to roughly +/-60 degrees through 8-9kHz, producing excellent direct/reflected-sound agreement and enormous clean dynamic range. External DSP amplification permits precise factory crossover, phase and response correction.
Cons: The required bi-amplification/DSP ecosystem is expensive and complex; Erin’s Crown I-Tech 5000HD had fans loud enough that he moved it to another room for measurements. Midrange resonances remain visible despite the otherwise neutral response, and treble dispersion narrows above roughly 9kHz before beaming above 12kHz. Each 130-pound enclosure is physically imposing. This is an amplified system, so passive impedance and sensitivity figures are not applicable to the complete configured product.
Full JBL M2 Master Reference Monitor review and specifications →
| Amplification | External two-channel amplification and JBL DSP tuning required |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Crossover | 800Hz active DSP |
| Drivers | 15" 2216Nd woofer; D2 compression driver in Image Control Waveguide |
| Max SPL | 123dB manufacturer specified |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (externally bi-amplified DSP system) |
| Weight | 130 lb each |
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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.
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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