Short answer: the Mackie MR524. It ranks #23 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.0/5, at $379.98; the Focal Alpha 50 EVO ranks #37, rated 3.8/5, and costs $608, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Mackie MR524: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Watch for: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance.
The case for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO: Rear shelving controls and a conventional studio-monitor layout provide practical placement adjustment. The tradeoff: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction.
Buy the Mackie MR524. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Focal Alpha 50 EVO and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Mackie MR524 | Focal Alpha 50 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $379.98 per pair | $608 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Drivers | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Amplifier Power | 50W bi-amplified per speaker | 60w Per Speaker |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-20kHz | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 | 1.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 5.70 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 26, 2026 at 11:14 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
Mackie MR524: $379.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced inputs, boundary compensation and treble trim are practical studio features. Measured bass extension of 46.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance. Boundary compensation and treble trim help with setup but are less flexible than parametric correction.
Full Mackie MR524 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W bi-amplified per speaker |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-20kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Alpha 50 EVO: $608 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Rear shelving controls and a conventional studio-monitor layout provide practical placement adjustment.
Cons: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction. Careful placement is still important, especially near walls or on a desk.
Full Focal Alpha 50 EVO review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Independent Measurements (spinorama.org)
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