Short answer: the Neumann KH 150 for better sound quality, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for the lower price. The Neumann KH 150 ranks #14 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $3398. The Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #17 at $499, $2899 cheaper.
What the Neumann KH 150 offers: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. The tradeoff: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises.
On the Focal Alpha 65 EVO side: Very neutral, not quite as good as the Klasik 2020 in the midrange, but with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8. The catch: Ignores sub-bass, and the LF/HF trim dials lack a center detent so getting back to flat takes trial and error.
Buy the Neumann KH 150 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
| Neumann KH 150 | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3,398/pair | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #14 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) | 13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) each | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) | - |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space | - |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz | - |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Country | Germany | - |
| 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
Neumann KH 150: $3,398/pair Bhphotovideo
Pros: Neumann’s Mathematically Modelled Dispersion waveguide produces a listening window smoothness score of 0.69 with a steadily narrowing directivity index through the treble, and the 6.5 inch woofer reaches a genuine 39.6Hz extension point. FIR based phase correction and 118.7dB max SPL give it real headroom for a compact two way, and the onboard DSP includes adjustable bass, low mid, and treble shelving plus optional MA 1 automatic room calibration.
Cons: The sound power directivity index has the widest standard deviation of any speaker in this batch, 3.89, meaning off axis energy tracks the on axis response a little less consistently than the tightest speakers here as frequency rises. No Bluetooth or wireless input, it needs a balanced XLR or S/PDIF source. At 8kg (17.6 lbs) per cabinet plus an external power brick it needs a proper stand rather than a bookshelf. Its measured preference score trails Neumann’s own larger KH 310A and KH 420 monitors, so buyers chasing the deepest bass in the KH line should look further up the range.
Full Neumann KH 150 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Germany |
| Crossover Points | 1.7kHz |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 8.9"W x 10.7"D (345 x 225 x 273 mm) (13.58 x 8.86 x 10.75 in) |
| Drivers | 1" tweeter, 6.5" woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz-20.4kHz +/-3dB |
| Max SPL | 118.7dB @ 1m half space |
| Power Output (Watts) | 245W total (145W woofer, 100W tweeter, 10% THD+N) |
| Warranty | 2 years |
| Weight | 17.6 lbs / 8.0 kg (17.6 lbs) 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
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for Focal Alpha 65 EVO Review
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