Short answer: the Neumann KH 310 A for better sound quality, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for the lower price. The Neumann KH 310 A ranks #13 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $4400. The Focal Alpha 65 EVO ranks #16 at $499, $3901 cheaper.
The case for the Neumann KH 310 A: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. The tradeoff: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate.
What the Focal Alpha 65 EVO gets right: 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 310 A 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 310 A | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4400 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #13 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer | 13.4"H x 10.3"W x 11.4"D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 16.8 lbs / 7.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) | 85w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Neumann KH 310 A: $4400 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-perfect on-axis response with superb directivity control and minimal off-axis variation. Distortion measured very low at 96dB SPL/1m. Bass stays clean and dry without bloat, and vocals show no harshness. Tri-amplified design delivers 290W combined output and up to 116.3dB SPL.
Cons: An unidentified dip around 80Hz shows up in the measurements, which Neumann was asked to investigate. Bass response shifts somewhat with amplifier temperature. Distortion rises above 100% THD at the very bottom of the bass range, as expected at that extreme. Expensive at $4,400 per pair.
Full Neumann KH 310 A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 70Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8.25" woofer, 3" midrange, 1" tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 34Hz - 21kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 290W total (150W woofer, 70W mid, 70W tweeter) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
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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
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