Short answer: the Neumann KH420 for a reference-grade measured response, the Focal Alpha 65 EVO for a neutral sound at lower cost. The KH420’s CEA2034 spinorama matches Neumann’s published measurement to within 0.08dB at its one minor dip around 60Hz, with excellent off-axis behavior, though horizontal beamwidth is narrow at about ±55 degrees. The Focal is neutral with better soundstage and instrument definition than the HS8, but it ignores sub-bass.
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 KH420 when sound quality outweighs the price for you, and the Focal Alpha 65 EVO when the price outweighs sound quality instead.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH420 | Focal Alpha 65 EVO | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $10500 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #51 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) | 13.4”H x 10.3”W x 11.4”D (340.4 x 261.6 x 289.6 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each | 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 6.5” (165mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 22kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker | 85w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 | 4.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 | 6.59 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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
Neumann KH420: $10500 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, 8.14 ideal-subwoofer score and 27.8Hz measured -3dB extension combine accurate mids with genuinely deep bass. Its three-way design and low distortion at normal levels make it particularly attractive for larger listening distances and dynamic material. Measured bass extension of 27.8Hz (-3dB).
Cons: It is a large, heavy studio monitor rather than an easy desktop speaker. Vertical alignment matters around the crossover regions. Bass distortion rises as playback levels increase, and the measured high-level limits still apply despite the substantial drivers and amplifiers. Horizontal beamwidth is well controlled but on the narrow side at about ±55°.
Full Neumann KH420 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 555w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 24.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 27.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 25.4”H x 13”W x 17.5”D (645.2 x 330.2 x 444.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 10” woofer, 4” dome midrange, 1” fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room response controls) |
| Frequency Response | 31Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 124dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 7.02 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.14 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 77.2 lbs (35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Alpha 65 EVO: $998 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR measured 42.5Hz -3dB extension, providing useful low-end reach for music. Analog input options and tonal controls make it straightforward to integrate into a studio, with a 6.59 ideal-subwoofer score indicating respectable but not leading tonality. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and listening-window variation do not support a claim of reference-level neutrality. Placement and external correction may help. An anomalous distortion result from an individual sample should not be treated as a proven defect in every unit.
Full Focal Alpha 65 EVO review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 85w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.59 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 16.8 lbs (7.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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