Overview

Focal’s Alpha 50 Evo is a 5-inch nearfield monitor featuring the company’s Slatefiber cone and an aluminum inverted-dome tweeter. It is rated at 60W total Class-D bi-amplification (35W LF + 25W HF), with a frequency response of 45Hz–22kHz (±3dB) and a maximum SPL of 101dB peak @1m. Practical touches include a front laminar port, removable metal grilles, XLR/TRS/RCA inputs, LF ±6dB / HF ±3dB shelving EQ, and auto-standby (~15 minutes)［1][2]。

Scientific Validity

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High-confidence third-party measurements remain limited. Manufacturer figures provide the baseline: 45Hz–22kHz (±3dB), 101dB peak @1m, and 35W + 25W amplification［1][2]。A Spinorama aggregation exists but is explicitly labeled low quality, indicating an estimated −3dB LF extension ≈43.7Hz and a preliminary tonality score 0.31 (4.96 with sub); treat as indicative only［5]。Pending robust lab data, a neutral 0.5 is appropriate.

Technology Level

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Slatefiber (recycled carbon fibers with thermoplastic matrix) and Focal’s inverted-dome tweeter are sound choices. The cabinet uses 15mm (0.6”) MDF, with a front laminar port, protective grilles, LF ±6dB / HF ±3dB shelves, and auto-standby (~15m)［1][2]。Engineering is competent and user-oriented, though not groundbreaking.

Cost-Performance

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Street pricing is 758 USD per pair (Japan reference 92,400円／ペア)［7][6]。As the cheapest widely available equal-or-better option, JBL 305P MkII offers a 5” format with XLR/TRS, 43Hz–24kHz (−10dB) bandwidth and 108dB peak SPL, at 318 USD per pair［3][8]。
Cost-Performance = 318 ÷ 758 = 0.419 → 0.4 (one-decimal rounding).

Reliability & Support

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Standard warranty and availability are positives, along with practical features (front port, grilles)［1][2]。Public long-term reliability datasets are scarce; hence an average 0.5.

Rationality of Design Philosophy

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The design emphasizes practicality and build finesse over demonstrated measured superiority. Given the price and limited independent data, the approach is rational but conservative.

Advice

If you value front-ported placement flexibility, grille protection, and Focal’s build, the Alpha 50 Evo is appealing. If you prioritize measurement-per-dollar, JBL 305P MkII has extensive NFS data and stronger output—while noting port/cabinet resonance considerations seen in testing［4]。Match to your SPL needs, listening distance, and room.

References

[1] Focal — “Alpha 50 Evo | Active 2-way studio monitor”, https://www.focal.com/products/alpha-50-evo (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Key specs: 45Hz–22kHz (±3dB), 101dB peak @1m, XLR/TRS/RCA, auto-standby ~15 min, grilles included

[2] Focal — “Alpha 50 Evo Product sheet (PDF)”, https://media.focal-naim.com/dam/alpha-50-evo/fp_alpha_50_evo_en.pdf (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Details: 35W + 25W (60W total), 15mm MDF, laminar port, LF/HF shelves, auto-standby timing

[3] JBL Professional — “305P MkII | Powered 5 inch Two-Way Studio Monitor”, https://jblpro.com/en-US/products/305p-mkii (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Specs: 108dB peak SPL, 43Hz–24kHz (−10dB), ±3dB: 49Hz–20kHz, bi-amped 82W

[4] Erin’s Audio Corner — “JBL 305P MkII Review (Klippel NFS)”, https://erinsaudiocorner.com/loudspeakers/jbl_305pmk2/ (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
NFS measurements; resonance discussion

[5] Spinorama.org — “Focal Alpha 50 Evo (low-confidence sample)”, https://www.spinorama.org/speakers/Focal%20Alpha%2050%20Evo/Misc/index_misc-nuyes.html (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Low-quality data flag; −3dB ≈43.7Hz; Tonality 0.31 (4.96 with sub)

[6] Soundhouse — “FOCAL ALPHA EVO 50 (single unit)”, https://www.soundhouse.co.jp/products/detail/item/296769/ (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Japan reference: 46,200円 per unit = 92,400円 per pair

[7] Sweetwater — “Focal Alpha 50 Evo — Pair”, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha50EvoPair–focal-alpha-50-evo-5-inch-powered-studio-monitor-pair (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Price basis: 758 USD per pair

[8] Sweetwater — “JBL 305P MkII — Pair”, https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LSR305mk2pr–jbl-305p-mkii-5-inch-powered-studio-monitors-pair (accessed Aug 16, 2025)
Price basis: 318 USD per pair

(2025.8.16)