Couple reasons especially now that ive had the evos for a year now. The technology on the HS8s are ancient now. The sound was so flat that after a while I realized even pairing with a sub there was no pleasure listening to them. So i decided to treat my ears to something new and tested out as much as possible within the $1000 price range for a pair if monitors. During that time I went to Guitar Center and listened to Kali, JBL, KRK Rokits, Adam, M-Audio, etc. Ended up getting a pair of Adam T7V which were really nice for the price. Sound was pretty stellar too, but lacking in volume and power. But blew the Yamahas away. But I was missing the low end and being able to play them loud enough without them distorting. So I decided to go with Focal EVOs since the old ones were highly regarded. While they do have a slight hiss due to the Class D amp. These things sound night and day better then the Yamahas and gave me the satisfaction of the low end and power missing from the T7V. They also have a much larger sweet spot then the T7V and Yamahas and they almost sound like tradition speakers in that sense. They sound even better when you break them in. Btw I’m not a producer or engineer. I use them for DJing and recording my sessions and I have zero regrets. Hope that helps you make your decision.
Just a quick tip, stop zooming in using them lens and turn off the Auto focus for product shots. If you want a zoom effect just keyframe it and punch in digitally, it'll be much smoother and the lens focus breathing will not be so distracting (shoot 4k if you can for that). And the autofocus not pulsing back and forth will make for better product shots. Also you should switch to slow motion, at least 60fps for product shots. If you can I would also try and turn down the ambient light to make the product pop more. Keep up the content bro!
tempted between those and the kali audio in-8, not sure about focal to mix, had the previous edition and it was superb to enjoy music but was making all sound too good even unfinished mixes
I just auditioned the evo 80 and was impressed by the wide sweet spot. They are definitely detailed up top and balanced on the bass with enough punch to give a good reference without sub. Has anyone noticed some low mid absence? I’m wondering if anyone has gotten feedback from mastering houses on mix adjustment needs?
First slider shot 4:54 has some warping; I think you left IBIS on and it's trying to compensate. You could go into more detail overall - less reading off specs, more discussion of performance (subjective opinions are still useful, especially when it comes to monitor reviews).
Heard them today at Guitar Center. Great, solid bottom tight bass punch! Extremely transparent mids! Wow! But the high's are missing? Muted? In the background? ouch! I was ready to buy but the high end was way in the background and I decided to pause on the purchase! meh!
I have the hs5 with the hs8s sub. Curious if it’s not worth changing over to the Focals. The combo are more that what someone would pay for the Focals. I remember listening to an older pair of Focals before and I have not been able to recreate the experience those gave me.
I've auditioned to both for long enough sessions in control rooms. The thing with the Yamaha's is that they are exaggerated in the area that is most fatiguing, instead of flat. Yea u can eq it but the thing is that Focal's had more details that I didn't hear without being fatiguing in the first place. However, if u want a real upgrade u can save up for the Focal Shape 65 used pair and then there won't be a question of what or why. (sick detail).
in my room, 120hz-145hz gets a loud boost. what is the easiest way to fix this? can not change position of speakers ^^ Also, i do agree, these speakers are insane! bought these before starting any research on studio monitors and couldn't be happier after i actually did some research. (bought them out of the gate because i over research and always end up not managin to decide between items^^)
You would be wise to add a couple bass traps to your room corners BEHIND your desk. This should help. However, not knowing your room, I would still say its a good place to begin. Happy day to ya!
Hi, switched to a bigger room, so, going for the 65s. Quick question, sorry for returning, are the Alpha EVOs worth the extra price over the Alphas. Thanks.
I hear no noise sitting within a little over an arms reach, they're fantastic for listening and should be great for movies, obviously not going to be a 5.1 surround sound system but they're by far my favorite monitor for such things
I loved the Output Frontier. But send them back sadly. Really clean and transparent. But the lack of EQ/bypass settings really messed me up. Output Frontier are great but you can't tweak tweak them so it's a no go for me. I did love the sound tho.
@@voodoodisco I hear you (no pun). I still use the Frontiers for most of my pre-production work but, I purchased a pair of KRK Rokit 10's that are pretty big but seem to be crisper. Obviously, I'm not mixing on them but, if I could sell the Outputs I'd probably buy a pair of Rokit 8's. Stuck with the Frontiers for the time being though
Do you think tha if you were to turn the low filter all the way up on the 50s, it would sound similar to the 65 in flat? and another question,.. do you know if these speakers are at full volume all the time as there is no way of knowing how high they are turned up... and is that a good thing if they are on full all the time.. wouldnt that need more power.. might be why they have the standby option..I cant find that info anywhere ad to why they dont have a volume pot
No way will the HS5s ever sound as good as the Focals, I'd imagine Focal set the volume to the best level they felt possible, no clue as far as if they're set to the max possible but they sound amazing as is
@@FTHonestReviews I meant the focal alpha 50s... now at least i have tried that and you can hear more lows when the 50s bass response is turned up... yes they sound good but I would like to know if the alphas are on full volume all the time.. it does add to the cost of running them if they are on many hours, which leads me to beleive thats why they have the sleep mode with these...
@@DrSnook Well, for sure, not everybody can fell, understand and connect to the real trance music. by the level of your comment i assume that you are a little boy or some impulsive teenager. so i can understand your ignorance.
Kali is cheap cheap. If you can afford better don't worry about the Kali. The sound isn't all it's meant to be according to the hype. I found them less than transparent and just MEH!
Hi Jacob, could you help me with this, would massively appreciate it. I can only manage a distance of 3-4 feet between me and my monitors, and my room is about 12 by 12 feet but has a cupboard on one end. Given these facts, should I consider the Alpha 50s or the Alpha 65s. I am keen on the extra grunt offered by the 65s but I’m not sure my room will support them. Also, demoing is not really an option where I live. Any advice? Thanks for the review!
I'd go with the 50s, especially if they're going to be your only pair, from the reviews I've seen on the old Alphas I'm sure you'd be happy with them, as always I'd super appreciate if you used my links
@@FTHonestReviews Afraid I don’t live in the US so using the links will be very complicated. Plus I know the local importer / dealer here. But thanks much for the reply.
Class AB and Class D doesn't matter. Design matters only. KRK RP7 G4's are known to be one of the worst hissy monitors, after they switched to an AB amp.
KRK is rp7 is shit. cheap capacitors . and glue on the components, but if you have class a b like hr824 or msp5 then you have high end nichicon capacitors. the class a b is the best
Have had the Focal Evo 65 for 5 months now and review is spot on. Good stuff dude! I do not miss my Yamaha HS8's at all.
Couple reasons especially now that ive had the evos for a year now. The technology on the HS8s are ancient now. The sound was so flat that after a while I realized even pairing with a sub there was no pleasure listening to them. So i decided to treat my ears to something new and tested out as much as possible within the $1000 price range for a pair if monitors.
During that time I went to Guitar Center and listened to Kali, JBL, KRK Rokits, Adam, M-Audio, etc. Ended up getting a pair of Adam T7V which were really nice for the price. Sound was pretty stellar too, but lacking in volume and power. But blew the Yamahas away.
But I was missing the low end and being able to play them loud enough without them distorting. So I decided to go with Focal EVOs since the old ones were highly regarded.
While they do have a slight hiss due to the Class D amp. These things sound night and day better then the Yamahas and gave me the satisfaction of the low end and power missing from the T7V. They also have a much larger sweet spot then the T7V and Yamahas and they almost sound like tradition speakers in that sense.
They sound even better when you break them in.
Btw I’m not a producer or engineer. I use them for DJing and recording my sessions and I have zero regrets. Hope that helps you make your decision.
@@eberhwang23 cheers for your helpful comment
@@eberhwang23 nice to hear ffrom u bro
My 65's are the best monitors I've ever heard in this price range. Thanks for the great EVO review! The mounting holes are a much needed upgrade IMO.
Making room in your closet for the boxes, hits home. That all that I have in mine, endless boxes 🤣
same here mate no room for clothes because of all the boxes
Love that they dont use a DSP, they still have analog crossover
Do most monitors have a DSP instead?
Just a quick tip, stop zooming in using them lens and turn off the Auto focus for product shots. If you want a zoom effect just keyframe it and punch in digitally, it'll be much smoother and the lens focus breathing will not be so distracting (shoot 4k if you can for that). And the autofocus not pulsing back and forth will make for better product shots. Also you should switch to slow motion, at least 60fps for product shots. If you can I would also try and turn down the ambient light to make the product pop more. Keep up the content bro!
tempted between those and the kali audio in-8, not sure about focal to mix, had the previous edition and it was superb to enjoy music but was making all sound too good even unfinished mixes
kali in-8 V2 are amazing
Same here. I can't decide between IN8 V2 and Alpha Evo 65
@@iwrwr What did you go with?
I went with the Focals because of the standby mode and the threaded inserts making them more practical.
@@BL-yj2wp With Focal Trio. I've decided that no cheap monitors can fulfill my requirements for Sound
I just auditioned the evo 80 and was impressed by the wide sweet spot. They are definitely detailed up top and balanced on the bass with enough punch to give a good reference without sub. Has anyone noticed some low mid absence? I’m wondering if anyone has gotten feedback from mastering houses on mix adjustment needs?
First slider shot 4:54 has some warping; I think you left IBIS on and it's trying to compensate.
You could go into more detail overall - less reading off specs, more discussion of performance (subjective opinions are still useful, especially when it comes to monitor reviews).
Incredible sound quality.
Sure is!
Heard them today at Guitar Center. Great, solid bottom tight bass punch! Extremely transparent mids! Wow! But the high's are missing? Muted? In the background? ouch! I was ready to buy but the high end was way in the background and I decided to pause on the purchase! meh!
Just ordered the 65s evo and the BLA 2x2
Thanks for the reviews
Absolutely, more to come
recently got the BLA 2x2. thinking about upgrading to the 65s evo myself. Let me know how they preform together when u got them!:)
Did you get them. Could you share the distance from your ears at which the evo 65s are sounding good. Thanks!
I have to agree, picked up a pair myself recently and I'm flawed at how good they are
how are you monitors?
"I'm flawed" LOL me thinks you mean I'm floored. but carry on...
@@voodoodisco Yep, that, lol
I have the hs5 with the hs8s sub. Curious if it’s not worth changing over to the Focals. The combo are more that what someone would pay for the Focals. I remember listening to an older pair of Focals before and I have not been able to recreate the experience those gave me.
Go with the Focals, they're just that good, bonus points if you use my link
Way to go man, got the evo 80s on the way :)
I've auditioned to both for long enough sessions in control rooms. The thing with the Yamaha's is that they are exaggerated in the area that is most fatiguing, instead of flat. Yea u can eq it but the thing is that Focal's had more details that I didn't hear without being fatiguing in the first place. However, if u want a real upgrade u can save up for the Focal Shape 65 used pair and then there won't be a question of what or why. (sick detail).
in my room, 120hz-145hz gets a loud boost. what is the easiest way to fix this? can not change position of speakers ^^ Also, i do agree, these speakers are insane! bought these before starting any research on studio monitors and couldn't be happier after i actually did some research. (bought them out of the gate because i over research and always end up not managin to decide between items^^)
You would be wise to add a couple bass traps to your room corners BEHIND your desk. This should help. However, not knowing your room, I would still say its a good place to begin. Happy day to ya!
@@brucema12 thanks!
Adam A7x would probably be a little more focused on the upper range and overall tonality.
i think i would prefer A7x
I have alpha 65 for 3 years and love them. But i had to cut peak over 20kHz, cannt hear it but can feel it.
Good job on the review! 💪🏼 keep pushing let’s get u to the 25k bro!
Trying!
I’ve been looking at these monitors for quite some time, but now the Kali IN-8 V2 might be taking their place on my wish list. Any thoughts on this?
I haven't heard any from the Kali line so can't comment on them but these are definitely winners
i have had listened to kali is8. to be honest very bad in low end. the mids are okay since its a coaxial design. but not worth. no punch at all.
Hi, switched to a bigger room, so, going for the 65s. Quick question, sorry for returning, are the Alpha EVOs worth the extra price over the Alphas. Thanks.
As a habitual upgrader I'll always recommend the latest version. Helps greatly if you use my links!
@@FTHonestReviews Got it thanks.
Nice review Everytime 👍 ba am waiting to see it against the Output frontier
Nice review! If these have low hiss I would be on them like white on rice. Would you say they have more or less hiss than your Yamahas?
It's super close, almost like the same amount of hiss at different frequencies if that makes sense
@@FTHonestReviews I see! Would you say it's audible from 9-10 feet in a silent room, with nothing playing?
No way, I had to put my ears up to the monitor
@@FTHonestReviews Awesome! Thank you sir. Hoping for the best for you channel!
Thanks! If you buy using my links helps a lot!
I want to purchase a pair of these. What stands are you using on them
Wow. You made my Behringer 5's sound better. :) Great video Jacob.
Are Alpha 65 evo suitable for listening to music / watching movies? In silent conditions, is the hiss / noise floor audible at a distance of 1 meter?
I hear no noise sitting within a little over an arms reach, they're fantastic for listening and should be great for movies, obviously not going to be a 5.1 surround sound system but they're by far my favorite monitor for such things
what do u recommend to switch betweeen reference monitors? by meaning yamaha and focal?
Iv been tempted to get these but would i see much improvement over the adam T7V?
I apologize man, never used Adam monitors so couldn't give you an accurate answer
@@FTHonestReviews no worries man, informative vid. Might try them out anyway heard good thing about the previous version to.
If you do, would super appreciate if you used my links
@@JamalPennant Its all in your gear. Get yourself sonarwork mic to get your monitors flat treat your room and you will see my friend
I know the Output Frontier speakers are a bit more expensive but, I'm wondering if any can compare them vs these Alpha EVOs? If so, do share...
I loved the Output Frontier. But send them back sadly. Really clean and transparent. But the lack of EQ/bypass settings really messed me up. Output Frontier are great but you can't tweak tweak them so it's a no go for me. I did love the sound tho.
@@voodoodisco I hear you (no pun). I still use the Frontiers for most of my pre-production work but, I purchased a pair of KRK Rokit 10's that are pretty big but seem to be crisper. Obviously, I'm not mixing on them but, if I could sell the Outputs I'd probably buy a pair of Rokit 8's. Stuck with the Frontiers for the time being though
Do you think tha if you were to turn the low filter all the way up on the 50s, it would sound similar to the 65 in flat? and another question,.. do you know if these speakers are at full volume all the time as there is no way of knowing how high they are turned up... and is that a good thing if they are on full all the time.. wouldnt that need more power.. might be why they have the standby option..I cant find that info anywhere ad to why they dont have a volume pot
No way will the HS5s ever sound as good as the Focals, I'd imagine Focal set the volume to the best level they felt possible, no clue as far as if they're set to the max possible but they sound amazing as is
@@FTHonestReviews I meant the focal alpha 50s... now at least i have tried that and you can hear more lows when the 50s bass response is turned up... yes they sound good but I would like to know if the alphas are on full volume all the time.. it does add to the cost of running them if they are on many hours, which leads me to beleive thats why they have the sleep mode with these...
@@meanwhileinespoo1265 Gotcha, this is probably a question I'd ask Focal directly
Is the hiss on evo better or worse?
Definitely improved
There is no hiss on my Evo’s. But I can hear a slight hiss on the A7V.
Focal Alpha Evo 50 VS Adam Audio T5V?
Im a PsyTrance artist producer.
I'll be very thankful to get a professional opinion - which should i buy?
LOL you come here for a 'professional' opinion.
MY professional opinion is .... please do not produce any more PsyTrance please.
@@DrSnook Well, for sure, not everybody can fell, understand and connect to the real trance music. by the level of your comment i assume that you are a little boy or some impulsive teenager. so i can understand your ignorance.
Serious listening, right there...
Hell yea, never letting these go lol
focal alpha 65 evo or kali in-5? what do you suggest?
Never heard the Kali line so hard to say
Kali is cheap cheap. If you can afford better don't worry about the Kali. The sound isn't all it's meant to be according to the hype. I found them less than transparent and just MEH!
can I connect the Focal Sub One to the EVO 50????
i also have yamaha hs5, is it worth upgrade to alpha 65 evo?
Don't upgrade, ADD. Hs5 and Alpha Evos compliment each other perfectly, if you want a 2 monitor setup it's the way to go
Focal Alpha Evo 65 vs Focal Shape 65 much diference?
The shape has better mid range and smoother top end.
Hi Jacob, could you help me with this, would massively appreciate it. I can only manage a distance of 3-4 feet between me and my monitors, and my room is about 12 by 12 feet but has a cupboard on one end. Given these facts, should I consider the Alpha 50s or the Alpha 65s. I am keen on the extra grunt offered by the 65s but I’m not sure my room will support them. Also, demoing is not really an option where I live. Any advice? Thanks for the review!
I'd go with the 50s, especially if they're going to be your only pair, from the reviews I've seen on the old Alphas I'm sure you'd be happy with them, as always I'd super appreciate if you used my links
@@FTHonestReviews Afraid I don’t live in the US so using the links will be very complicated. Plus I know the local importer / dealer here. But thanks much for the reply.
But do it hiss though?
class D are not bad the last years . but class A B is still the best amplifier . i have them in my Hr824 mk1 and in my msp5
Class AB and Class D doesn't matter. Design matters only. KRK RP7 G4's are known to be one of the worst hissy monitors, after they switched to an AB amp.
KRK is rp7 is shit. cheap capacitors . and glue on the components, but if you have class a b like hr824 or msp5 then you have high end nichicon capacitors. the class a b is the best
Great !!!
Thanks!
The best under 1000$ is kali audio lp6
Haven't heard them to compare so cannot give an opinion
That isn't even their higher-end line (IN) which also retails for under $1000 a pair, so I would argue those are not the best.