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Focal PK-Alpha50 5-Inch Studio Monitor (Pair) $649 Delivered @ DJCITY AU

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Usually going for around $450-$600 each ($900-$1199 a pair).
Also found second hand listings which sold for $550-$600 a pair.

Notes: These are Near-field studio monitors designed for Professional use.
The auto-on/off function is apparently fixed on, so make sure your signal level is adequate & you select the correct sensitivity for input type to keep them powered on when in use.

Features

  • Low directivity: keeps the same sound throughout the room.
  • Damping and rigidity: neutrality, no distortion.
  • Tonal balance is identical at low and high volumes; low sensitivity to the wall effects.
  • Connect up to 2 audio sources.
  • Optimal acoustic integration.
  • Reduced power consumption.

Specifications

Frequency Response: 45 Hz to 22 kHz, (+/- 3dB)
Power: 55 W (35 W + 20 W)
Maximum SPL: 103 dB SPL (pic @1m)
Input Connectors: XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced

LF Amplifier: 35 W, class AB
HF Amplifier: 20 W, class AB
LF Driver: 5″ (13cm) drive unit – polyglass cone
HF Driver: 1″ (25mm) drive unit – aluminum inverted dome
Shelf Adjustments

LF shelving (0 – 300 Hz): adjustable, +/-6 dB
HF shelving (4.5 – 22 kHz): adjustable, +/-3 dB
Enclosure Type: Ported

Dimensions: 313 x 220 x 258 mm

Weight: 7.3 kg

Related Stores

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closed Comments

  • +3

    Great speakers, as you would expect from Focal.

  • Hmm, tempting, listening to my Focal Clear headphones as I read this…

    • I had to check it out, thinking a good pair of headphones could be nice.
      What ?!
      2799 for a pair of headphones, that’s the most expensive headphones I have ever heard of.

      Was it worth the money ?

      • My Clears cost half that. Audio RRPs are up there with carpet stores on the side of the m4.

      • That's not even close to being expensive. Try this for a start.

      • +1

        Yes it's worth it if you value excellent audio. I started with Elears and loved the sound so much I got some Eligias for work; great cans but bad mistake as I work from home now LOL. Anyway, being in a position where I can now wear cans all day, I decided to go a step up and get the Clears.

        Before people start thinking that I'm a Focal fan boy. I also have Senheiser HD800S and Beyerdynamic T1s. The HD800S are like a microscope for your audio gear. The T1s have the best imaging I have ever heard (perfect for gamers). But, I would rather listen to any of the Focals for long periods; pefect sound signature to me plus so dynamic and enguaging…

  • +1

    Bit obsessed with Focal after getting my first set last year.
    If I had the need, i'd by these just for the name.
    You know they'll be good

  • thx - been looking for a good deal on some monitors - was thinking KRK Rokit 8 but the reviews on these are all so good - so pulled the trigger - thx OP

    • +1

      Yes be aware of the Auto-on/off function which some reviews mention.
      This person seems to have solved the issue by using proper setup & XLR-XLR connections.

      “Think I might have solved this myself, looks like the type of connection to the interface has an affect on how the standby function works - I was using a jack to XLR, tested with XLR to XLR and the monitors seem to wake up with a moderate signal after all…”

      “I think all new monitors to be compliant with EU regs - it doesn't really bother me if the manufacturer sets decent thresholds i.e. the monitors don't turn off too easily and come back on quickly when receiving a signal. Which is what mine seem to be doing now, thankfully.”

      -Gearslutz forums

      • thx for the heads up - I have a fully balanced cabling setup now coming out of a Steinberg/Yamaha UR28M so all should be good

  • I can't see any input socket?? So how do send the signal?

  • So tempted, how are these compared to Dynaudio monitor's? I bought mine over 10 years ago, might be time for an upgrade!

    • +4

      General consensus says if it works stick with it.
      Dynaudio make great products also.

  • +1

    I don't have these but I have had a fantastic experience with the brand with my dimension sound bar and Chorus 706 Speakers.

  • Thanks OP. Wish I could replace my Presonus Eris E5's with these. Given the current state of events I'll have to wait until next time.

  • This one or Tannoy Gold 5? They are both in the same price braccket for a set…

    I would be using these to listen to music mostly.

    Another option I am looking at is the Edifier Airpulse A100.. they are just under $900 for a pair with some nice ribbon horn mounted tweeters.

  • Anyone know how these compare to the Audioengine A5's and would a JDS Labs Atom be okay to power these?

    • These are far better than the A5's. These are active speakers so have an inbuilt amp.

  • I was a day away from shelling out $600 for a pair of second hand Yamaha HS8's; i think this will go a lot further :) Thanks OP!

  • I was very close to going for a pair of Alphas but after reading all the complaints about the standby feature, I'm really having second thoughts..

    Here's an example thread on gearslutz

    • Yes I have read a similar thread where one person claimed to have a partial solution by using XLR to XLR cables (monitors wake up promptly with moderate-signal).
      Also it would be best to increase the source signal & select the correct ‘input sensitivity’ using the switch, in order to prevent the monitors from going to sleep when in use.

      Another issue I find with these is the lack of a ‘gain’ dial which could make the sleep mode easier to control (turn gain down, turn source signal up).

      They definitely should have added an auto-on/off switch & gain dial under a cover of some-sort for countries outside the EU.

  • Mine were delivered this week, wow they are good.

    I have Focal 826W floorstanders and have listened to many Focal speakers since being introduced to them in the early 90's.

    These monitors share the characteristics Focal are known for and are very suitable for hifi use. No mean feat at this price.

    I'm going to try them in place of my floorstanders as the form factor may produce better results in my main room and I have subs for bass.

    Edit: regarding sensitivity, they only need a kick to wake them up. Once going very quiet music will keep them turned on and they power down after 30 minutes of silence.

    • Edit: regarding sensitivity, they only need a kick to wake them up. Once going very quiet music will keep them turned on and they power down after 30 minutes of silence.

      Good to know.
      Thanks for the feedback.

    • How did the Alpha-50’s go in your main room? (With the subs)

      Curious as they are designed for Near-field use. You may have to play around with the high / low-end cut / boost dials.

      • Only just saw your comment. Haven't tried them yet.

        Need a couple of hours with no one else in the house so I can move them then run the room/speaker measurements for Dirac

        • I see you have Dirac room-correction.
          I am yet to ever try that so I do (my best) the old way (settings / positioning).

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