Both Focal Alpha 80 and Yamaha HS8 offer great sound quality at a very competitive price. Which one would you recommend?
The Alpha 80 and HS 8 has been around for over two decades now and has become one of the greatest success stories of musical instrument manufacturing. Both models are considered amongst the best instruments in their class and they are widely praised for their great sound. They both look quite similar but with some subtle differences.
The HS series from Yamaha was launched in 2017, and since then, it has become one of the company’s most successful models. The HS8 features two powerful speakers plus a subwoofer, and it comes equipped with Alexa voice control.
Both the speakers offer excellent sound quality at a reasonable price point. If you want the best sound without breaking the bank, consider either option; both speakers deliver great audio performance.
When choosing between these two, there are several things to consider. These include the overall design of the speaker, its features, build quality, playing characteristics, and materials used. In this article, we’ll take a close look at each model and talk about its pros, cons and who should choose them.
The Focal Alpha 80 Speaker
The Focal Alpha-80 is an active 2-way loudspeaker that provides high-fidelity sound reproduction. It delivers a rich, full, and dynamic sound while maintaining a clean and detailed presentation. This speaker offers a wide frequency range of 35 Hz – 22 kHz and can reproduce music from classical to pop.
The Alpha 80 is powered by either a 220-240V connector or a 100-120V connector. You can use an IEX inlet and detachable power cord to connect. The maximum power output that this device has is 140W and that’s at peak performance.
The Alpha 80 measures 16 inches in height, 11 inches in width, and lastly, 10 inches in depth, and weighs just 28 pounds. Its compact size makes it easy to transport. The speaker is made of durable MDF and aluminum alloy. It can be easily stored on any flat surface.
The maximum SPL of this speaker is 109 dB. It has a sensitivity that’s adjustable or from 0 to +6 dB. You can connect up to two audio sources so that’s really good. It has low directivity so the sound is the same throughout the room.
You can control the speaker volume, turn it on and off, and input the auxiliary cords to the back of the speaker. Even though it’s a bit hidden it works really well since it doesn’t impact the design and style of the device from the other sides of it.
The speakers go into low power consumption mode after 30 minutes if the monitor has not sent a signal. In this mode, they require less than 0.5W of energy which is really eco-friendly. You can get this speaker for around $250 or so and it’s a great price for everything that you’re getting.
Pros:
- It’s a compact device.
- It offers a lot of connectivity options.
- This device has a good bass response.
- It’s really easy to set up.
- It has a great price to value ratio.
Cons:
- It has no remote control.
- Requires external power source.
The Yamaha HS8 Speaker
The Yamaha HS8 is a portable speaker that offers a clear, crisp sound. It reproduces music from rock to jazz, and it even works well with speech. This speaker is powered by a USB port and requires an AC adapter to work.
Since the early ’70s, Yamaha’s nearfield reference monitor speakers have been a staple in professional studios worldwide, but not just because they’re accurate, they’ve also become synonymous with high fidelity over the years.
These monitors will be two-way bass-reflex type monitor speakers with an 8″ cone driver for lower frequencies and a 1″ speaker for higher frequencies. These Class D amplifiers will be included in these speakers. They have 120 watts of total dynamic power usage, and that includes high trim and room control response controls.
With the help of the latest knowledge and technology, these speakers’ engineering teams have carefully examined every part of Yamaha speakers over time. Then they’ve optimized them for their best performance. The result was this model which combined everything into one.
The HS Series features new transducers designed for high SPLs. These high-quality transducers use an advanced magnetic field design to regulate the flow of magnetic response through the driver cone. The result is a smooth, natural transition from one frequency to another at any volume setting.
This speaker measures 15 inches in height,10 inches in width, and lastly 13 inches in depth, and weighs only 23 pounds. It’s designed to fit into small spaces like cars, bedrooms, offices, etc. Each speaker in the HS series employs a preamplifier unit perfectly matched to its transducer.
The speakers will have one XLR 3/31 connector and one aux plug for input. The cabinet will be made of durable MDF and some aluminum. The HSD8 model will additionally provide mounting points at 4 different locations.
This speaker uses dual passive radiators and woofers to create a deep, rich tone. It has a frequency range of 38 Hz – 30 kHz and can produce sounds from classical to pop. The Yamaha HS8 it’s going to cost you around $375. It’s a bit pricier but it will do a great job.
Pros:
- It’s a great-looking and stylish speaker.
- Can produce clear and crisp sound.
- It has a powerful bass response.
- Can play a variety of music genres.
Cons:
- It doesn’t have a remote control.
- It’s not suitable for large rooms.
Which One Should I Buy?
If you’re looking for a speaker that will work well in smaller spaces, the Focal Alpha 80 may be a good option. However, if you have a larger room, the Yamaha HS8 would provide more space for listening. Both speakers are very affordable, so you won’t break the bank when buying one.
Keep in mind that when choosing one speaker over the other you need to take some things into consideration. Such as how much space you have in your setup, do you have a large room or a small room, and if it will fit with the rest of the design. Well there are more questions that you need to ask yourself but at least these ones are a priority. A soundbar may work great for a person and not be the best choice for you so that’s why it’s crucial you understand those things for your setup before committing.
However, If you want a speaker that provides great quality sound, then the Yamaha HS8 is the best option. This speaker produces crystal clear sound and has a powerful bass response. That makes it perfect for enjoying your TV-Series and Movies, while building the suspense with the bass. You’ll enjoy your favorite songs without having to worry about damaging your ears or about it sounding bad.
The Main Differences Between the Two Options
There are many differences between these two options. Here are the main ones:
- Size/Weight – The Focal Alpha 80 is smaller than the HS8 but heavier. It also costs less than the HS8.
- Power Output – The HS8 has a higher power output than the Alpha 80.
- Battery Life – The HS8 has longer battery life than the Alpha 80. It can last up to 6 hours on a single charge while the Alpha 80 only lasts 2 hours.
- Compatibility – The HS8 supports Amazon Alexa while the Alpha 80 doesn’t.
- Connectivity – The HS8 connects to devices via Bluetooth while the Alpha 80 requires an auxiliary cable.
The Verdict
Both speakers are very affordable, making them perfect choices for people who don’t want to spend too much money. Keep in mind that all this information that is provided to you in this article is to help you make a good and informed decision. After all, that may work for me and my setup may not be the same for someone else, so that’s why it’s important to understand everything fully before committing and choosing one over the other.
