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Writer's pictureMichael Joyce

Yamaha HS8 vs Focal Alpha 80: Which Studio Monitors Are Better?

From home studios to professional studios, you've probably seen the Yamaha HS8 and Focal Alpha 80 studio monitors before. These 2 sets of studio speakers are some of the most popular monitors out there, and for good reason. Both have extremely high audio and build quality along with legendary reputations among beginner and professional music producers alike.


However, how do you decide which pair of monitors is right for you? In this guide, I compared the Yamaha HS8s against the Focal Alpha 80s to help you decide which studio monitors suit your needs best.


Yamaha HS8 vs Focal Alpha 80: Which Monitors are Best?


The answer to which studio monitors are better really depends on what you're looking for from your monitor speakers. Do you prioritize a more balanced and rich sound from your monitors? Or would you prefer a more sonically accurate sound with clear high frequencies to help you mix with more precision?


Each of these monitors offers its own set of strengths and weaknesses, so just make sure to keep in mind some of these questions when you're deciding which monitors are right for you and your music studio.

After you’re done reading, don’t forget to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials guide where you'll learn about all the necessary gear you need to get started on your music production journey.


With all that said, let's get into our comparison of the Yamaha HS8 vs Focal Alpha 80.

 
Yamaha HS8

Price: $998.00 (for the pair)


The Yamaha HS8s are some of the most popular and recognizable studio monitors among bedroom producers and professional audio engineers alike. Many argue these are the best monitors you can get in the "under $1,000" price range, and there is some merit to that argument.


The HS8s are known for their extremely clear high and mid-high frequency response. While this can get a bit harsh on the ears during long sessions, it's beneficial for accurate mixing within those important frequencies. It also has a full and rich low end, but not quite as punchy as the low end of the Focal Alpha 80s.


The HS8s also feature room control and high trim response controls, allowing you to tweak the sound of the monitors to adjust to your specific room. This is especially beneficial in rooms that aren't properly acoustically treated.


All-in-all, these are really solid studio monitors with amazing sound and build quality, so you really can't go wrong with the HS8s. There's certainly a reason they're so popular and a consistent best seller!

Focal Alpha 80 Evo

Price: $879.00 (for the pair)


The Focal Alpha 80s are more low key than the Yamaha HS8s, however they're still well known within the audio community. They're made in France in specialty workshops where the attention to detail is second to none, which is part of the reason the sound and build quality are so fantastic.


The high frequencies on the Alpha 80s aren't as crisp as they are on the HS8s, but they make up for that by providing a very balanced and not-harsh sound. They are also known for their full, rich, and punchy low end response, an advantage over the HS8s if you prioritize bass.


Similar to the HS8s, the Alpha 80s also offer room tuning options in the form of independent bass and treble knobs which allow you to adjust the sound to your specific environment.


All-in-all, these are extremely high quality studio speakers that would be a great addition to any home or professional studio. If you prioritize a more balanced sound with slightly more punchy bass, I'd go with the Focal Alpha 80s.

 

Final Thoughts


Both the Yamaha HS8s and Focal Alpha 80s are extremely high quality and industry-standard studio monitors. You really can't go wrong with either, but make sure you understand what each of them offers before making your final decision. In addition to this comparison, we also have a full guide comparing various studio monitor options, so go check that out if you still need some guidance.


I hope this comparison has helped you understand the differences between the Yamaha HS8s and the Focal Alpha 80s. If you have any lingering questions, feel free to leave them down below in the comments!


Enjoyed this guide? Make sure to check out our Bedroom Producer Essentials Guide or some of our reviews/buyer's guides.


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