Short answer: the APS Klasik 2020 for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 for the lower price. The APS Klasik 2020 ranks #10 of 31 powered bookshelf speakers at $900. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 ranks #16 at $398, $502 cheaper.
What the APS Klasik 2020 offers: Very neutral. Watch for: Difficult to find for sale online, no dealers in the United States.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 offers: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Watch for: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help.
Buy the APS Klasik 2020 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| APS Klasik 2020 | Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $900 | $398/pair |
| Ranked | #10 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 31 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.2"H x 8.3"W x 12.6"D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Weight | 22 lbs / 10.0 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 7" (178mm) woofer | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Amplification | - | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker |
| Max SPL | - | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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The Two Speakers In Full
APS Klasik 2020: $900 Aps-company
Pros: Very neutral. Almost indistinguishable from the HS8 but with deeper bass
Cons: Difficult to find for sale online, no dealers in the United States.
Full APS Klasik 2020 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.2"H x 8.3"W x 12.6"D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 7" (178mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 22 lbs / 10.0 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Yamaha HS8 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Kali Audio IN-5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review APS Klasik 2020 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO sound.DEMO
- Sound On Sound Measurements and Review
- Reddit Search for APS Klasik 2020 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398/pair Amazon Sweetwater
Pros: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Erin measured 42Hz F3 and on-axis linearity within approximately -2.51/+1.99dB. The pair remains respectably linear to roughly 102dB at 1m, the front port controls turbulence, and rear DIP switches provide practical boundary-placement profiles plus LF/HF trims. Balanced XLR/TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs broaden compatibility; Erin needed only about +1.5dB near 8kHz for his preferred amount of air.
Cons: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help. Limiting becomes visible above 96dB/1m, and from 76 to 96dB the low-frequency/midband balance drops by roughly 1dB, making this better as a nearfield or modest-distance monitor than a far-field high-output system. There is no digital input or network control, and each speaker needs AC power and a separate signal cable.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons