Short answer: the Focal Solo6 ST6 for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 for the lower price. The Focal Solo6 ST6 ranks #23 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers at $1499. The Kali Audio LP-6 ranks #33 at $298, $1201 cheaper.
On the Focal Solo6 ST6 side: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. The catch: Bass alignment Q is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-6: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Watch for: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response.
Buy the Focal Solo6 ST6 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Focal Solo6 ST6 | Kali Audio LP-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,499.00 | $298 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m | - |
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) | - |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
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- Klipsch The Nines vs Edifier R2850DB
- Klipsch The Nines vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- Focal Solo6 ST6 vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Focal Solo6 ST6 vs Adam Audio T7V
The Two Speakers In Full
Focal Solo6 ST6: $1,499.00 B&H Photo Sweetwater
Pros: Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter over a 6.5” ‘W’ composite sandwich-cone woofer - a low-mass, low-distortion driver combination rarely found below far pricier monitors. Directivity control is the tightest of this entire batch (directivity_spdi_stddev 2.87), and the listening-window response is smooth (smoothness_listening_window 0.380). Bi-amped 130W total (80W Class G woofer + 50W Class AB tweeter), each driver on its own amplifier. ‘Focus Mode’ switches the cabinet to a single-driver full-range reference signature for a second mix-translation check without extra hardware. Bass reaches 46.9Hz at -3dB / 38.1Hz at -10dB, solid for a 6.5” driver.
Cons: Bass alignment Q (lfq 0.826) is on the higher side, which can correlate with a touch of extra bass fullness/looseness versus a more critically-damped alignment. XLR-only balanced input, no unbalanced/TRS or digital connectivity. No automatic DSP room correction - tuning is limited to fixed analog shelving/high-pass switches. At $1,499 each ($2,998/pair), it’s a meaningful step up from typical prosumer active monitors.
Full Focal Solo6 ST6 review and specifications →
| Amplification | 130W total, bi-amped (80W Class G LF + 50W Class AB HF) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 24.6 x 33.4 x 29.5cm (9.7 x 13.1 x 11.6 in) each, 13kg (28.6 lb) each |
| Drivers | 1" Beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 6.5" "W" composite sandwich-cone woofer |
| Maximum Output | 110dB peak at 1m |
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Kali Audio LP-6: $298 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Deep bass distortion stays below the fundamental tone throughout testing, and the noise floor is low enough that hiss isn’t audible at normal listening distance. Exceptional value at $298 per pair.
Cons: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response. Distortion measurements are worse than the on-axis response alone would suggest. Diffraction causes a treble rise above 10kHz, and bass shelves down slightly in the low end. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons