Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. It ranks #26 of 66 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $499; the Genelec 8040B ranks #32 and costs $2350, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Genelec 8040B gets right: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Set against that: Very expensive.
On the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 side: Three-way coaxial (coincident) driver in a front-ported cabinet, allowing near-wall placement without port noise issues. The catch: Notable forwardness/brashness in the 4-5kHz range when listened to on-axis.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8040B and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8040B | Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #32 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #26 of 66 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) | 17.8"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker | 140w Per Speaker |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- JBL 4305P vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Genelec 8040B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8040B
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8040B: $2350 B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A compact professional monitor with balanced XLR input and analog room-adjustment controls. The manufacturer’s 41Hz limit is specified at -6dB, offering a useful reference for system planning without confusing it with a measured -3dB point.
Cons: It lacks GLM calibration and consumer streaming inputs. The balanced XLR connection may require an interface or controller for a typical desktop source.
Full Genelec 8040B review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.4"H x 9.3"W x 8.8"D (365.8 x 236.2 x 223.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 180w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio IN-8 V2: $499.00 Amazon eBay
Pros: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 6.54 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement.
Cons: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward. Bass and limiter behavior constrain high-level playback. These measurements apply to the V2, not the first-generation IN-8.
Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 140w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec 8050B
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec S360
- See all 30 comparisons