Short answer: the Genelec 8040B for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 for the lower price. The Genelec 8040B ranks #9 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $2350. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 ranks #17 at $398, $1952 cheaper.
On the Genelec 8040B side: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly. Set against that: Very expensive.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 gets right: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. The catch: 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 Genelec 8040B 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
| Genelec 8040B | Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2350 | $398/pair |
| Ranked | #9 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #17 of 40 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) | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Weight | 20.7 lbs / 9.4 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 6.5" (165mm) 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 | 180w 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
Genelec 8040B: $2350 Bhphotovideo
Pros: Based on their smaller speaker’s performance against others, I’m ranking this accordingly.
Cons: Very expensive
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 |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- 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
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