Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 for value, the Genelec 8050B for on-axis accuracy. The LP-6 V2 is an outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening, though a vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important. The 8050B is very good on axis with excellent directivity, though a dip around 2kHz shows up in-room.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 new; the Genelec 8050B is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8050B | Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3800 per pair Discontinued | $398 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.48 |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8050B: $3800 per pair Discontinued B&H Photo Video eBay
Newer model: the Genelec 8350A. It’s likely to perform similarly, though we don’t have measurements to confirm that yet. It uses the same cabinet and woofer size, adding GLM room calibration and an AES/EBU digital input.
Pros: Measured -3dB extension of 35.2Hz gives the 8050B deeper native bass than many similarly ranked monitors. The 6.49 ideal-subwoofer score supports broadly balanced listening, with a waveguide and analog boundary controls for practical studio placement. Measured bass extension of 35.2Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A 2.7dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and a dip around 2kHz keep it below the strongest tonal performers. Port-related response features and high-level distortion also warrant attention. Unlike the SAM models, it does not provide GLM room calibration. Discontinued.
Full Genelec 8050B review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 270w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28.8Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 35.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 11.3”W x 10.9”D (452.1 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 25kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 31.7 lbs (14.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Kali Audio LP-6 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide and placement switches help with practical setup, and the second generation improves close-range noise behavior. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness. Vertical crossover behavior makes ear-height placement important, and compression limits loud bass playback. Its good tonal score is not evidence of the output capability of a much larger monitor.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Maximum SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.48 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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