Short answer: the Genelec 8351B for better sound quality, the Kali Audio IN-8 for the lower price. The Genelec 8351B ranks #6 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $9150. The Kali Audio IN-8 ranks #11 at $499, $8651 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8351B offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Watch for: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz.
On the Kali Audio IN-8 side: Three-way coaxial (coincident) driver in a front-ported cabinet, allowing near-wall placement without port noise issues; extensive dip switches handle boundary compensation. Set against that: Notable forwardness/brashness in the 4-5kHz range when listened to on-axis, needing about 10° of toe-out (Kali’s own recommendation for the coaxial design) plus some EQ to fully resolve.
Buy the Genelec 8351B if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8351B | Kali Audio IN-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9150 | $499.00 |
| Ranked | #6 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #11 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) | 17.8"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each | 22.9 lbs / 10.4 kg each |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (GLM) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | No |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker | 140w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | - | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- Genelec 8351B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Genelec 8351B vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8351B: $9150 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows exceptionally flat response both on- and off-axis. Predicted in-room response is “as good as it gets” - should sound very neutral in nearly any room. Horizontal beamwidth of about ±50 degrees is described by the reviewer as exceptionally smooth, a model example of well-executed directivity control. Vertical directivity is nearly as good as horizontal, a benefit of its coaxial driver design that’s rare among non-coaxial monitors. Distortion at 86dB SPL/1m is remarkably low - the reviewer says it’s “better than many headphones.”
Cons: Deep bass distortion rises substantially at higher output (96dB SPL/1m) - the reviewer notes “deep bass suffers” below about 100Hz. A distortion spike also appears near 8-10kHz at that same higher output level. Cumulative spectral decay (waterfall) measurements show resonances around 1-2kHz. Very expensive.
Full Genelec 8351B review and specifications →
| App | Yes (GLM) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 28Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 33Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 17"H x 11.3"W x 10.9"D (431.8 x 287 x 276.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 8.6" woofer, 5" coaxial with tweeter midrange, 0.75" (19mm) coaxial tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via GLM software) |
| Frequency Response | 32Hz - 40kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 113dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 550w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 31.1 lbs / 14.1 kg each |
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Kali Audio IN-8: $499.00 Amazon
Pros: Three-way coaxial (coincident) driver in a front-ported cabinet, allowing near-wall placement without port noise issues; extensive dip switches handle boundary compensation, plus XLR/TRS/RCA inputs and a gain-matching volume knob. A built-in limiter makes it essentially impossible to push into mechanical distress - no cabinet buzzing, woofer bottoming, or audible failure even driven hard to 80-95dB in testing. Distortion stays below 1% THD at 86dB and under 3% at 96dB, largely thanks to that limiter. Frequency response and dynamic behavior stay essentially unchanged from 76dB up to 96dB/1m before the limiter engages around 96-102dB. Bass extends smoothly to about 50Hz. A clear step up in linearity over the original V1 version both on-axis and in estimated in-room response, and eliminates the hiss that drew complaints on the V1. Excellent soundstage depth, a benefit typical of coaxial designs, at $800/pair.
Cons: Notable forwardness/brashness in the 4-5kHz range when listened to on-axis, needing about 10° of toe-out (Kali’s own recommendation for the coaxial design) plus some EQ to fully resolve. A dip near the tweeter/voice-coil transition, likely a cancellation effect from the coincident driver’s geometry, is also improved by toeing off-axis. Bass rolls off below about 50Hz, so heavy low-bass material still needs a subwoofer. A minor resonance around 160Hz occasionally made low vocals sound a bit “hot,” though the reviewer rates it minor (about 2/10 in severity). Horizontal soundstage is narrower than non-coaxial alternatives, a typical trade-off of coincident driver designs. Vertical placement tolerance is fairly tight - usable to about ±10°, degrading past ±20°. Designed as a near/midfield monitor for roughly 1-3m listening distances, not intended as a home-theater speaker.
Full Kali Audio IN-8 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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons