Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII. It ranks #18 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $319 and is still sold new; the Kali Audio LP-8 ranks #96 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kali Audio LP-8’s replacement, the Kali Audio LP-8 V2, is rated 4.1/5 at $598.
On the JBL 305P MKII side: A fantastic value in studio monitors. The tradeoff: Possible slight hissing from the amps at low levels.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-8: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. The tradeoff: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit.
Buy the JBL 305P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kali Audio LP-8 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 305P MKII | Kali Audio LP-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 per pair | $598 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #96 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 8” woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 81w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.38 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.52 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| DSP | - | No |
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