Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 for the lower price. The JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $498. The Kali Audio LP-6 ranks #29 at $298, $200 cheaper.
What the JBL 308P MKII offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Watch for: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. The catch: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Kali Audio LP-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $498 | $298 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #24 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 112W total | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
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Kali Audio LP-6: $298 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Deep bass distortion stays below the fundamental tone throughout testing, and the noise floor is low enough that hiss isn’t audible at normal listening distance. Exceptional value at $298 per pair.
Cons: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response. Distortion measurements are worse than the on-axis response alone would suggest. Diffraction causes a treble rise above 10kHz, and bass shelves down slightly in the low end. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 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