Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for a cleaner on-axis curve; the Kali Audio LP-6 for excellent directivity. The LP-6 is generally flat on-axis with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity, but a port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz. The JBL is essentially flat from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance shows around 18kHz.
Buy the JBL 308P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kali Audio LP-6 is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 308P MKII | Kali Audio LP-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298 per pair | $298 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 39.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” neodymium tweeter | 6.5” woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 112W total | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 | - |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
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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
JBL 308P MKII: $298 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A 1.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 7.69 ideal-subwoofer score support unusually good tonal balance for an accessible studio monitor. Measured -3dB extension of 42.5Hz supplies useful musical bass, and the waveguide helps maintain consistent horizontal coverage. Measured bass extension of 42.5Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Amplifier hiss may be noticeable in quiet, close-range use. Bass distortion and output limits matter when playing loudly, despite the 8-inch woofer. Keep the tweeter near ear height; vertical crossover behavior is less forgiving than the best coaxial designs. A resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 112W total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.6Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, 1/4” TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.88 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 17.9 lbs (8.1 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-6: $298 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2, ranked higher, rated 4.4/5.
Pros: The original LP-6 measures 43.9Hz at -3dB and scores 6.33 with an ideal subwoofer. Its waveguide and placement controls make it a credible budget studio monitor, with useful bass for ordinary music listening. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured 2.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz is less even than the newer LP-6 V2. First-generation amplifier hiss can be distracting at short distances. Do not assume the V2’s noise improvements or measurements apply to this model. A port resonance adds bumps around 900Hz to 1kHz. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.3”D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 6.5” woofer, 1” textile dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs (7.3 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons