Short answer: the Adam Audio S2V for better sound quality, the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 for the lower price. The Adam Audio S2V ranks #16 of 113 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.6/5, at $3,399.98. The Kali Audio IN-8 V2 ranks #38, rated 4.4/5, at $998, $2,401.98 cheaper.
The Kali Audio IN-8 V2 is the deeper-bass choice. The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 7.30 ideal-subwoofer score. Its bass reaches about 44Hz before falling 3dB, against 52.7Hz for the Adam Audio S2V. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Adam Audio S2V lacks. The tradeoff: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward.
The case for the Adam Audio S2V: A 7.98 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. The catch: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Adam Audio S2V if sound quality matters more than the price.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | Adam Audio S2V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $998 per pair | $3,399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #16 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | Yes |
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.36 | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.30 | 7.98 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
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- JBL 308P MKII vs Adam Audio S2V
- Yamaha HS8 vs Adam Audio S2V
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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
Kali Audio IN-8 V2: $998 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio IN-5 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.2/5) and the Kali Audio IN-UNF (larger bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 7.30 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement. The front port allows placement near a wall without port noise problems. Measured bass extension of 44Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 89dB.
Cons: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward. Bass and limiter behavior constrain high-level playback. These measurements apply to the V2, not the first-generation IN-8. On-axis, the 4 to 5kHz range sounds forward; Kali recommends about 10° of toe-out, and some EQ helps.
Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.36 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.30 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec 8050B
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Genelec S360
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs HEDD Type 20 MK2
- Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- See all 42 comparisons
Adam Audio S2V: $3,399.98 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the ADAM Audio S3V (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S3H (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.5/5), the ADAM Audio S5V (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5) and the ADAM Audio S5H (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5).
Pros: A 7.98 ideal-subwoofer score and relatively even listening-window response support a strong role as a subwoofer-assisted studio monitor. The review’s low-distortion findings add useful evidence beyond amplifier ratings, and onboard DSP permits tailored adjustment. The review measured distortion about 70dB below the signal at 1kHz. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Measured -3dB extension is 52.7Hz, so the large cabinet does not automatically deliver the deepest bass here. The native balance rises toward the treble, with some lower-midrange unevenness. DSP can improve that balance, but an EQ-optimized result is not its unadjusted performance.
Full Adam Audio S2V review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 350W total (300W woofer Class D, 50W tweeter Class A/B) |
| App | Yes |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6” x 8.7” x 13.3” (346 x 222 x 338 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Drivers | 7” woofer, S-ART AMT tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 50kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.84 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.98 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11.0 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons