Short answer: the AsciLab C8C. It ranks #1 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.9/5); the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 ranks #38 (rated 4.4/5).
Why pick the Kali Audio IN-8 V2: An affordable three-way studio monitor with a coaxial mid and tweeter for clear imaging, low distortion, and useful bass. The catch: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward.
The AsciLab C8C is the more accurate, deeper-bass pick. Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 7.70 against 5.36 for the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. Its bass reaches about 30.8Hz before falling 3dB, against 44Hz for the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. The catch: The result applies to the revised measured configuration; confirm that the speaker’s tuning matches it.
Buy the AsciLab C8C. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Kali Audio IN-8 V2.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
An affordable three-way studio monitor with a coaxial mid and tweeter for clear imaging, low distortion, and useful bass.
Excellent large powered monitors, with extremely accurate sound and bass deep enough to skip a subwoofer.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | AsciLab C8C | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $998 per pair | €5799 per pair |
| Ranked | #38 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 20.5Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 30.8Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) | 22”H x 10”W x 13.8”D (560 x 254 x 350 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | XLR, RCA, AES/EBU, Coaxial, Optical |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each | 60.6 lbs (27.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” (203mm) woofer | 1” alumina ceramic dome tweeter with waveguide, 2x 6” alumina ceramic midrange/woofers, 2x 8” side mounted opposed cardioid subwoofers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker | 600W total (100W tweeter, 250W midrange, 250W subwoofer) |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.36 | 7.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.30 | 8.48 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 30Hz - 20kHz (±1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Enclosure | - | sealed |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 23.4Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Crossover Frequency | - | 150Hz, 1.2kHz |
| Warranty | - | 2 years |
| Country | - | South Korea |
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