Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs HEDD Type 20 MK2

Short answer: the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if sound quality matters most, the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 if price matters most. The HEDD Type 20 MK2 ranks #18 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers at $4800. The Kali Audio IN-8 V2 ranks #26 at $499, $4301 cheaper.

What the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 offers: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 6.54 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement. Watch for: 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.

What the HEDD Type 20 MK2 offers: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review. Watch for: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.

Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the HEDD Type 20 MK2 if sound quality matters more than the price.

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Specifications Side By Side

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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 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

Pros: The IN-8 V2’s coaxial midrange/tweeter supports coherent imaging, and low distortion at ordinary levels complements its 6.54 ideal-subwoofer score. Measured -3dB extension of 45.4Hz provides useful bass; boundary settings assist placement. 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.

Full Kali Audio IN-8 V2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	140w Per Speaker
App	No
Bass Extension (-10dB)	36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	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)
Inputs	XLR, RCA
Sensitivity	89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score	3.53
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	5.40
Weight	22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each

• Links
  • Official Kali Audio IN-8 V2 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Kali IN-8 Second Wave Masterful Music on a Budget More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Website Kali Audio IN-8
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: I Tested 250 Speakers So You Don’t Have To!
  • Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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  • See all 37 comparisons

HEDD Type 20 MK2: $4800 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Pros: The measured ported configuration reaches 35.2Hz at -3dB and scores 6.92 with an ideal subwoofer. A 2.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz supports broadly balanced mids, while ported operation reduces deep-bass strain compared with the sealed setting in the review. Measured bass extension of 32Hz (-3dB).

Cons: These results are for ported operation, not every bass or phase setting. Horizontal asymmetry and vertical crossover behavior make orientation and listening position important. Distortion rises at higher output, and linear-phase processing can add latency for live monitoring.

Full HEDD Type 20 MK2 review and specifications →

Amplifier Power	900W (3x300W)
App	Yes (HEDD CTRL)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	26Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	32Hz (measured, Audio Science Review)
Bluetooth	No
DSP	Yes (96kHz/32-bit)
Dimensions	14.1"H x 11"W x 13.3"D (358.1 x 279.4 x 337.8 mm)
Drivers	7" honeycomb composite woofer, 4" honeycomb composite midrange, HEDD AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter
EQ	Yes (Desk filter, shelf filters)
Frequency Response	32Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR (Analog/AES)
Maximum SPL	120dB @ 1m (per pair) (manufacturer specified)
Outputs	XLR (AES pass-through)
Spinorama Preference Score	5.34
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub	6.92
Weight	34 lbs (15.4 kg) each

• Links
  • Official HEDD Type 20 MK2 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
  • Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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