Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII

Short answer: the JBL 308P MKII for a flatter on-axis response. Its spinorama is essentially flat from 45Hz to above 15kHz with almost no directivity error, though a resonance around 18kHz and a slight dip near 1.4kHz remain. The Kali IN-8 V2 is the three-way coaxial with front porting for near-wall placement, but it is notably forward in the 4-5kHz range on axis and needs about 10° of toe-out.

Buy the JBL 308P MKII. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $700 less than the Kali Audio IN-8 V2.

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Specifications Side By Side

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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

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 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
  • 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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  • Kali Audio IN-8 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
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  • See all 39 comparisons

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
  • Official JBL 308P MKII 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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