Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2, on the strength of its three-way coaxial design. The LP-8’s own notes point you to the newer V2, which they say could be a little better, and add that the Eris 8 beats it by a little bit. The IN-8 V2 keeps the coaxial midrange/tweeter and front porting for near-wall placement, though it is forward in the 4-5kHz range on axis.
The case for the Kali Audio IN-8 V2: Three-way coaxial (coincident) driver in a front-ported cabinet, allowing near-wall placement without port noise issues. The tradeoff: Notable forwardness/brashness in the 4-5kHz range when listened to on-axis.
What the Kali Audio LP-8 gets right: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. Set against that: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $200 with the Kali Audio LP-8 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | Kali Audio LP-8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $998 per pair | $598 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #26 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #55 of 67 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 44Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Dimensions | 17.8"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 140w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.53 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.40 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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 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 →
| 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 | 3.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.40 |
| 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
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Kali Audio LP-8: $598 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: The original LP-8 offers a large woofer, a waveguide and placement switches for affordable nearfield monitoring.
Cons: First-generation amplifier noise can be distracting at a quiet desk. The large cabinets need substantial space, and placement switches do not replace full room correction. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Tannoy Gold 8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Focal Alpha 80 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio LP-8 vs Presonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- Audioholics Measurements (spinorama.org)
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