Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. Both are rated 4.4/5 for sound quality (#25 and #29 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers), and the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 costs $398 against $7,998 for the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB, and with sound quality even, the cheaper one is the better buy.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-6 V2: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The catch: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness.
What the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB does well: Erin’s measurements show full bass output all the way down to about 20Hz, the lowest frequency measured, which is remarkable from a single cabinet about 34cm deep. The catch: DSP limiting and compression take over near maximum volume, so the deep bass you hear at moderate levels shrinks when you push it; Erin’s 96dB distortion test ran into the limiter.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. Both are rated the same for sound quality, and it costs $7,600 less than the Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 per pair | $7,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | <21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | <21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Drivers | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer | Aluminum tweeter, aluminum midrange, two opposed aluminum woofers |
| Amplifier Power | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D | 1,100W total |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Optical |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D | 10”H x 9.7”W x 13.5”D (255 x 246 x 342 mm) |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims | - |
| Maximum SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.53 | 6.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.48 | 7.38 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each | 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) each |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes (5.3 with SBC, AAC) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 14Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| App | - | Yes (Devialet) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC |
| Wi-Fi | - | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) |
| Streaming Services | - | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kali Audio LP-6 V2 compares with other leading options:
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs AsciLab C8C
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Mesanovic CDM65
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kii THREE
- Genelec 8351B vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- Neumann KH420 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Kali Audio LP-6 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide and placement switches help with practical setup, and the second generation improves close-range noise behavior. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness. Vertical crossover behavior makes ear-height placement important, and compression limits loud bass playback. Its good tonal score is not evidence of the output capability of a much larger monitor.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D |
| Drivers | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Maximum SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.48 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Genelec 8050B
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs O.S. Acoustics DBS8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 308P MKII
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Focal Solo6 ST6
- See all 64 comparisons
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB: $7,998 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show full bass output all the way down to about 20Hz, the lowest frequency measured, which is remarkable from a single cabinet about 34cm deep. The listening window is close to flat, with a -0.04dB per octave tilt and 0.80 smoothness, earning a 6.73 preference score on its own and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer. Directivity is smooth, so room reflections keep the same tonal balance as the direct sound. Wi-Fi 6 streaming with AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect and Roon Ready, plus Ethernet and optical inputs, makes one unit a complete music system. Measured bass extension of <21Hz (-3dB).
Cons: DSP limiting and compression take over near maximum volume, so the deep bass you hear at moderate levels shrinks when you push it; Erin’s 96dB distortion test ran into the limiter. Stereo means buying two units, which puts a pair well above conventional powered monitors that measure as well. There is no analog input or subwoofer output, and the rounded shape does not sit on a shelf or desk stand like a box speaker.
Full Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 1,100W total |
| App | Yes (Devialet) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | <21Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (5.3 with SBC, AAC) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 9.7”W x 13.5”D (255 x 246 x 342 mm) |
| Drivers | Aluminum tweeter, aluminum midrange, two opposed aluminum woofers |
| Frequency Response | 14Hz - 35kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Optical |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.73 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.38 |
| Streaming Services | Yes (AirPlay 2, Google Cast, Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Roon Ready, UPnP) |
| Subwoofer Output | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 24.5 lbs (11.1 kg) each |
| Wi-Fi | Yes (Wi-Fi 6, dual-band) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs O.S. Acoustics DBS8
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs Genelec S360
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs Meyer Sound Amie
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs PSI Audio A21-M
- Devialet Phantom Ultimate 108dB vs Pitt & Giblin Flare