Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks #25 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $398; the Focal Trio6 ST6 ranks #37, rated 4.2/5, and costs $6,998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
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 tradeoff: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness.
Why pick the Focal Trio6 ST6: Sound & Recording’s measurements indicate 37.8Hz -3dB bass extension and a 7.12 ideal-subwoofer score. Watch for: The measured balance tilts downward through the treble, with a 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Focal Trio6 ST6 and costs less, which makes it the one to get unless you need something the other one does better.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | Focal Trio6 ST6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398 per pair | $6,998 per pair |
| Ranked | #25 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #37 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Drivers | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer | 1.5” beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 5” W-composite midrange, 8” W-composite woofer |
| Amplifier Power | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D | 250W total (2x 100W Class-G bass/mid, 50W Class-AB tweeter) |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA | XLR |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D | 21.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.4”D (537 x 292 x 367 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) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.53 | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.48 | 7.12 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| 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 | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 35Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Enclosure | - | 3-way active, sealed/ported |
| Country | - | France |
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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.
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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
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Focal Trio6 ST6: $6,998 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Sound & Recording’s measurements indicate 37.8Hz -3dB bass extension and a 7.12 ideal-subwoofer score. The three-way format and alternate Focus monitoring modes offer useful flexibility for professional work.
Cons: The measured balance tilts downward through the treble, with a 2.6dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz. Heavy cabinets and a premium price do not by themselves establish better neutrality, and alternate modes change the result.
Full Focal Trio6 ST6 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 250W total (2x 100W Class-G bass/mid, 50W Class-AB tweeter) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | France |
| Dimensions | 21.1”H x 11.5”W x 14.4”D (537 x 292 x 367 mm) |
| Drivers | 1.5” beryllium inverted-dome tweeter, 5” W-composite midrange, 8” W-composite woofer |
| Enclosure | 3-way active, sealed/ported |
| Frequency Response | 35Hz - 40kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.12 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 55.1 lbs (25 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons