Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks #19 of 62 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $398; the Genelec 8341A ranks #42 and costs $6590, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 offers: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Erin measured 42Hz F3 and on-axis linearity within approximately -2.51/+1.99dB. The pair remains respectably linear to roughly 102dB at 1m, the front port controls turbulence, and rear DIP switches provide practical boundary-placement profiles plus LF/HF trims. Balanced XLR/TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs broaden compatibility; Erin needed only about +1.5dB near 8kHz for his preferred amount of air. Watch for: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help. Limiting becomes visible above 96dB/1m, and from 76 to 96dB the low-frequency/midband balance drops by roughly 1dB, making this better as a nearfield or modest-distance monitor than a far-field high-output system. There is no digital input or network control, and each speaker needs AC power and a separate signal cable.
What the Genelec 8341A offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections. Watch for: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec 8341A and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | Genelec 8341A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398/pair | $6590 |
| Ranked | #19 of 62 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 62 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| Amplification | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker | - |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA | - |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.2"D | not published by manufacturer |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims | No |
| Frequency Response | - | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | not published by manufacturer |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | - | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
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- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Genelec 8341A
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The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398/pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Erin measured 42Hz F3 and on-axis linearity within approximately -2.51/+1.99dB. The pair remains respectably linear to roughly 102dB at 1m, the front port controls turbulence, and rear DIP switches provide practical boundary-placement profiles plus LF/HF trims. Balanced XLR/TRS and unbalanced RCA inputs broaden compatibility; Erin needed only about +1.5dB near 8kHz for his preferred amount of air.
Cons: A vertical directivity disturbance around 1.5-2kHz makes ear height important; desk or console reflections and ceiling bounce can expose the crossover lobing, so absorption may help. Limiting becomes visible above 96dB/1m, and from 76 to 96dB the low-frequency/midband balance drops by roughly 1dB, making this better as a nearfield or modest-distance monitor than a far-field high-output system. There is no digital input or network control, and each speaker needs AC power and a separate signal cable.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| Amplification | Bi-amplified Class D, 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| 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 |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs SHIVAUDYO Point Zero
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4329P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 4305P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs JBL 708P
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Yamaha HS8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Neumann KH 150
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Genelec 8341A: $6590 Bhphotovideo eBay
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an exceptionally flat on-axis response, within about +1.8dB/-2.2dB of the target curve, with excellent directivity control from the coaxial midrange/tweeter and dual 6.5” woofers. Tri-amplified design totals 550W across bass, mid, and treble sections.
Cons: The bass amplifier runs out of headroom well before the mid/treble sections, producing audible glitching/ticking distortion at higher volumes even at 1 meter - not well suited to larger rooms or higher playback levels as a result. No hard power switch, and it produces a loud static pop when AC power is cut. Very expensive at $6,590 per pair.
Full Genelec 8341A review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 58Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 2x 6.5" woofers, 3.5" midrange, 0.75" tweeter (coaxial mid/tweeter) |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 338Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 550W total (250W bass, 150W mid, 150W treble) |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons