Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks #18 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $398; the Genelec S360 ranks #28 and costs $4775, 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. 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.
On the Genelec S360 side: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Set against that: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Genelec S360 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | Genelec S360 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398/pair | $4,775 each |
| Ranked | #18 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| 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 | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) | Peak 128dB |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims | - |
| Enclosure | - | ported |
| Weight | - | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
| Power Output (Watts) | - | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Frequency Response | - | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Country | - | Finland |
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- Buchardt A10 vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs JBL 4329P
- JBL 4329P vs JBL 308P MKII
- Genelec S360 vs Edifier R2850DB
- Genelec S360 vs Adam Audio T8V
The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398/pair Amazon Sweetwater
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) |
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Genelec S360: $4,775 each Bhphotovideo
Pros: A large format 10 inch two way monitor built for main monitoring duty in film and post production, capable of a peak SPL over 128dB while retaining Genelec’s GLM calibrated Smart Active Monitoring and Directivity Control Waveguide. Listening window smoothness measures a solid 0.52 and the measured extension point reaches 39.6Hz, unusually deep for a monitor this size.
Cons: The bass alignment measures the highest Q of any speaker in this batch, 1.16, meaning it’s the most likely of the ten to show a mild bump near its port tuning frequency rather than a clean rolloff. On axis deviation measures a moderate 0.478dB average. At roughly $9,550/pair and 30kg (66 lbs) each it is one of the largest and most expensive entries in this catalog, intended for professional control rooms rather than home listening, and the model has since been updated to the S360A, so pricing and minor spec details should be confirmed with a dealer before buying.
Full Genelec S360 review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 20.9"H x 14.2"W x 14.2"D (530 x 360 x 360 mm) (20.9 x 14.2 x 14.2 in) |
| Drivers | 1" titanium compression tweeter, 10" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 36Hz-22kHz -6dB |
| Max SPL | Peak 128dB |
| Power Output (Watts) | 350W total (250W woofer, 100W tweeter, Class D) |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 66.1 lbs / 30 kg (66.1 lbs) each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons