Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks #17 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $398; the JBL 708P ranks #20 and costs $4000, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 side: Outstandingly neutral active monitor for the money, with no audible amplifier hiss in Erin’s listening and excellent horizontal directivity from the contoured waveguide. Set against that: 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.
What the JBL 708P gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. The catch: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 708P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | JBL 708P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398/pair | $4000 |
| Ranked | #17 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| 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 | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Max SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Frequency Response | - | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Genelec 8050B vs Focal Alpha 65 EVO
- JBL 4329P vs Adam Audio T7V
- JBL 4329P vs Kali Audio LP-6
- JBL 708P vs Edifier R2850DB
- JBL 708P 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 (-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) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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 Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Neumann KH 310 A
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs Kali Audio IN-8
- See all 22 comparisons
JBL 708P: $4000 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows extremely good frequency response both on- and off-axis, with excellent horizontal directivity. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) handles an 8” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A port resonance creates a mild rise around 600-900Hz. Vertical dispersion is narrower than horizontal, so staying within a few degrees of the tweeter axis matters. Distortion climbs at 96dB SPL, with the tweeter reaching about 2.5% THD at elevated levels.
Full JBL 708P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 17.2"H x 9.8"W x 11.5"D (438 x 248 x 292 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 41Hz - 25kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 25.1 lbs / 11.4 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons