Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 for better sound quality, the Kali Audio LP-6 for the lower price. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 ranks #17 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers at $398. The Kali Audio LP-6 ranks #29 at $298, $100 cheaper.
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.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. The catch: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Kali Audio LP-6 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | Kali Audio LP-6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $398/pair | $298 Discontinued |
| Ranked | #17 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| Drivers | 1" soft-dome tweeter; 6.5" woofer | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome 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 | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 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) | - | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Discontinued | - | Yes |
| Frequency Response | - | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | - | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| Output Power | - | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
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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) |
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Kali Audio LP-6: $298 Discontinued Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Deep bass distortion stays below the fundamental tone throughout testing, and the noise floor is low enough that hiss isn’t audible at normal listening distance. Exceptional value at $298 per pair.
Cons: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response. Distortion measurements are worse than the on-axis response alone would suggest. Diffraction causes a treble rise above 10kHz, and bass shelves down slightly in the low end. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 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