Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-6. It ranks #29 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $298; the Edifier R2850DB ranks #32 and costs $424.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Kali Audio LP-6 offers: CEA2034 spinorama shows generally flat on-axis response with excellent horizontal and vertical directivity. Watch for: Port resonance creates bumps around 900Hz-1kHz in the frequency response.
The case for the Edifier R2850DB: 3 way speaker. The tradeoff: Quite large and heavy.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-6. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier R2850DB and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R2850DB. It ranks near the bottom of the 40 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-6 | Edifier R2850DB | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $298 Discontinued | $424.99 |
| Ranked | #29 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #32 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 42Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Dimensions | 14.1"H x 8.8"W x 10.3"D (358.8 x 222.3 x 260.4 mm) | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 16.1 lbs / 7.3 kg each | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
| Drivers | 6.5" woofer, 1" textile dome tweeter | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 80W total (40W LF, 40W HF) | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Adam Audio T8V vs KRK Rokit 7 G4
- Thomann Swissonic A306 vs KRK Rokit 8 G4
- Kali Audio LP-6 V2 vs KRK Rokit 7 G4
- Edifier R2850DB vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Adam Audio T7V vs Edifier R2850DB
The Two Speakers In Full
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
Edifier R2850DB: $424.99 Amazon
Pros: 3 way speaker. Deeper bass and more of a fun listen compared to the neutral sound of the HS8. Shockingly close to the HS8 at half the price.
Cons: Quite large and heavy
Full Edifier R2850DB review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 18.1"H x 10.1"W x 12.4"D (459.7 x 256.5 x 315 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" (203mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 42Hz-20KHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Output Power | 75w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 50.7 lbs / 23 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Edifier R2850DB vs Focal Twin6 Be
- Edifier R2850DB vs JBL 306P MKII
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Nines
- Edifier R2850DB vs Genelec 8341A
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio S2V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Adam Audio T7V
- Edifier R2850DB vs Klipsch The Sevens
- Edifier R2850DB vs Emotiva Airmotiv 6s
- See all 19 comparisons