Short answer: the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. It ranks #38 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.4/5, at $998. The Kali Audio LP-8 V2 ranks #74, rated 4.1/5, at $598, $400 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-8 V2: An affordable 8 inch studio monitor with bass deep enough for music without a subwoofer and low hiss at a desk. The tradeoff: The 3.8dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and 6.68 ideal-subwoofer score show less even tonality than the smaller Kali Audio LP-6 V2.
The Kali Audio IN-8 V2 is the better-sounding choice. An affordable three-way studio monitor with a coaxial mid and tweeter for clear imaging, low distortion, and useful bass. Watch for: The measured 3.0dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz includes unevenness that can make some vocals sound forward.
Buy the Kali Audio IN-8 V2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $400 you would save on the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 does not close the gap.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-8 V2 | Kali Audio IN-8 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $598 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #74 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 8” woofer | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419 x 254 x 286 mm) | 17.8”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (452.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9 kg) each | 22.9 lbs (10.4 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total, bi-amped (60W LF, 40W HF) | 140w Per Speaker |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | XLR, RCA |
| Country | United States (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.94 | 5.36 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.68 | 7.30 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Frequency Response | 37Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 36Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 44Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | - | No |
| Sensitivity | - | 89dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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