Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-8 V2. It ranks #74 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.1/5) at $598 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX8 D3 ranks #80 (rated 4.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick 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 case for the M-Audio BX8 D3: An 8 inch studio monitor with useful bass and simple analog connections for a straightforward studio setup. Watch for: A 3.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and downward tonal tilt suggest a darker, less even presentation than the leaders.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-8 V2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the M-Audio BX8 D3 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Prices on this page were last checked November 7, 2026 at 7:34 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-8 V2 | M-Audio BX8 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $598 per pair | $258 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #74 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #80 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, ported | 2-way active, rear-ported MDF |
| Drivers | 1” soft dome tweeter, 8” woofer | 1.25” silk-dome tweeter, 8” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419 x 254 x 286 mm) | 15.1H x 9.8W x 11.9D in |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9 kg) each | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total, bi-amped (60W LF, 40W HF) | 150W each (80W LF, 70W HF) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS |
| Country | United States (design) | United States (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.94 | 4.65 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.68 | 6.66 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | 37Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kali Audio LP-8 V2 compares with other leading options: