Short answer: the APS Klasik 2020. It ranks #57 of 118 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $1,800 and is still sold new; the Kali Audio LP-8 ranks #96 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kali Audio LP-8’s replacement, the Kali Audio LP-8 V2, is rated 4.1/5.
Why pick the Kali Audio LP-8: The original LP-8 offers a large woofer, a waveguide and placement switches for affordable nearfield monitoring. The catch: First-generation amplifier noise can be distracting at a quiet desk.
The APS Klasik 2020 is the better-sounding choice. A remarkably capable analogue nearfield monitor with 100W amplification per speaker, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, and three low-frequency adjustment options. Watch for: Its all-analogue design means no streaming, Bluetooth, DSP or automatic room correction.
Buy the APS Klasik 2020. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kali Audio LP-8 is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-8 | APS Klasik 2020 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $598 per pair Discontinued | $1,800 per pair |
| Ranked | #96 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #57 of 118 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) | 14.2”H x 8.3”W x 12.6”D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each | 22 lbs (10.0 kg) each |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter | 7” (178mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| 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 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for APS Klasik 2020:
- APS Klasik 2020 vs Yamaha HS8
- APS Klasik 2020 vs Kali Audio LP-6 V2
- APS Klasik 2020 vs Kali Audio IN-8 V2
- APS Klasik 2020 vs Genelec 8050B
- APS Klasik 2020 vs JBL 4305P
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio LP-8: $598 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Kali Audio LP-8 V2, ranked higher, rated 4.1/5.
Same family: the Kali Audio LP-6 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: The original LP-8 offers a large woofer, a waveguide and placement switches for affordable nearfield monitoring.
Cons: First-generation amplifier noise can be distracting at a quiet desk. The large cabinets need substantial space, and placement switches do not replace full room correction. The response sounds a bit hooded. Discontinued.
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5”H x 10”W x 11.3”D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs (9.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Tannoy Gold 8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: Focal Alpha 80 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio LP-8 vs Presonus Eris E8 XT Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Kali Audio LP-8 vs JBL 306P MKII Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audioholics Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Adam Audio T7V
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs KRK Rokit 8 G4
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Adam Audio T8V
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs KRK Rokit 7 G4
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Edifier S3000Pro
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Edifier R2850DB
- Kali Audio LP-8 vs Focal Twin6 Be
- See all 45 comparisons
APS Klasik 2020: $1,800 per pair APS eBay
Pros: A remarkably capable analogue nearfield monitor with 100W amplification per speaker, balanced XLR and RCA inputs, and three low-frequency adjustment options. Independent review finds its response exceptionally even through the vocal range, with precise, tuneful bass, natural voices, pin-sharp imaging and unusually strong mix detail for the class.
Cons: Its all-analogue design means no streaming, Bluetooth, DSP or automatic room correction. The most extended bass setting loses some precision as volume rises, while the top end is competent rather than the system’s standout feature. It is built for a serious nearfield setup, not all-in-one convenience. It is hard to find for sale, with no dealers in the United States.
Full APS Klasik 2020 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 14.2”H x 8.3”W x 12.6”D (360.7 x 210.8 x 320 mm) |
| Drivers | 7” (178mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 22 lbs (10.0 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons