Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-8. It ranks #22 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299; the Focal Twin6 Be ranks #34 and costs $2200, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
On the Kali Audio LP-8 side: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. Set against that: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit.
The case for the Focal Twin6 Be: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. The tradeoff: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-8. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Focal Twin6 Be and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Focal Twin6 Be. 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-8 | Focal Twin6 Be | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $2,200 each |
| Ranked | #22 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #34 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 11.3"D (419.1 x 254 x 287 mm) | - |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each | - |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | - |
| Bass Extension | - | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Sensitivity | - | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
| Amplification | - | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
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- JBL 4305P vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Kali Audio LP-6 vs Focal Twin6 Be
The Two Speakers In Full
Kali Audio LP-8: $299.00 Amazon
Pros: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better.
Cons: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit. A bit of a hooded response
Full Kali Audio LP-8 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- DSAUDIO.review: Tannoy Gold 8 vs Kali Audio LP-8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- 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
- Reddit Search for Kali Audio LP-8 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Focal Twin6 Be: $2,200 each Amazon
Pros: High-output 2.5-way studio monitor with an inverted beryllium tweeter and two 6.5-inch W-composite drivers, one covering bass/midrange and the other reinforcing only 40-150Hz. Erin measured excellent harmonic distortion at both 86 and 96dB, essentially quarter-decibel dynamic compression and clean subjective output around 95dB. Mirror-configurable driver orientation, front ports, shelving/notch controls and switchable +4dBu/-10dBV input sensitivity support professional installation.
Cons: The response and directivity are not as uniformly neutral as newer waveguided three-way monitors, and Erin suspected intermodulation-related roughness even though conventional harmonic distortion was low. The amplifier plate becomes notably warm after extended operation. Hiss is more audible in -10dBV mode, and safe output can be deceptive because the speaker gives little audible warning before excessive exposure. The active design has no passive impedance or sensitivity figure; low-bass extension should be augmented for full-range mastering.
Full Focal Twin6 Be review and specifications →
| Amplification | 150W LF + 100W LF/MF + 100W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension | 40Hz manufacturer specified; Erin measured strong low-frequency linearity |
| Drivers | 1" inverted beryllium tweeter; dual 6.5" W-cone drivers |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR with +4dBu/-10dBV sensitivity |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active studio monitor) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons