Short answer: the Kali Audio LP-8. It ranks #22 of 40 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299; the JBL 308P MKII ranks #24 and costs $498, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-8: Note the newer V2 is out which could be a little better. The tradeoff: Eris 8 has this beat by a little bit.
What the JBL 308P MKII gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. The catch: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz.
Buy the Kali Audio LP-8. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 308P MKII and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kali Audio LP-8 | JBL 308P MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.00 | $498 |
| Ranked | #22 of 40 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 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) | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 21kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA | - |
| Weight | 19.8 lbs / 9.0 kg each | not published by manufacturer |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" soft dome tweeter | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| DSP | No | No |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 112W total |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Adam Audio T8V vs Edifier R2850DB
- Adam Audio T7V vs Presonus Eris Studio 8
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Adam Audio T8V
- Kali Audio IN-8 vs Kali Audio LP-8
- Focal Alpha 65 EVO vs Kali Audio LP-8
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 |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- 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
JBL 308P MKII: $498 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows an essentially flat on-axis response from 45Hz to above 15kHz, with almost no directivity error. Dual 56W Class D amps drive an 8” woofer and 1” tweeter with a smooth, imperceptible crossover transition. Excellent value at $498 per pair.
Cons: A resonance shows up around 18kHz and a slight dip around 1.4kHz. An electronic limiter creates measurable anomalies around 96dB, and maximum clean output tops out around 105dB SPL before heavy limiting kicks in. Some audible tweeter hiss at close range.
Full JBL 308P MKII review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 82Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 16.5"H x 10"W x 12.1"D (419.1 x 254 x 307.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 8" woofer, 1" neodymium tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 112W total |
| Weight | not published by manufacturer |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons