Short answer: the Kali LP-UNF. It ranks #44 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5) at $349 and is still sold new; the JBL One Series 104 ranks #93 (rated 2.8/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Kali LP-UNF is the better-sounding pick. A practical compact desktop system with USB-C, analog inputs and Bluetooth, plus extensive placement switches. The tradeoff: The 2.9dB midrange span masks local response ripples; listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.467 is behind the best monitors.
The JBL One Series 104 is the deeper-bass choice. ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its bass reaches about 45Hz before falling 3dB, against 54Hz for the Kali LP-UNF. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kali LP-UNF lacks. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Kali LP-UNF lacks. The catch: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the Kali LP-UNF. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the JBL One Series 104 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kali LP-UNF | JBL One Series 104 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.00 per pair | $129 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #44 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #93 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, USB-C (digital), RCA, TRS | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Drivers | 4.5” woofer, 1” Textile Dome tweeter | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| Sensitivity | 88.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.60 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 6.5”W x 7.4”D (254 x 165 x 188 mm) | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Amplifier Power | 160W total (Class D, 2-channel bi-amped) | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| DSP | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Kali LP-UNF: $349.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.4/5) and the Kali Audio LP-8 V2 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: A practical compact desktop system with USB-C, analog inputs and Bluetooth, plus extensive placement switches. Erin’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 54Hz and scores of 4.60 standalone and 6.67 with an ideal subwoofer. The low crossover and waveguide provide useful freedom of listening height for a two-way design, and moderate-level distortion is well controlled in the review. The 1.9kHz crossover gives vertical coverage of about ±30 to 40°, well beyond the typical ±10 to 15° of a two-way. Measured bass extension of 54Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 88.1dB.
Cons: The 2.9dB midrange span masks local response ripples; listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.467 is behind the best monitors. The review finds limiting around 91dB/1m per speaker. No dedicated subwoofer output means integration requires suitable external routing or bass management. Its strength is affordable close listening, not top-tier tonal accuracy or high-output room playback.
Full Kali LP-UNF review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 160W total (Class D, 2-channel bi-amped) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 54Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10”H x 6.5”W x 7.4”D (254 x 165 x 188 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” woofer, 1” Textile Dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 25kHz (-10dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, USB-C (digital), RCA, TRS |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 88.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.60 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.67 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 17.2 lbs (7.8 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Perfect Desktop Speaker? Kali LP-UNF.
- Erin’s Audio Corner: The Best Budget Desktop Speakers, Tested & Rated
- Erin’s Audio Corner: My Absolute Favorite Products of 2024 Revealed
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300!
- Erin’s Audio Corner Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
JBL One Series 104: $129 per pair Discontinued eBay
Pros: ASR’s powered-system measurement gives -3dB bass around 72Hz, and the compact coaxial layout is convenient for a small desk. Its internal equalization is part of the working speaker and should be included when assessing it, rather than judging the passive drivers with that correction bypassed. Measured bass extension of 45Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Even with the active system measured properly, scores are only 1.36 standalone and 4.08 with an ideal subwoofer. The 4.9dB midrange span and a high-frequency cancellation around 7.4kHz indicate significant unevenness; the review also found some vocals bright and irritating. These are results for the original 104, not a verification of the later 104-BT. Discontinued.
Full JBL One Series 104 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W total Class D (30W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 35Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 45Hz with the amplifier’s DSP bass boost active (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 9.7H x 6W x 4.9D in (per manufacturer, 104-BT) |
| Drivers | 4.5” coaxial low-frequency driver, 0.75” soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (fixed, amplifier-applied) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 1/4” TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.5 lbs (2.06 kg) (master), 3.8 lbs (1.73 kg) (slave) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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