Short answer: the PSI Audio A21-M if sound quality matters most, the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 if price matters most. The PSI Audio A21-M ranks #19 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.5/5, at $7,440. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 ranks #25, rated 4.4/5, at $398, $7,042 cheaper.
What the PSI Audio A21-M does well: ASR measured 39.6Hz -3dB extension and a 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, giving useful bass and broadly even mids. The catch: The measured tonal result is good rather than a clear advance over less costly competitors.
The case for the Kali Audio LP-6 V2: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The catch: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness.
Buy the PSI Audio A21-M if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
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Specifications Side By Side
| PSI Audio A21-M | Kali Audio LP-6 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $7,440 per pair | $398 per pair |
| Ranked | #19 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 68 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | - |
| Drivers | 27mm handmade dome tweeter, 172mm cone woofer | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 9.8”W x 11.8”D (400 x 250 x 300 mm) | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) each | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 335W total (280W woofer, 55W tweeter, Class A/B) | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-23kHz -6dB | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz | - |
| Warranty | 5+1 years | - |
| Country | Switzerland | - |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB short term, 121dB peak (manufacturer specified) | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 | 5.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.72 | 7.48 |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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 |
| DSP | - | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 30, 2026 at 2:57 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
PSI Audio A21-M: $7,440 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR measured 39.6Hz -3dB extension and a 2.2dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, giving useful bass and broadly even mids. Its 7.72 ideal-subwoofer score supports serious monitoring, with analog phase compensation offering an alternative to DSP-based systems. Measured bass extension of 39.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured tonal result is good rather than a clear advance over less costly competitors. There is no built-in automatic room-calibration system, so placement or external correction still matters. The premium construction and analog circuitry should not be mistaken for proof of better audible performance.
Full PSI Audio A21-M review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 335W total (280W woofer, 55W tweeter, Class A/B) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 33.2Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 39.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.4kHz |
| Dimensions | 15.7”H x 9.8”W x 11.8”D (400 x 250 x 300 mm) |
| Drivers | 27mm handmade dome tweeter, 172mm cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 38Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR (balanced analog) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB short term, 121dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.72 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Warranty | 5+1 years |
| Weight | 28.2 lbs (12.8 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kali Audio LP-6 V2: $398 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Kali Audio LP-6 (ranked lower, rated 4.3/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give a 7.48 ideal-subwoofer score and 42.5Hz -3dB bass extension, a strong combination for an affordable nearfield monitor. The waveguide and placement switches help with practical setup, and the second generation improves close-range noise behavior. Measured bass extension of 42Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.5dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz leaves some tonal unevenness. Vertical crossover behavior makes ear-height placement important, and compression limits loud bass playback. Its good tonal score is not evidence of the output capability of a much larger monitor.
Full Kali Audio LP-6 V2 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W LF + 40W HF per speaker; Bi-amplified Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39.1Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes; boundary presets and LF/HF trims |
| Dimensions | 14.1”H x 8.8”W x 10.2”D |
| Drivers | 1” soft-dome tweeter; 6.5” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, balanced TRS and RCA |
| Maximum SPL | Approximately 102dB per pair with good measured linearity (Erin’s Audio Corner) (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.53 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.48 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.5 lbs (7.05 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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