Thanks for the opportunity and for sponsoring this video. I would've worn it, but I recorded the review part prior to the ad section. I really think it's a ton of value for the price. It keeps time as accurately as my Rolex Submariner. The only one that is more accurate is my Grand Seiko Snowflake, but that spring drive beats pretty much all mechanical movements.
Looking awesome! That 45 degree horizontal response is pretty insane! My one nitpick of studio monitors that use DSP is I wish they would also include a digital input so you don't have to go through an extra A/D-D/A conversion. Also excited to see if they come out with an even smaller desktop version. I think they hinted that at the last summit.
This is such an underrated video, thank you. I traveled to a different country with these and I'm gonna test em tomorrow, I've never tried monitors before.
@joentell I got Kali Audio LP6v2s a while back and have been loving them while running them through a Motu M2 Audio Interface. I am looking for a subwoofer to add to my setup and I am wondering if you have advice on a sub that would suit this setup. but also some advice on the best way to wire it up? Do I need a different interface or can I get away with some creative cabling. I would prefer to use only balanced Mogami TRS cabling but it does not look like I have the available outputs. Cheers Ben
Yeah, if you made the Uni-Fi Reference powered with active crossovers and added DSP correction, you might have something similar since they're both concentric designs with front ports and a 6.5" woofer. The fact that these are $400/pr and have built-in amplification is nuts.
I bought a pair of these and returned them the next day after A/B'ing them against my old Alesis monitors as these failed in comparison. I cannot recommend them at all. The studio I work in often has Dynaudio speakers which sound great, so I know good sound and these don't have it. Save your money.
Had a question about the volume...? They seem to have a rather low spl as compared to other monitors in their rough price range. I generally mix harder rock music rather loudly. I have Mackie hr 824's and ns10m's and am looking for a 6.5 inch monitor that can hit.
Are these a lot better than wharfedale 12.1? Could you share a few reasons why you ranked them higher? Kali lp6v2 is about $400 for me, and I can set up Wharfedale 12.0 + Aiyima A07 for $300 or Diamond 12.2 with Aiyima A07 for $350. Desktop use. Funny how this is the first ever time I see someone comparing active speakers with passive speakers, even big channels like cheapaudioman never did that, which is funny because a lot of people use jbl 305 and kali speakers.
These speakers are designed to be placed so that your ear is aligned between the tweeter and woofer, also they are not designed to sit on their side. If for some reason your desk sitting position is too low, you can place them upside down for better alignment. The in5's are designed to be able to sit on it's side, if desired. so correct again. This was from a livestream from kali.
Good point about placing speakers upside down if necessary. It's still advisable to raise the speaker if possible to reduce the first reflection from the desk and tweeter when upside down.
How do these conpare to JBL 306P MK2? Not going to use rhem for monitoring but for music listening. I prefer a slight v shape sound signature and look for a nice and wide soundstage.
You probably need y-splitters to split THE RCA signal. The Kali Audio Sub has XLR inputs and outputs. For a Mac, you will likely want an audio interface with 1/4 balanced TRS or XLR outputs. A 3.5mm to RCA cable should work too if you want to go direct from the computer.
why did they drop off the top of the top-end? they seem to sacrifice air/sparkle in the sound. maybe some metal-coated domes are in order for the next ones.
I don't see where you're seeing that in the response. I measured them out to 20khz and they probably extend out a bit further than that. The high frequency roll-off occurs off-axis which is a normal and expected occurrence.
@@joentell ruclips.net/video/STR16lZhipg/видео.html The difference is staggering. I dont know maybe its the downward tilt that makes them sound so dark, nevertheless; I dont like it. not the balance for me I guess. If they were linear straight I think it would be a different story. but they are cheap so...
@@rsvp9816 that downward tilt is what seems to be a measurement from the listening position a certain distance away. Depending on the distance from the speakers and the way the speakers interact with the room, that will determine the overall sound. If you have bright speakers and get far from them, the natural downward tilt of the high frequencies might make them sound or look more "flat" but it's been shown that still is perceived as too bright when in person. We, as humans, have evolved to understand that high frequencies decrease when you get further from them. For example, if a speaker measures flat at the MLP (main listening position) 8ft away, most people will perceive that as bright. The biggest determinant of how neutral a speaker is, is an anechoic measurement of that speaker.
Using a pair of Kali IN8's for music listening. These can be used in the mid field and have more bass from the 8'' bass driver. The mid and treble handled by a coaxial speaker unit with the mid unit acting as a wave guide.
@@DinkyBoo Yes, I like these speakers. Mine are the original version. The newer version has doped paper drivers and are supposed to run quieter as some complained about speaker generated noise. I have to say that mine don't generate any noise but I run with XLR connections only.
Just some basic 2" square ones from Amazon. It's to reduce the echo the mic captures when I'm recording my voice. I actually got white ones previously, but they got discolored and turned yellow. Instead of taking them down, I stacked the black ones over them to make a 4" foam wall. Affiliate link amzn.to/3vuzHYN
I'm really trying to see a comparison between these Lp6 V2's and the Adam Audio T5V's because they seem to both be the best "budget" pair of studio monitors meaning can be had for 4-500 or less, I'm sure they're both great but there can only be one king
@@joentell i like a volume knob, im trying out an interface. (I don't record) Possibly a dac in the future. Im super excited. I bought these based on your recommendation and the fact that it has no hiss
Not an Herman Miller Aeron. 😁 It was some chair I got from Staples and it has lasted years! Here it is on Amazon. Affiliate link ahead! amzn.to/3ON0Xcz
From pure sound quality, I would say yes. Keep in mind they have an active crossover and DSP that gives them a big advantage. The R200's still have more bass output.
@@joentell measurement wise, it seems the on axis and LW are a wee bit better than these. Any particular area these are better than the r200, objectively of course.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I would have to look at both measurements, but from memory, these are more accurate. The R200's had a slightly rising treble response if I remember correctly and the directivity index wasn't as linear making the off-axis response on these more consistent with its on-axis response.
@@joentell Hello Joe, so which one from Polk R200, Kali LP6v2 or IN5 (or perhaps IN8) would you recommend for placing in living room (16,5 ft x 12 ft) near to the back wall for a normal music listening and movies ? Thank you
@@patrig4586 it depends if you will apply DSP and whether you will use a sub. It really depends on the rest of your gear. If you can integrate these with a sub, I think you'll have a pretty awesome experience.
Your shoulders are looking thicc! Have you been hitting the gym lately? More to the point of the video, these are the no holds barred value champs for objectively excellent audio imo! Thanks for reviewing them!
Expensive is a relative term. I completely understand though. I think most people who aren't into audio at all would only want to spend $100-$200 max on desktop speakers. They're probably looking at Edifier, Audio Engine, Kanto etc. These will outperform those when it comes to sound quality, bass output, and pure accuracy.
@@joentell Yes... You are right... But I have a different perspective towards the "expensive" and "quality" of a product... I have SONY MHC RV60 sitting in my lounge is a $400 piece of shit. I have F&D (Fenda Audio) r60bt which is, I think way better than the SONY surround (btw I love the "matrix surround" mode) system at a much lesser price... So price does not justify value at all... "Premium" is just a price tag, all that glitters is not gold.
Some watches are luxury watches and are marketed as such making no claims to keeping better time than less expensive quartz watches. They're a bit more honest, that it's about prestige, exclusivity, and status symbols. I think high-end HiFi could learn a thing or two from them. My issue is with the claims some companies make. Honesty is important to me.
Obsessed with our spotlight! Thank you!!!
Thanks for the opportunity and for sponsoring this video. I would've worn it, but I recorded the review part prior to the ad section. I really think it's a ton of value for the price. It keeps time as accurately as my Rolex Submariner. The only one that is more accurate is my Grand Seiko Snowflake, but that spring drive beats pretty much all mechanical movements.
Looking awesome! That 45 degree horizontal response is pretty insane! My one nitpick of studio monitors that use DSP is I wish they would also include a digital input so you don't have to go through an extra A/D-D/A conversion. Also excited to see if they come out with an even smaller desktop version. I think they hinted that at the last summit.
You always come in with insightful comments. I always enjoy seeing your responses.
@@joentell Thanks Joe!
This is such an underrated video, thank you. I traveled to a different country with these and I'm gonna test em tomorrow, I've never tried monitors before.
@joentell I got Kali Audio LP6v2s a while back and have been loving them while running them through a Motu M2 Audio Interface. I am looking for a subwoofer to add to my setup and I am wondering if you have advice on a sub that would suit this setup. but also some advice on the best way to wire it up? Do I need a different interface or can I get away with some creative cabling. I would prefer to use only balanced Mogami TRS cabling but it does not look like I have the available outputs.
Cheers
Ben
Very nice, looks wise they remind me a little of the ELAC Reference, so they look good, and measusure very well. Nice review Joe. 👍👍
Yeah, if you made the Uni-Fi Reference powered with active crossovers and added DSP correction, you might have something similar since they're both concentric designs with front ports and a 6.5" woofer. The fact that these are $400/pr and have built-in amplification is nuts.
@@joentell haha yeah 👍
I bought a pair of these and returned them the next day after A/B'ing them against my old Alesis monitors as these failed in comparison. I cannot recommend them at all. The studio I work in often has Dynaudio speakers which sound great, so I know good sound and these don't have it. Save your money.
Had a question about the volume...? They seem to have a rather low spl as compared to other monitors in their rough price range. I generally mix harder rock music rather loudly. I have Mackie hr 824's and ns10m's and am looking for a 6.5 inch monitor that can hit.
Getting these in white, they look great!
Those Relio Solstice watches are fire 🔥 😍. Very affordable luxury watches as well
Yessir! The more I wear it, the more I appreciate what it is at it's price point. You know me, I'm all about high value prop.
I wonder how they compare with my neumann kh120, as a second pair could be nice
I've never reviewed those. I've heard good things though
Are these a lot better than wharfedale 12.1? Could you share a few reasons why you ranked them higher?
Kali lp6v2 is about $400 for me, and I can set up Wharfedale 12.0 + Aiyima A07 for $300 or Diamond 12.2 with Aiyima A07 for $350. Desktop use.
Funny how this is the first ever time I see someone comparing active speakers with passive speakers, even big channels like cheapaudioman never did that, which is funny because a lot of people use jbl 305 and kali speakers.
These speakers are designed to be placed so that your ear is aligned between the tweeter and woofer, also they are not designed to sit on their side. If for some reason your desk sitting position is too low, you can place them upside down for better alignment.
The in5's are designed to be able to sit on it's side, if desired. so correct again.
This was from a livestream from kali.
Good point about placing speakers upside down if necessary. It's still advisable to raise the speaker if possible to reduce the first reflection from the desk and tweeter when upside down.
I am vietnamese.. you ask me is.. is this speaker good for mixing vocals compared to the M_AUDIO RX 8.speaker ? hope you can answer. THANK YOU
I haven't tried the M Audio. See which one has the flatter frequency response.
@@joentell Do you think Kali lp6 v2 mix vocals or not.. give me your opinion
How do these conpare to JBL 306P MK2? Not going to use rhem for monitoring but for music listening. I prefer a slight v shape sound signature and look for a nice and wide soundstage.
I like these better because they had less hiss than the 306P I reviewed
Kick butt watch! NIce great review on the Kali
Are they using paper cones ?
From a Mac, the connection is the 1/8 to 1/4 using an adapter right? How would you incorporate a sub in a desktop setup?
You probably need y-splitters to split THE RCA signal. The Kali Audio Sub has XLR inputs and outputs. For a Mac, you will likely want an audio interface with 1/4 balanced TRS or XLR outputs. A 3.5mm to RCA cable should work too if you want to go direct from the computer.
why did they drop off the top of the top-end? they seem to sacrifice air/sparkle in the sound. maybe some metal-coated domes are in order for the next ones.
I don't see where you're seeing that in the response. I measured them out to 20khz and they probably extend out a bit further than that. The high frequency roll-off occurs off-axis which is a normal and expected occurrence.
@@joentell ruclips.net/video/STR16lZhipg/видео.html The difference is staggering. I dont know maybe its the downward tilt that makes them sound so dark, nevertheless; I dont like it. not the balance for me I guess. If they were linear straight I think it would be a different story. but they are cheap so...
@@rsvp9816 that downward tilt is what seems to be a measurement from the listening position a certain distance away. Depending on the distance from the speakers and the way the speakers interact with the room, that will determine the overall sound. If you have bright speakers and get far from them, the natural downward tilt of the high frequencies might make them sound or look more "flat" but it's been shown that still is perceived as too bright when in person. We, as humans, have evolved to understand that high frequencies decrease when you get further from them. For example, if a speaker measures flat at the MLP (main listening position) 8ft away, most people will perceive that as bright. The biggest determinant of how neutral a speaker is, is an anechoic measurement of that speaker.
It may be a silly question, but how do I connect the parts to my AMP with RCA if they only have a single connection? Can anyone tell me?
Using a pair of Kali IN8's for music listening. These can be used in the mid field and have more bass from the 8'' bass driver. The mid and treble handled by a coaxial speaker unit with the mid unit acting as a wave guide.
I was really interested in those. How do you like them?
@@DinkyBoo Yes, I like these speakers. Mine are the original version. The newer version has doped paper drivers and are supposed to run quieter as some complained about speaker generated noise. I have to say that mine don't generate any noise but I run with XLR connections only.
Hey what's the best setting for bass on the back with those white switches? I got mine on a desktop hooked up to a computer with an audio interface..
Depends on the location. Follow the images on the back and it will tell you based on where you have them placed.
Truly the measurements speaks for themselves.
Exactly!
Also the speakers seem great!!
If you know someone who makes music. Hint hint ..😉
How are they for stero/home theater listening at about 8 feet away?
Very good. I could recommend it for that use case.
How would you compare these to the I N 5's???
They're both really good. I like the IN-5's because of the concentric setup leading to a larger sweet spot vertically
Can they be used for computer speakers
That's how I use them
What kind of sound treatment do you have on the walls? They look awesome.
Just some basic 2" square ones from Amazon. It's to reduce the echo the mic captures when I'm recording my voice. I actually got white ones previously, but they got discolored and turned yellow. Instead of taking them down, I stacked the black ones over them to make a 4" foam wall. Affiliate link amzn.to/3vuzHYN
@@joentell I mean the black triangle looking things all over the wall. :)
@@rayjuarez5111 here comes another affiliate link! amzn.to/38zAhLN
These are mainly for decoration. I haven't tested how well they work as diffusers
@@joentell you're the best man!!
I'm really trying to see a comparison between these Lp6 V2's and the Adam Audio T5V's because they seem to both be the best "budget" pair of studio monitors meaning can be had for 4-500 or less, I'm sure they're both great but there can only be one king
At that point, I would say look at the frequency response graphs and off-axis response. Then go by features, looks, and brand.
Would you say the IN-5's are much better than both of these? Thanks in advance
@@Slicktune same. On the fence of saving up for IN5 or this
Would i be okay going 3.5 to 1/8 directly from my motherboard?
You can
@@joentell i like a volume knob, im trying out an interface. (I don't record) Possibly a dac in the future. Im super excited. I bought these based on your recommendation and the fact that it has no hiss
hey joe, what chair are you using?
Not an Herman Miller Aeron. 😁 It was some chair I got from Staples and it has lasted years! Here it is on Amazon. Affiliate link ahead! amzn.to/3ON0Xcz
So do i need to buy 2 of these AND an amp? Thanks
They have built-in amplifiers. You need an audio interface or preamp
You rating them above the in-5s?
I am. I gave my caveats in the video. It depends on positioning. I think these are a more neutral response.
@@joentell very interesting, thanks! Have you had a chance to test Kali IN-8s by any chance?
@@dharmaone77 no bud my buddy Erin at @erinsaudiocorner has. It looks equally impressive
How can i add a sub to these?
I answered that in another comment
weaksauce. i posted my comment FIVE hours before his. this is childish. KEEP MY WIFES NAME
Wow... higher than the R200s?
From pure sound quality, I would say yes. Keep in mind they have an active crossover and DSP that gives them a big advantage. The R200's still have more bass output.
@@joentell measurement wise, it seems the on axis and LW are a wee bit better than these. Any particular area these are better than the r200, objectively of course.
@@AbsoluteFidelity I would have to look at both measurements, but from memory, these are more accurate. The R200's had a slightly rising treble response if I remember correctly and the directivity index wasn't as linear making the off-axis response on these more consistent with its on-axis response.
@@joentell Hello Joe, so which one from Polk R200, Kali LP6v2 or IN5 (or perhaps IN8) would you recommend for placing in living room (16,5 ft x 12 ft) near to the back wall for a normal music listening and movies ? Thank you
@@patrig4586 it depends if you will apply DSP and whether you will use a sub. It really depends on the rest of your gear. If you can integrate these with a sub, I think you'll have a pretty awesome experience.
Your shoulders are looking thicc! Have you been hitting the gym lately?
More to the point of the video, these are the no holds barred value champs for objectively excellent audio imo! Thanks for reviewing them!
Yeah, no gym, but I need to. 🙏 These offer so much at this price point.
nice,
sir KLH M5 review
Good but expensive...
Expensive is a relative term. I completely understand though. I think most people who aren't into audio at all would only want to spend $100-$200 max on desktop speakers. They're probably looking at Edifier, Audio Engine, Kanto etc. These will outperform those when it comes to sound quality, bass output, and pure accuracy.
@@joentell Yes... You are right... But I have a different perspective towards the "expensive" and "quality" of a product... I have SONY MHC RV60 sitting in my lounge is a $400 piece of shit. I have F&D (Fenda Audio) r60bt which is, I think way better than the SONY surround (btw I love the "matrix surround" mode) system at a much lesser price... So price does not justify value at all... "Premium" is just a price tag, all that glitters is not gold.
@@PaperBoat. that's why I do my Speaker Leaderboard. Http://bit.ly/SpeakerLeaderboard
I try to find the best value at different price points
@@joentell Thanks for your response... I earnestly appreciate your work... 💓
Joe doesn't understand the prices of hifi but he's into watches. Wierd.
Some watches are luxury watches and are marketed as such making no claims to keeping better time than less expensive quartz watches. They're a bit more honest, that it's about prestige, exclusivity, and status symbols. I think high-end HiFi could learn a thing or two from them. My issue is with the claims some companies make. Honesty is important to me.
Most studio subs have a loop out to go to the mains with the option of rolling off the low end to the monitors...