Kali Audio LP-6 V2 Review – Stunning Sound And A Great Price

Kali Audio continues to innovate and iterate on its range of studio monitors. With an already stellar reputation, I was excited to see what tweaks they had to offer to their entry-level LP series. In this review, we take a deeper look at the LP-6 V2.

The Kali Audio LP-6 was already one of the best starter studio monitors on the market. The LP-6 V2 offers up that same level of quality with a few extra adjustments. Below are the highlights before we dive into the details.

Features

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 has a lot to offer creators seeking a high-quality yet affordable studio monitor. Let’s take a deeper dive into this impressive studio monitor.

Sound Quality

I’ve reviewed a few studio monitors from Kali Audio and each time they have seriously impressed me. The LP-6 V2 is no exception. This studio monitor sounds amazing.

Clarity and performance are present across the full frequency range. The highs are crisp and ultra-accurate. No harshness and these don’t come across as overly bright. Plenty of sparkle without any grating tonality.

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 delivers an ultra-flat frequency response.

The mids are full and well-rounded. Human hearing focuses on the midrange so it is often the most important element to a studio monitor’s performance. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 delivers the same level of consistent response as the highs. Rich tonality without sacrificing sonic integrity.

But the lows are my favorite. I listen to a lot of electronic music. So I’m always ultra-critical of bass response. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 delivers a warm and deep low end with plenty of punch. It’s tight, full, and as with the other frequencies ultra-accurate.

Distortion is not present and there is no monitor hiss that you may find with some other options out there. The soundstage is also broad with a generous sweet spot. 

There is nothing to complain about when it comes to sound quality. An impressive monitor that is perfectly suited to studio work. Even more impressive is how great these are considering the affordable price point.

Build Quality

Affordable entry-level monitors can suffer from poor craftsmanship. Often there is a trade-off between component quality and price. But the Kali Audio LP-6 V2 doesn’t suffer from this issue.

The cabinet is solid and scratch-resistant. Much like other monitors, it is a vinyl-wrapped MDF case. This is perfectly fine but you do need to be conscious of not exposing the cabinet to excessive heat or humidity. This can lead to the vinyl wrapping peeling.

The LP-6 V2 is both affordable and well constructed.

Component quality is also great. High-quality woofer, tweeter, and amp. The front-facing bass port is also well constructed and intelligently integrated. Air exits at an even velocity which eliminates unwanted turbulence. This keeps the low-end clean and precise. Something many monitors struggle with.

For an affordable studio monitor the LP-6 V2 punches well above its price point.

Specifications

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 is no slouch in the specs department either. It offers a 6.5-inch optimized paper woofer along with a 1-inch textile dome tweeter. With a frequency response of 47 Hz – 21 kHz at (±3 dB), there is plenty of reach and depth. But the real highlight is how consistent the response is across the range. Dips and abnormalities are not present. This is a monitor that is accurate and flat.

The precision-designed waveguide offers exceptional sound quality.

A class D amplifier offers 80 Watts of power with an even split of 40 Watts per driver. Plus there is ample headroom available with a max SPL of 115 dB. As expected if you do push it into the upper regions you’ll experience some harmonic degradation. But this is a monitor that performs at an 85dB level without the slightest hint of issues.

Tuning Options

No monitor is capable of handling every type of studio without some tweaking. The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 gives you all the tools you need to adjust to your space. A range of dip switches controls the output. These allow you to adjust both the high and low-frequency trim dependent on your studio space. You’ll also have access to adjust output based on placement. Close to a wall? No problems. Experiencing too much reflection and sharpness in the high end? Easily solved.

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 gives you full flexibility to adjust output.

The other element that stands out is the simple to understand visual guide on the back of the monitor. If you’re anything like me user manuals end up a draw along with every other user manual. I appreciate not having to dig around and having simple-to-understand access to all the relevant info directly on the monitor.

If you are a beginner these tuning options will be invaluable to get the most out of your monitors. And seasoned pros have access to all the tools they need to get the precise level of performance they require. I’ll admit the dip switches can be a little fiddly but it’s a set and forget situation so not a dealbreaker by any means.

Design

It’s always difficult to assess aesthetics when it comes to studio monitors. The sole purpose is to have a highly-functional monitor that is up to the rigors of dedicated studio work. Often this takes precedence over appearance. That is the case with the LP-6 V2. It’s a fairly ordinary and plain-looking monitor. But I don’t mind. It blends well into any studio space and doesn’t scream “look at me”. But if you want something different than the all-black look there is a white version available.

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 is also available in white.

Moving away from appearance the LP-6 V2 has other design considerations worth mentioning. Kali Audio has refined the amplifier to reduce noise and improve the top end. Considering how effective the original LP-6 was this new tweak elevates this series of monitors even further. Kali Audio has also tweaked the boundary EQ. The same effective waveguide and low noise port remain.

While on the surface these may seem like small changes they do make a notable difference to the output. More importantly, it illustrates that Kali Audio listens to feedback. They are willing to continue to innovate and push their products to be the best they can be.

Dimensions

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 is a sizeable monitor. But I do like that there is an option available beyond the standard 5 and 8-inch sizes offered by most competitors. It’s a sweet spot between the sometimes overbearing nature of an 8-inch monitor and the often underwhelming low-end performance of a 5-inch.

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 is a large studio monitor.

At 15.54 lbs (7.05 kg) it isn’t exactly super lightweight but it still falls into the same range as other monitors this size. As always I recommend good secure stands or isolation pads.

Inputs

The LP-6 V2 keeps things simple when it comes to connectivity. You’ll have access to two balanced options. A ¼ inch TRS and an XLR point. Aim to use balanced cables to minimize the possibility of unwanted noise and interference. An unbalanced RCA connection is also present. There is a dip switch available if you do use the RCA connection. This helps to balance output for maximum performance from an unbalanced RCA source. A nice and thoughtful inclusion.

The Kali Audio LP-6 V2 offers three connection options.

Beyond these basic connections, there are no further options available. No headphone jack or Bluetooth. And for me that is fine. When it comes to high-quality studio gear I’m not looking for a jack-of-all-trades but master of none. I want a monitor that is going to perform its primary role and do it well. And that is exactly what the LP-6 V2 does.

Value

The price point of the LP-6 V2 is very attractive. The sound quality alone delivers and performs well above expectations. I’ve heard monitors twice the price not sound this good.

This new model does come at a higher price than the original. But I do understand. Everything has been going up in price and you can’t ignore the cost of R&D either. Despite the jump in price, the LP-6 V2 is still one of the most impressive and affordable entry-level monitors available today.

Customer Reviews

The latest version of the popular LP-6 is still quite new but the positive reviews are already coming in. The quality of the sound profile along with the attractive price point is already making these a favorite.

What Does A Waveguide Do?

One of the questions I often see from beginners is how does a waveguide influence a monitor’s performance. This is an area that is rather technical but there are some basic principles worth understanding.

Most monitors offer a basic setup that includes a woofer and a tweeter. These two drivers are different in shape and sometimes in composition. Some materials are better at handling certain frequencies.

Waveguides help maintain an even and balanced audio profile.

Monitors will have a crossover point where certain frequencies switch from one driver to another. A smooth transition between the two is critical.

But this presents a problem where the sound can come across as uneven due to the differences in delivery. When you couple that with extra problems like sound reflections it can make a monitor sound “messy”.

This is where an intelligently designed waveguide comes into play. It assists in both horizontal and vertical delivery. It smooths out inconsistencies and reflections.

A solid waveguide also helps eliminate that awkward crossover between the two sound output sources. It merges the output to deliver a spacious soundstage where you can identify details and placement of various components of a mix.

This allows you to have maximum transparency when assessing your mix. It saves time and gives you confidence in your choices. Plus for general listening, it provides a more satisfying sound profile.

Other Options

If you are looking for studio monitors that are suited for beginners there are some other options worth considering. Here are three alternatives to the Kali Audio LP-6 V2.

PreSonus Eris E4.5 Review

If you want to stretch your budget this compact set of monitors from PreSonus is a good choice. These also feature some more consumer-friendly features.

• Good sound quality that is relatively flat but still engaging.
• Front-facing AUX and headphone jack add flexibility.
• Not as accurate as the LP-6 V2 and lacking in low-end thump.

KRK Rokit 7 G5 Review

KRK is another brand that has an excellent history in the studio monitor space. Their latest G5 series offers excellent features that set it apart from competitors.

• Advanced tuning options with an easy-to-use LCD screen.
• An iconic design that instantly catches the eye.
• Only XLR and TRS connection options.

PreSonus Eris Studio 5 Review

The upgraded version of the popular E5 XT delivers in the sound department. Super satisfying sound profile with plenty of definition and useful features.

• Warm sound profile that emphasizes the lows and highs.
• Broad sweet spot thanks to the new EBM waveguide.
• A bit unbalanced out of the box. You’ll need to tune it for a more neutral response.

Should You Buy?

Kali Audio has done it again. This latest generation of LP monitors continues on the same path of quality. The balance and sound delivery are superb. Small yet worthwhile refinements to what was already an impressive monitor. Coupled with effective and precise tuning options and an affordable price. The LP-6 V2 is among the best studio monitors for beginners available today.