Kali LP-8 | The Studio Monitor Review You've ALL Been Asking For!

EVERYONE is talking about the Kali LP-8 nearfield studio monitor. We finally got our hands on a pair, but are these really the best studio monitors money can buy for under $500, or is it all marketing hype? Find out in this video!
Check out our FREE test master service at:
www.presentday...
Join our new discord server at:
www.presentday...
To receive a 7% discount (and earn us a tiny commission) on a DistroKid subscription and increase your chances of higher ranking on Apple Music and Spotify playlists (assuming Mark has mastered your tracks, that is!) and help use this link:
distrokid.com/...
If you would like to send us new and interesting products for review, or are interested in a collaboration, please email us at:
[e-mail]
If you enjoy our content and would like to make a small PayPal donation to the channel (it gets pretty expensive pretty quickly to make these videos!), then we would be eternally grateful, and give you a shout-out in the next video!
www.cosmic-aud...
If you'd like to use Epidemic Sound's extensive library of well-recorded music as a fantastic learning tool, as well as being able to use it in your own content for KZbin, Facebook or Instagram, follow this link (We earn a small commission which supports the channel):
share.epidemics...
Alternatively, if you'd like to try out a personal Epidemic Sound subscription at a reduced price, follow this link:
share.epidemics...
We are also now Waves Ambassadors and we will be bringing some epic content alongside Waves!
Please follow this link for our PresentDayProduction partnership with Waves plugins (We earn a small commission which supports the channel):
waves.alzt.net/JrqZ47

[@dawnpoint]

Your ears are certainly better than mine! I can definitely tell that my LP-8s are WAY better than my old KRKs. I have zero complaints about them. For the price they're absolutely incredible. I do think they're the best value.

[@kaliaudio]

First of all, we absolutely do not endorse any of the modifications that are suggested in this video. In addition to the concern (more below) that you might break something while attempting these modifications, we have no data to suggest that the addition of cross-bracing or extra mass would be beneficial. A problematic resonance would be clear to see in the speaker's directivity index measurement. Unaffiliated reviewers have collected this data on their own, and it's not clear that any such resonance exists. You can peruse this data for yourself: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g6Oblnmnq8mCZsU Now, why is it a bad idea to modify your speakers in the manner suggested? For starters, any time you take apart the product, you risk breaking something. Maybe you strip a screw, maybe you slice a wire, maybe you bend a component on the amp. You've voided your warranty to make a broken speaker. Adding things inside the speaker also introduces the risk that those things are going to move around and buzz. More importantly, speaker manufacturers who know what they're doing (and I would happily include any of our serious competitors in this statement) have taken careful time to engineer the loudspeaker system for a certain amount of acoustic volume. By adding things inside the speaker cabinet, you're taking away from that acoustic volume. This can negatively affect the frequency response of the speaker and the behavior of the port tube. In other words, you're taking a carefully engineered system and adding unknown factors that work against that careful engineering. We've taken the time to measure the average response in this video of the original speaker and the modified version. The modified version is 2-4 dB hotter between 200 and 700 Hz, with a ~10 dB spike at 600 Hz. Interestingly, if your concern was "boxiness," this is exactly the region that you'd want to be less pronounced. This could simply be from the difference of the speakers' position in the room relative to the microphone. But the takeaway is this: the best case conclusion from what's being presented here is that uncontrolled factors in capturing the sound make for an invalid comparison between the two speakers. It is entirely possible that the modifications that were made have negatively affected the performance of the modified speaker. We are happy to share this data via email upon request. Finally, we have to take umbrage with the suggestion that the measurement data that we present publicly in inaccurate. As far as we are aware, Kali Audio is the only manufacturer at this price point that supplies full resolution measurement data of our systems. We also HEAVILY encourage the collection and presentation of measurements by 3rd parties, because we know that our systems will stand up to this kind of scrutiny. Our published data matches that of these 3rd parties very well. We also have good psychoacoustic science on our side to suggest that the anechoic and in-room behavior of our speakers correlates to a standard which makes them highly useful studio tools as well as generally pleasant speakers for listening. We're always open to feedback, and we take criticism seriously. Any time we can make an improvement in regards to the value of our products, we strive to do so. That said, the suggestion that improvements are necessary has to be supported by actionable measurement or demonstration. That is not presented here.

[@metalman3227]

^^This

[@UncleBenjs]

Kali: We're always open to feedback ME: Doesn't look like it

[@UncleBenjs]

Kali Audio, How are you going to address the clipping/popping distortion in the bass that people are experiencing with these monitors, as your company is aware there is a design/build issue/flaw causing this? Just curious from what I have been reading, and thankful that I don't have Kali's myself so I'm not experiencing it.

[@kaliaudio]

@Wayne Brown Of course there's a measurable difference. We measured it. The modified speaker seems to perform worse. We can send you those measurements. James complained of "boxiness," which would typically be interpreted as a boost between 200 and 900 Hz. In the video, their modified speaker has a measurable boost in exactly this frequency range. It is entirely possible that the difference in response and between the two speakers is due to the fact that one speaker is in a different position in the room, and this isn't a lot of data to go on, which is why I'm hesitant to just come out and say "the modified speaker is worse." "But I thought it sounded better!" This is a common psychoacoustic trick that they've set up. They've primed the viewer that there is a problem with the speaker (there isn't), and they've presented an alternative. If you spent time listening to the modified speaker with familiar reference material, I doubt very much that you would prefer the modified version.

[@kaliaudio]

@Wayne Brown Our products are not poorly made. No product in this category is designed to be serviced by the user. I can guarantee you that someone is going to watch this video, attempt to modify their speakers, and break their speakers in the process. Their warranty will be void, and so they'll be out a few hundred dollars.

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

FWIW, if you want to send me your modified speaker I’ll be happy to put it on my $120k USD Klippel Near Field Scanner and provide the community with anechoic (objective) data. We can compare that directly with my existing measurements of the LP8v2. Then you’ll know for sure what impact your mod has. Let me know. - Erin

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

No takers?

[@metalman3227]

@@ErinsAudioCorner LOL what a surprise!

[@ErinsAudioCorner]

Just checking in. Again, I’m offering objective data for your mod if you are willing to send it to me, modded. I will publish it publicly and you can use the data for a follow up video if you’d like. Let me know. - Erin

[@PresentDayProduction]

Hi Erin, We’ve been speaking with Kali about the results of our modding and as much as we’d love to send the speakers over to you, KZbin revenue for this video doesn’t come close to the shipping cost. We have some great points that were given to us by Kali in a follow up email shortly after the video was released, and we’re working on a video discussing this information. Also, we’re well aware that the mod added a slight bump between 200-700Hz, even from our own testing, which is the opposite to what we wanted, but that’s the point of experimenting, to see what happens!

[@elvinsontaveras7125]

plis

[@kadiummusic]

I have the 3-way IN-5's (£500) in a fairly small room and I absolutely love them, would be really interesting to see you review them or the IN-8's.

[@LaidbackSounds]

how do you like the high mids and the highs its an areai m worried and make me hesitate to buy them. Seems recessed a bit no ?

[@kadiummusic]

@@LaidbackSounds The detail in the mids is very good, I was using iLouds before and though are very good little monitors the extra detail was really noticeable. I haven't had a problem with the highs, they're certainly not aggressive. I have a pair of DT 1990 Pro's for headphones and they are slightly edgy around the 4k range so I try to find a nice balance between the two which seems to work well. There are some very good highly detailed reviews on the IN's, I was really set on getting a pair of Adams but the three-way set-up and the reviews swung me and as of yet I don't regret it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iYCQfp-qpq-ah6c

[@LaidbackSounds]

@@kadiummusic thanks very much for the time you took to reply i appreciate will check it out thanks again

[@NucoKun]

The in5 has very good bass and midrange, but the high frequencies may be a bit lacking. but anyway they sound great.

[@robertlevasseur8896]

I just got the Kalis after extensive review. They punch out of their league. Very happy with the decision.

[@claymusic640]

I think what makes them so great for starters is that they are so adjustable to the room. That's just a great feature which not many monitors have...

[@MercyNoMore]

I've only had mine for 2 weeks but absolutely love them so far.

[@randomwang6668]

I must say that seems the problem you have on your LP8s doesn't happen to my LP6s. Maybe it's because the front baffle and cabinent are not big enough to resonate. According to my poor knowledge of speaker design, the bigger cabinet, the thicker material and more reinforcement inside should be used. And since opening the speaker will break your warranty and adding material inside the cabinet will affect the low-end frequency, maybe making a bigger box with some thick plywood and putting the LP8 inside to reinforce it is a better idea?

[@MartinFellerMusic]

I'd love to see a review of the HEDD Audio type 07 mk2 monitors. They seem to have a lot of features to them. Great video as always!

[@natelivingston5528]

The bit with the spoon made me fall off my chair! Love you guys!

[@KK-hp5bl]

Thank you so much for your honesty..... instantly subscribed after that video...

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thanks for the sub!

[@SurrealisticEvening]

This speaker, among many others, has been measured by Erin's Audio Corner and Klippel Scanner indeed found that there is a resonance in the midrange, around 500-1000 Hz, so nothing new here. Perhaps this accounts for the perceived "boxiness" or the "chesty" sound as the other reviewer described it. Cabinet or baffle resonances are very easy to show in a simple FR or waterfall graph. So yes, the LP series is overly hyped but I don't think that anyone claimed that these are among the best budget monitors from a build quality point of view (which is indeed similar to other brands like T series Adam) but rather that there is some excellent engineering going on, especially in the IN series (these being three-way coincident monitors, thus having better imaging, wider sweet spot, better vertical directivity, lower IMD e.t.c.) which retails for 600-800 USD a pair and at this admittedly low price point is incredible what one can buy nowadays. If there is real competition for that amount of money for a three-way coaxial, I would like to know! I am pretty sure that the IN-8 has the same cheapish construction and resonant cabinet and plastic front baffle and I know because I own one! But sound wise they are an upgrade over typical two-way monitors and much more fun to not just mix but also listen to.

[@michaeltablet8577]

Thank you so very much for all your videos! Always helpful!

[@uptownphotography]

I didn't watch this one yet James, other then the intro, but the review from you guys I'd like to see is with the Kali Audio IN-8 (v2) 3 way monitors. I have been considering those monitors since V2 was released. Be well...talk soon. Phil NYC Area

[@PresentDayProduction]

If I can get my hands on a pair, then yeah, for sure!

[@uptownphotography]

@@PresentDayProduction Well, now I had a chance to watch this review it's super well done video. I hope the IN-8 v2s don't spec out with similar results. Funny, I was also considering either the T7V or T8V Adam Audio monitors as well...I'll keep the jury out on which to possibly buy until I get more info and it would great too if you get your hands on a pair of In-8 v2s for review. One nice detail, which I didn't realize is you get an energetic cat with these Kali monitors. That's a definite plus... Phil NYC Area

[@andriusraupelis569]

@@PresentDayProduction I can land pair of IN8 v1 already dampened if you want.

[@WhiskyTanuki]

Looking forward to the IN-8 2nd Wave review!

[@PresentDayProduction]

I don’t think Kali will be sending us any more speakers 🤣

[@SG-4u]

Great review. Please do the new Kali IN-8 V2!

[@davelassell]

Honesty is the best policy. Thanks, guys.

[@danielriker5621]

Finally somebody who doesn't get blinded by money (like 99% of the youtubers) and tells the truth.

[@sonaredj2289]

Very interesting, and as always a very truthful and informative review. I'm really interested in the 3 way In-8's, however, now I'm concerned that these will have the same issues as highlighted in this video. Have you's any plans to review them in the very near future? Thanks.

[@PresentDayProduction]

Hi Sonãre, I can get in touch with Kali and see if they will give us a pair, you’ll find out soon enough if I can!

[@sonaredj2289]

@@PresentDayProduction Thank you, fingers crossed.

[@AfferbeckBeats]

Those interest me too, I always like the idea of getting 3-ways, but I don't like the idea of robbing a bank to get definitely good ones.

[@Downhillbound]

@@PresentDayProduction This would be great to see - Fingers crossed

[@Left2See]

Are you going to review the Kali IN-8's, too? They are double the price (300€ street price) and I'm considering to buy them over the Yamaha HS-8's.

[@PresentDayProduction]

If we can get our hands on a pair, then yes!

[@Left2See]

@@PresentDayProduction Thanks a lot!

[@ItsSvetsi]

I really love how you guys properly and objectively articulate the subjective terms like "boxiness" and "clarity", etc. It's something I've always thought needs to be done far more often when discussing audio and it's nice to see you do it consistently.

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thank you Svetsi!

[@andrewstevenson3807]

I’ve got the mk1 IN8’s paired with the Kali sub as an extra pair of reference monitors. Cracking sound for the price. But the hiss is an absolute pain in the a*rse.

[@humanwaveform]

wondering if the hiss can be removed via power conditioning?

[@Mtaalas]

This is why Genelec build their speaker cabinets from cast aluminum that's completely curved all around inside and bolted together with rubber seal (that you can't replace if you take it apart. you need to send to for servicing). It's heavy and non resonant in the frequencies we're interested. :) Even their subwoofers have steel enclosure that works as a baffle at the same time, sandwhiched between two very thick MDF panels and secured with long bolts. Heavy, non resonant. Perfection :)

[@moddquad8362]

You can take apart a set of 8030's, the gasket is no issue. I had to replace the power supply caps after a brownout. I wish I had the sub as a lot of lows will cause the mids break up a bit.

[@Mtaalas]

​@@moddquad8362 I was given this advice regarding the gasket by my friend who works for Genelec when I was thinking the same issue after having my 8020's powered 24/7 over 14 years. It sounds very believeable.

[@moddquad8362]

@@Mtaalas I bought mine from ebay, They were modified from 220 to 110 volts for the Olympics a decade ago, but only $200 each. When I called them about the repair, they insisted on returning the speaker to 220 volts so it would match the serial number, they refused to repair it otherwise.

[@CheapoCardCompany]

I say, chaps, as far as on-board EQ-correction goes, does “Super Kali’s” fragile dip-switch expel bally low-mids..? Even though the sound of them is something quite Adam-id. ‘All’ monitors can make my own music better... if they’re switched off. Severe over-hyping (similar to that of Aston mics being better supposedly than classic high enders..?) can do harm in the long term, with folks feeling disappointed rather than appreciating that such equipment is actually fine, for the money.

[@paulcummings5587]

Thanks chaps that was a very interesting review. Could you possibly link the sticky backed plastic stuff please? I'm retiring in 2 months and was planning on investing in some decent speakers then. Not wanting to be pushy but if you can get hold of the IN8s before then I'd be very grateful. If you can't and I get them anyway i'd be happy to lend them for you to review as I seem to be only 5 miles away from you (in Ongar), and will obviously have a lot of time on my hands. Still waiting to hear about the adjustable desk, but if I'd known you were so close I would have picked it it up for free!

[@PresentDayProduction]

In order to keep our location private for security reasons, drop us an email on [e-mail] and we can definitely stay in touch!

[@paulcummings5587]

@@PresentDayProduction will do

[@andriusraupelis569]

I did this mod on my IN8 and I am happy I did it. Low end is way better, tighter. But still not great. I use Kali in8 as my 3d monitors to check my mix and low end translation, definitely not for critical listening or reference monitoring, nether mixing.

[@juliowbarbosa]

Thanks for the valuable tips and opinions! After the video I feel confident to mod my LP6 (and wish you'd review them as well). Cheers from Brazil!

[@elvinsontaveras7125]

Hello friend you made the modification?

[@UncleBenjs]

Loving your diplomatic way of saying they're shit, without saying they're shit haha

[@---pp7tq]

Rule of thumb - if mixes done with those modifications are better and translate better to other systems, they're worth it. If you really don't like something about these monitors in particular, you would probably end up messing with those frequencies during mixing. Hence monitor is also a personal choice. Even if they broke something VS the stock sound on measurements, theoretically you can always use e.g. Soundworks, perform measurements, and equalize it (even only in a specific range). Better acoustic reserve potentially eliminating resonants might be beneficial for the correction in the end too. Still, it's possible the company could take these rumbling cases into account while designing the speakers, hence their "careful design" statement, but how bald statement is that you can only find yourself if you don't believe.

[@dee1458]

*Rebelling and sneaking out (at night?) of the "Death Star" ------- legendary behemoth JBL ------- and deftly Euro-stepping the Superlaser.* *Then becoming Jedi-fied (?) and returning to fight the behemoth! POPCORN TIME!* *Saving up for a pair of IN-5 or LP6v2.*

[@tristanishtar8906]

I love you guys. I too have seen nothing but online blind praise for the Kalis, and while do appear to be a decent monitor for the money, I appreciate your honest opinions and how you backed up those opinions with demonstrations and facts.

[@erictimothyanderson7469]

The thing I love about this series is how you do some modifications to improve the speaker.

[@djalexia]

OMG! What shall I do? Kali IN 5 (3way) or...???? :) Love Yr video and great contents even more when you guys r going bunker(?) X

[@troeteimarsch]

I'm going do that to my LSR 305's. They've got similiar problems and your result really convices me to do the same, it's quite audible on headphones. In addition to the cabinet resonances my speakers also have a nasty port resonance. Can I add weight to the bass reflex tube to fix this? Thank you very much for this informative video!

[@petegaslondon]

Theres a lot of variables ,but what i do (DISCLAIMER No Measurements made) on flubby reflex speakers is bung light to medium foam in the port hole to reduce its effect... Slightly LESS bass but better bass - It's non-destructive and cheap to try

[@petegaslondon]

Oh I've GOTTA try THIS :) .. When I got LP6's on ol Glenn's recommendation, I liked 'em - a lot - but as someone who makes amps (& sometimes speakers) i sure noticed exactly those limitations The plus side, mid-treble sounded better, with better dispersion than any of the ok-ish HiFi speakers i used to monitor on (the nice curvy waveguide, one advantage of a plastic baffle) better than KRK's which I always thought were competent - but KRK's use heavier wood, and the lightweight construction meant damping and bracing sure was on my to do list Thanks a bunch for tearing in there! Reality check: they can only give you SO much for you 500 (or whatever) bucks, but now I've seen this I'm gonna like them even more - 'some assembly required!'

[@djalexia]

@PresentDayProduction, on a serious note, will you recommend those Kali LP6/8 V.2, and/or the Kali I.N.5 3 way, if you had the chance to check these out as well, to add as extra pair of monitors to my set up? I got Y.HS7 And Focal Shape 65. Thanks! X

[@PresentDayProduction]

We haven’t heard any of the Kali 3-ways or the Focal Shape 65’s yet, however if we do, you’ll find out soon!

[@djalexia]

@@PresentDayProduction Yep, best way is to get the monitors and keep 'em for trial then... cement them all. Jokes aside, thanks for your reply and again your contents! :)

[@latheofheaven1017]

Thanks so much for this review guys. The Kali 8s were on my shortlist for the home studio I have planned for next year. But this gives food for thought. I also noticed a big improvement in the sound after you'd damped the front baffle and enclosure. It sounds like a useful technique for improving cheap monitors.

[@henrikandersen4777]

thanks alot, if possible, can you review one from the newer Tannoy Gold 5"-8" series they look so sexy !

[@bebestakkis]

Could you do the Yamaha HS8s as they are so incredibly popular?

[@fortheoneswhocare]

Best review of the LP 8 I've seen so far !! Well done guys!

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@accentontheoff]

So going upwards from budget to pricey which is the first speaker that meets your criteria, for a small room. Would be good to know. Thanks.

[@joecambra09]

Gettin’ me a pair!

[@UncleBenjs]

Shame

[@bcm1621]

​@@UncleBenjs on you alone.

[@UncleBenjs]

@@bcm1621 ?

[@Fwuzeem]

There's a massive difference in the video!!

[@TylerMarletteNY]

would these be more detailed and transient then my HS-8’s or dynaudio bm5a’s? worth the upgrade or should I go to genelec or something in the $2000 a pair range? I can also get 1037c’s for $2500 a pair right now

[@hendricksam]

Right in time before I buy one of these. Would be nice for you guys to do monitor shoot-outs in all price ranges. Would go a long way in helping us noobs.

[@metalman3227]

The problem is the 'modifications' were to solve a problem that this reviewer ONLY hears in the speakers, they've been tested scientifically and this problem doesn't seem to exist and it actually got WORSE after the 'modifications' when measured!

[@petegaslondon]

I gotta disagree by simple physics - my LP6's are nice, but the bottom end sure WOULD be improved by some bracing, and it surely stands to reason resonances you hear when you tap the cabinet are gonna be in SOME manner audible ? Did you know damping improves to the 5th power of wood thickness? Thats pretty significant - as for "worse when measured", who ran THAT test? Feel free to share data, but in the meantime I'm getting some of that damping stuff :)

[@chargybeat9685]

@@petegaslondonGod bless u

[@stanleyassor3172]

I subscribed. can you review the eve sc207 ?

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thanks for subscribing! It all depends if the manufacturer sends us a review unit. We can try!

[@zimouspero]

Thats a great advice for a huge improve

[@gopaljee8141]

I was waiting for that since when you put concrete in adam.

[@ThePlanarchist]

Another great video, thanks for this. It seems a shame that manufacturers can't spend just a little bit more and sort these pretty basic things out. From even my basic understanding of helping mates build Hi-Fi speaker enclosures back in my yoof I recall the importance of the weight in the cabinet and sorting out resonance. Surely it must be a priority even more for a studio monitor? Boxiness is one of the commonest problems with us amateurs and our mixes, would be good if the speakers we were relying on didn't being their own. Shirley!

[@stevethebeeline44]

What would you guys recommend as best pair of speakers for under €1000 and then under €2000?!? (Focal, Adam, Neumann KH120, Yamaha HS7/8, Presonus S8/S6???) Great channel, love the content!

[@PresentDayProduction]

For under 2,000, there are ALWAYS second hand ATC SCM35’s on eBay. They are fantastic (you need an amp too as they’re passive), and they’re one of the best speakers you’ll get for that price. For under 1,000, everyone’s always talking about Focal Alpha EVO 65’s… maybe check them out! Alternatives such as ADAM near fields or EVE near fields are good.

[@stevethebeeline44]

@@PresentDayProduction thanks for that! I’ll check out ATC’s! A while back you guys wondered if there was any interest in DIY kits for making acoustic panels. Going by your video showing how you treated your studio you know how to! I think selling kits with frames cut ready to assemble (IKEA style) along with the right fabric is more than half the battle. Then links to rockwool products would be great. Would this ever be a product you’d offer?

[@PresentDayProduction]

This is exactly something we’re planning! It’s just the initial setup cost we’re working on getting investment for.

[@stevethebeeline44]

@@PresentDayProduction should be a great seller. I think there is a huge market where the initial DIY puts people off. I once did guitar pedal mods by sourcing parts myself, a pain and then bought way more when there were kits sold with all the components included. Much better. Acoustic panel kits would overcome the initial sourcing of material headache and be more wallet friendly than €200 per panel! Best of luck with it!

[@PresentDayProduction]

Cheers, Steve!

[@mrfixit0]

I really enjoyed this review and did learn quite a bit about the Kali. I'd wondered what they sound like. I liked your description before the modification after modification. It really helps to see the construction of a monitor, and in this case changing it for the better. Keep up the great videos!

[@iamyila]

heard a lot of difference there after filling, much more punch and throw, energy out I guess instead of staying in?

[@markg5713]

Thanks for this. I'm thinking about replacing my old Mackie 624s with the Kali 3 way system. Not totally sure about it yet though. Some things for a future video: Mixing out of the box. What is your take on this? Also, what is mid/side processing all about? My Pro-Q 3 has it and I think I understand but an explanation from you would be worth having. Cheers. Say hi to the cat.

[@MrCitizenKaned]

The inside of my little Japanese shit box is lined with this exact same material(boot and doors, yet to do the roof), it made so much difference to the sound, before it sounded thin and boomy but now it sounds tight in the mid, much less harsh in the high and the very low lows sound defined and much less like a fat bloke being deflated. After seeing this I am tempted to have a look inside my Adam A7x's to see if i can get away with the same, or I may just cover my whole living room in the stuff, well maybe not that extreme but you know.

[@PresentDayProduction]

Japanese shit box… love it 🤣 Yeah, it’s good stuff for killing cabinet resonances and that can make a HUGE difference to the sound, as you’ve discovered. Thanks for watching!

[@amanieux]

do you recommend a 2.0 kali lp8 system vs a 2.1 kali lp6+ a $100 10 inch powered subwoofer for the same total price ? (with the advantage of a total of 5 drivers to reproduce sound and lower real estate on the desk for the 2.1 setup (sub being placed under the desk) ?) thanks

[@dylanhughes4548]

Fantastic, hard to find detailed honest reviews on KZbin that actually cut through the marketing.

[@MitchRench]

When purchasing my newest set of monitors I spent many hours at Andertons music trying pretty much everything in my price range. And each time I’ve gone with an idea of what I want to buy I’ve walked away with a different product that beats it and I wouldn’t of had a clue if I didn’t try before I buy. I tried the LP-8 and IN-8 and was really let down on hearing them as I was captivated by the marketing hype. I’ve ended up with a pair of Focal Alpha 65 EVO and I swear they are the best at this price range. Any chance you could check them out? Thanks

[@lyxsoundstudio7474]

i done the same with the higher price range from low to 2000€ a pair, i was going for dynaudio, neumann or genelec spent half a day in the shop and left with the Focal Shape 65

[@henrikandersen4777]

you can swear all you want , we all have diffrent ears.

[@jangerhard4039]

What is better then adding mass to a front baffle? Add even more mass!

[@akagerhard]

I do wonder what you think about the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM s. So not the very tiny iLouds, but the little less but still tiny iLouds. Do they compete with regular-sized-monitors of ~ their pricerange in your opinion? Yes? No? Why?

[@keschgelb]

"No monitor makes your music better".... so true. I really was in doubt, if i should buy a pair of these. But finally i've decided, to stay with my good old Alesis Monitor One. Thanks for your objective review!

[@brandonwilliams966]

Now THIS is a review!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Super honest. Much appreciated.

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thank you Brandon :)

[@djvidual8288]

Great review. Like 90% of the other reviews are only about positive aspects. That continues with all these reviewers other videos. I like the honesty and the experience you guys have with more expensive solutions. You know your shizz and you don't need to sugarcoat anything. That helps me more than all these "hype" videos. I have been thinking about these monitors for a long time. Since the 2nd Wave LP8 cost about 280€ and the IN-8 (first wave) cost 290. I think that will choose the IN-8s. I like front ported speakers because I can have less distance to the back wall. After all, if you guys find a better front ported pair in that price range, I'm still open for something different. 500-600€ The biggest challenge for me is to find any kind of store that has these speakers and being able to listen to them before buying them. I would love to, but its not that common as you might think.

[@Nikitahristich]

If you’re gonna IN-8 as the near fields better go with the 2nd wave. The 1st wave of IN-8s has a pretty noticeable hiss. its fine if you put them in the mid-field, like 2+ meters away from you, but having it closer can annoy you! I’ve used my 2nd wave In-8 since ive got them back in summer and really really them by the way! Gotta try this dampening trick from the video!

[@djvidual8288]

@@Nikitahristich thanks for the hint! My plan was to keep them close to me. That would have been annoying. Ibthought the IN series wasn't that noticible in case of hissing like the LP series...

[@Nikitahristich]

@@djvidual8288 i havent tried 1st wave INs myself, but a lot of ppl are talking about their hiss. 2nd wave is completely silent and sounds great though!

[@djvidual8288]

@Wayne Brown the Folcal Alpha 65 Evo would stretch that budget, but are still close enough. But they are only 6,5". Are these speakers so much better?

[@djvidual8288]

@Wayne Brown I am into EDM with focus on low end. Like Hardstyle, Hardtrance. I need to hear whats going on in the low frequencies. Bigger driver enable lower frequencies. The thought process is to either get monitors with big drivers or medium sized monitors with additional subwoofer... I am currently looking into the subwoofer route.

[@LBJedi]

Love everything you guys are doing! Finding everything very helpful. I ultimately would like to build an OWL system, but not sure if I can afford that in the near future. What under $500/speakers would you recommend? Any plans on looking at the Kali IN-8 V2?

[@PresentDayProduction]

The OWL idea was discontinued in favour of something much better! We’ll give you some details on that soon :) No plans to review the IN-8 just yet

[@LBJedi]

@@PresentDayProduction oh awesome! Looking forward to it😊 Is there a below $500/monitor you’d recommend as a stepping stone to the higher end stuff?

[@hbrookes]

I have used two versions, I wish they would share what frequencies the dip switches actually affect. I can mix on them but i have issues in the 200 to 300 hz. Area..

[@steven_porter]

I'm very curious to try adding mass to my IN-8s now. I've been very happy with them so far and noticed a significant improvement in the accuracy of my gut reactions while both tracking and mixing, but I'm all for additional improvements whenever possible.

[@frankygmusic6179]

Please I will like see your honest review on the IN8 v2 3-way speakers. I trust you guys so much. Great job by the way🔥

[@pakiw2]

Incomplete construction of front panel, or should I say lack of one would turn me off from buying ones and considering them as good. I have presonus eiris 8, first thing what I did, was to take them apart, solid mdf front panel was there, class d amp. But I'm not mixing and mastering on them, just listening while recording.

[@cryptout]

I'm looking to replace my ancient Dynaudio BM5's + S9 sub at some point. This video crosses-off one potential candidate. Any tips on upgrades? or shall I just buy the current version of the BM5's because I do like the sound.

[@cryptout]

@Wayne Brown Well I've bought my Dynaudios more than 15 years ago. I figured everything gets better and cheaper in the gear space so maybe this also hold true for speakers. But I guess not. And yeah almost every channel that features these speakers raves about them being worth more than they cost so I'm happy with this honest review.

[@UncleBenjs]

@@cryptout Don't fall for the other reviews, they rave about them to fill their pockets via affiliate links, and likely because they're being paid for the review. It's all hype and little to no truth. Not to mention when people still struggle with their mixes after getting them they believe the shortcoming is themselves, which then leads them into buying courses and subscriptions from the same people who told them getting the Kali's will put them above the curve.

[@SurrealisticEvening]

@@UncleBenjs Have you seen any measurements of these Kali speakers? Because they have been measured by a 120K USD professional rig and they are indeed excellent from an engineering point of view, given also the price. The build quality is nothing to write home about but certainly competent and decent, not worse or better that the competition. All I see here is anecdotal "evidence" and a misguided review which by no means can be seen as full and conclusive.

[@UncleBenjs]

​@@SurrealisticEvening Waste of money measuring them with 120k USD rig.

[@SurrealisticEvening]

@@UncleBenjs I don't think you have understood the concept here. The rig is just a tool to measure and evaluate the objective performance of a given speaker, regardless of its price. You are moving the goalposts with statements like this.

[@leandrosilva6414]

Is that a Trinnovon in the back? Video Soon?

[@PresentDayProduction]

Yep! Video coming soon!

[@By_Rant_Or_Ruin]

Ya well my JBL 2305s were still better for the same price over 10 years ago. It's interesting how easily it is to forget or simply not have ever known about earlier project studio monitors from JBL. The engineers who started KALI came from JBL - so there's that.

[@COSTINGABYDIYRC]

so happy that i bought yamaha hs8😁

[@stuartdarling1620]

Well.... This was boring 😜 but absolutely worth saying about these. I've just been checking out some new monitors for myself and did a listening test between many monitors in this price range and up to about £800 a speaker. The Kali's really didn't sound anything special compared to the others. I was quite impressed with the Genelec 8040 and Yamaha HS8 (a bit clinical but not bad) however the Focal Alpha Evo 65 were the ones that I kept coming back to because the transient detail was just a cut above anything else. Would be nice if you can review those sometime in your similarly thorough way.

[@UncleBenjs]

Totally agree about the Focal Alpha Evos, have some 65's myself, they punch WAY above their weight and make the competing products look worthless in comparison

[@petegaslondon]

Er... Arent Genelec's gonna cost 5 times the Kali's...? And need a Sub to move much bass..? I mean yes they're lovely but some of us cant run to that! Getting a pair of these and doing some damping and woodwork however... :)

[@djalexia]

Oh, one more thing, I don't know how to "cement" the inner... lol!

[@adammacmeekin9926]

Wow! I think I actually trust your reviews , a rare thing in these days of paid promotion/ back scratching . Spot on point about the hype train, not just these but a lot of things.

[@PresentDayProduction]

Cheers Adam!

[@malcolmgerald]

I might be wrong but I think the Lp's might have been hyped a bit but the IN's had some very technical reviews done like this one and I think need to be seen in a different light.

[@almightytreegod]

Review for this review: 7/10. Could have used more cement.

[@vipingkumar]

omg the thumping warmth and low end of ur modified kali is awesome. day and night difference. made goosebumps

[@kobbyampofo]

I had sold by Yamaha jet seats to get the Kali audio IN8v2 I return them in 48 hours and bought another pair of hs8s The low-end was strange on the Kali The speakers felt cheap and poorly braced like the cabinet felt incredibly hollow and poor quality control The one speaker had an amp that was significantly louder at the same levels I’m talking about having one speaker at unity (12 o’clock) and the other speaker at 7ish o’clock just to match the volume. Compared to the Yamaha’s Focal the older krk Vxt line up etc I was really disappointed with kali audio and I’m convinced they are paying people for glowing reviews or they are many people first studio monitor

[@PresentDayProduction]

The Yamahas take some beating for the price for sure

[@puzzlebeatsoflnfmusicinc4116]

@@MediaMusik777 yupppppp. I put my hs8s on the side cause the mid range was muddy when mastering and the kali in8s arent

[@phugenla]

Please do a Genelec version

[@JeanmarkRodriguez]

Will this be a good modification for their 3 way version the IN-8’s??? I have V1 of the IN-8 in my studio

[@cornerliston]

Interesting thing this ‘burn in’ theory. My theory is option 1 in your case-the ears get used to the sound rather than the electronics and mechanics getting ‘settled.’ BTW no 1: I've NEVER talked about these speakers : ) but maybe EVERYONE else are? BTW no 2: Someone should teach the graphic design team at Kali how to illustrate proper perspective (1:50). Although, it does looks quite congenial to the ‘cheap’ design of the speakers. BTW no 3: Obviously not a European company since advertising a product being the best is not allowed according to marketing legislation. Being ‘one of the best’ works fine. In USA though…

[@gregsullivan7408]

answer: a) you've got used to it (Kali have done a video about burn-in - they said any change is negligible, and in fact, there is more difference between different examples of the same speaker, than burn-in)

[@stevend984]

A shame to go thru all the personal improvement mods to get it to sound better! I'm all for improvements as a DIY'er but what's my time worth?

[@riasure]

Great video as always guys, but that’s a lot of work to get them sounding good and requires some level of skill to do that!! Although, I guess you get what you pay for:-)Do you think that the the noise deadening adhesive material you used could be placed on the underside of desk, to stop speaker vibrations travelling to floor perhaps? Particularly for speakers that are placed on a desk (despite being on stands vibrations can be felt on floor in seating position). When I saw your use of it, it really got me thinking?!!!

[@peterbrandt7911]

I've tried some different speakers and went for my now beloved JBL. I really liked the detail, maybe I'll add a sub, but overall those gave me the best impression. I didn't try out all the speakers I couldn't afford and I'm not a pro, when it comes to the best or finest speakers money can buy, but I know what I like. Thank you both for your efforts and I guess it's true, you get what you've paid for and the differences are mostly a matter of taste.

[@goodboid]

The JBL 308p mk2s are considerably more resonant than the Kalis and sound much worse IMO.

[@peterbrandt7911]

@@goodboid I wasn't able to take them here, so I was just able to check them in the store. The 308p weren't there, so I even went for the 305p, but compared them to the LP6, not LP8. As I said, I'm certainly not the source for qualified speaker reviews :). That said, I still like them, use them on a daily basis and my mixes translate well. I couldn't ask for more. The only drawback is the self noise, which isn't terrible, but audible.

[@Electricowlworks]

I'd love to hear your opinions of the Fluid Audio FX-80 monitors as well as the Kali IN-8. Cheers from South Wales, NY, USA! -chazroot

[@PresentDayProduction]

We have a pair of the FX80’s lined up ready for review! Coming soon :)

[@henrikandersen4777]

@@PresentDayProduction thanks, they like the Tannoy gold Series, but i like the look of the Tannoys more and from what ppl say they sound better too. thanks

[@Electricowlworks]

@@PresentDayProduction Thanks for letting me know. Looking forward to it! -chaz

[@piotrdrajewski3079]

Hello kali lp 8 V2 vs Yamaha hs8 ,I'm producing edm music, currently I have krk rokit

[@cjthomasmusic]

I purchased these to replace my version ones. However I noticed a major issue. I was hearing a crackling/clipping sound on bass tones at all volumes. I received a replacement pair only to find the same issue. Kali has admitted the issue and offered very little to do anything about it. Did you notice this on yours?

[@PresentDayProduction]

No, haven’t heard this one yet, but will keep an ear out for it if we use them again!

[@UncleBenjs]

Seems like they're very poorly made, which also seems to contradict the blag essay they posted in the comments on this video

[@Superdelphinus]

I hope you guys operate a pun bonus scheme

[@searchiemusic]

honestly i've never found sub 500 current production monitors that beat my 90's Event 20/20 BAS, they're slightly unreliable, i've had to replace the amp board on the right one, but overall the sound is just incomparable to anything i've heard

[@searchiemusic]

2:45 exactly, It's all the mids for me

[@searchiemusic]

5:40 could very well be that the event's are solid mdf, i'm gonna go smack my spare cabinet and se how that sounds

[@GraffHabit]

Lol @ the currency exchange rate when this vid was made

[@lauriseaden2846]

the video everyone wanted to see well done...

[@antonkjellberg2897]

Thank you so much for the review. Unlike many other reviewers, I feel like I can actually trust you guys. Very entertaining too. I hope you get your hands on the IN-8s aswell

[@PresentDayProduction]

Thanks so much Anton!

[@sonicart1808]

You guys are brilliant! You always give the best advice without any B.S .... thanks for what is an amazing resource and entertaining channel, I've just subscribed!

[@franswessels810]

Well, everything comes at a price is a well known chinese expression, isn't it. You nailed it in a simple and straight forward fashion. Given that most people don't have the knowledge or skills to "upgrade" this best for the money product, it is what you get for the money. Not bad, not real good, just an average. I think Kali's marketing hype was a bit bold. Plastic panels is a very poor baffle material, they could have at least used a bit more plastic and add a brace to tame the "ringing" of the panel and add some side panel bracing. Production cost increasing with just a few dollars. That's what would be my conclusion based on what you showed. Could be a better product, but they bailed out and did choose to just stick with this result. It's their choice, maybe not very clever in the end. We all know marketing is louder than the product, this is just a bit TO loud. Keep up the good video's.

[@axilleas]

Crap, now I want a "Music of Africa" played by Mark on traditional audio engineer instruments such as monitor baffles.

[@joshsmith7812]

Can you guys do a review of the Dynaudio LYD 5 or 7 / LYD 48? :)

[@PresentDayProduction]

If at some point I can get my hands on some, then yes!

[@chickenlickin3820]

Get that pesky XLR cable Flopkat. Meow : )

[@CharlesTsaiE]

The poweramp in Kali speakers are all using DSP, and don't provide digital input like S/PDIF or AES/EBU makes me feel unprofessional. I don't want the unnecessary DA-AD convert, just like EVE product.

[@internezzi]

Hey guys, love what you do AND HOW you are presenting it on your channel !!! PLEASE review the Kali IN8 2nd wave