FYI Kali Audio received the long awaited 3d party Frequency/Distortion analysis plots a couple of days ago.
They are in the process of publishing them in their web site, however they already shared an image in their FB page to get an idea of how they look. I guess it has been quite smoothed (probably 1/6 smoothing) but they look quite balanced, apart from the dip in the highs we are all aware of. (It is a common on axis issue of coincident speakers).
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Originally Posted by
Transmisser
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From a sound perspective, I think so. From a QC perspective, I'm still on the fence about that. I bought the pair of IN-8s one month ago and one of them was defective - the self hiss from the speaker was too loud (3-4 dB louder than the "good" IN-8 in the pair). I've since received a replacement directly from Kali, but that one also has the same exact hiss issue (completely identical level of hiss when compared to the first defective one).
I'm now waiting for another a replacement from Sweetwater, which looks like it won't be arriving until the end of next week, hopefully. I'm being as understanding as I can, but I'm starting to get frustrated. Usually when I have these kinds of issues with gear I return the item and move on, but I'm a bit invested in Kali stuff. I love the sound profile of their speakers, get great mixing results, and they're affordable. I did a bunch of shootouts with my LP-8s against other speakers in this price range and like the Kalis best.
What I will say is that when I compared the LP-8s to the Yamaha HS-8, the LPs sounded very dull in comparison. IMHO, I think this is because the Yamahas have a more hyped frequency response, which is not what I wanted. I still think you can get great results with the Yamahas, but my ears gravitated to the more neutral sound of the Kalis.
Too bad you' ve been so unlucky with your pair. From your words I understand you are satisfied sound wise with the upgrade but I guess not that "astonished" if you will (since you used the phrase "I think so", but I get you have to burn them in first and have them working properly in mixing conditions before you judge them right).
Really, is the hiss that bad as they say, or is it something you can live with? Also what's your distance from them at sweet spot?
I may have myself a demo audition soon in my town, but to be honest I am more biased towards the aps Klasiks 2020 lately, the improved version of the greatly successful Klasiks monitors. Anyways, please let us know how you like your pair as soon as you get the replacement. :-)