Questions regarding Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave studio monitors and Subwoofer JBL LSR310S

[I Need Imagination]

Hello all,
I am a super beginner audiophile from Dindigul, Tamilnadu and I am currently planning to buy a Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave studio monitors rajmusicals.com priced at 42,990 rupees with Subwoofer JBL LSR310S amazon.in priced at 25,998 rupees for nearfield listening from my laptop. These totally comes around 69,000 rupees, you can also suggest alternatives for these two, around these price range please.

Usecase is mostly listening to music, sometimes playing videogames and watching movies.( no music production, mixing whatsoever.). My listening preference will be non-fatiguing, no piercing highs in audio.

Here are my questions:

1. Firstly, a simple question, what do these terms mean: laidback sound profile, airy highs? Do I look for these to have a non-fatiguing experience?

2. How to connect these speakers and subwoofer to my laptop?
a) with an audio interface, as I also want to run it with balanced cables which requires a audio interface right? or the unbalanced audio is sufficient? or without one? since, I don't do any creative work with these speakers (remember, just for nearfield listening purposes). What I am trying to say is, Is the audio interface really necessary for only nearfiled listening?
b)With an external DAC? or without one? since, I have this usb DAC/Amp dongle called iBasso DC05 specs which is sufficient? or go for an dedicated external DAC with balanced audio, so that I can connect it to my subwoofer with XLR cables?
c)Wireless capability is also a concern for me, because both my parents and my sister might want to listen to these speakers through their smartphones. So should I go for Wiim Pro streamer or a bluetooth streamer or an external DAC/audio interface with bluetooth?
d)Finally, Is there a single device which combines the all the three above capabilities(audio interface, DAC, bluetooth with balanced inputs and outputs) or any two capabilities alone, because my wallet is already crying because of these studio monitors and subwoofers. For your information, my total budget for this audio system is 80,000 to 90,000 rupees.

3. Also, I want to know these power surge protector MX 7 OUTLET POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT sufficient for these audio system. Whether they can provide sufficient amps to power these? can you also suggest alternatives for these with good quality? am I overthinking?

PS. Sorry, if its confusing to read, my insomnia addled mind is not that clear right now.

 

[ajuvignesh]

Usually subwoofer is connected this way for studio monitors.
Soundcard xlr out-> sub input -> sub output -> studio monitors. Having a soundcard for volume control and sound quality is very important.
Secondly, if possible do audition those studio monitors. Those are not to the taste of home listeners even for home listening for many audio engineers.
Wiim streamer and a Dac with xlr/ Trs output is the perfect way to start. If you’re going to use rca, make sure sub and speakers have rca in and dac has sub out or the sub has rca in and rca out to connect the studio monitors through rca

 

[I Need Imagination]

Usually subwoofer is connected this way for studio monitors.
Soundcard xlr out-> sub input -> sub output -> studio monitors. Having a soundcard for volume control and sound quality is very important.
Secondly, if possible do audition those studio monitors. Those are not to the taste of home listeners even for home listening for many audio engineers.
Wiim streamer and a Dac with xlr/ Trs output is the perfect way to start. If you’re going to use rca, make sure sub and speakers have rca in and dac has sub out or the sub has rca in and rca out to connect the studio monitors through rca

First of all, thank you for replying to me.

Unfortunately, there is no audio store near me, so no auditioning possibilities.

As you have told me they are not suitable for home listeners, Can you also explain why?

Because based on my research, for nearfield listening purposes active speakers are the best, within that studio monitors like the kali audio lp6 v2 are recommended the most over other active speakers like Q acoustics M20 HD over in r/BudgetAudiophile and audiosciencereview forums.
Still, Can you suggest me some speakers that sound better than the above studio monitors in your opinion? (within the same price range please)

I am in a laptop though, so for XLR out DAC is a must right? I am vying for this DAC SMSL D 6S with bluetooth for wireless listening and it also has XLR output for 17,000 rupees.

My overall budget is 90,000 rupees, So, My studio monitors costs 42, 990 + my subwoofer costs 25,998 + the DAC above 16,999 = 85,987 rupees which perfectly falls within my budget.

Should I go for a Wiim streamer or an external DAC with bluetooth? because Wiim streamer alone costs 16,000 rs. So a seperate DAC will shoot over my budget.

 

[ajuvignesh]

First of all, thank you for replying to me.

Unfortunately, there is no audio store near me, so no auditioning possibilities.

As you have told me they are not suitable for home listeners, Can you also explain why?

Because based on my research, for nearfield listening purposes active speakers are the best, within that studio monitors like the kali audio lp6 v2 are recommended the most over other active speakers like Q acoustics M20 HD over in r/BudgetAudiophile and audiosciencereview forums.
Still, Can you suggest me some speakers that sound better than the above studio monitors in your opinion? (within the same price range please)

I am in a laptop though, so for XLR out DAC is a must right? I am vying for this DAC SMSL D 6S with bluetooth for wireless listening and it also has XLR output for 17,000 rupees.

My overall budget is 90,000 rupees, So, My studio monitors costs 42, 990 + my subwoofer costs 25,998 + the DAC above 16,999 = 85,987 rupees which perfectly falls within my budget.

Should I go for a Wiim streamer or an external DAC with bluetooth? because Wiim streamer alone costs 16,000 rs. So a seperate DAC will shoot over my budget.

Welcome
Although sound quality is very good, the studio monitors have flat frequency response and also analytical in nature. Also, depending upon the studio monitors, some might not sound good across the room because of narrow dispersion of sound from the speakers. You can check the graph at kali audio product page to see the flat frequency response of your speaker. These are meant for studio and in my opinion, you will start to analyse the song rather than enjoying it even though the sound quality is way better compared to any hifi speakers available in this price range.
Another thing is upgrading. You cannot go for a different speaker and amp as both are built inside the speakers. If flat response and clarity are what you like, then studio monitors suit you better. I have a JBL LSR 305 and I love it but only for listening sitting in front of it. Off axis response is good but I wouldn't say I like it much. Let others comment if a studio monitor suits you better.

If you want to incorporate the same subwoofer then XLR is the way to go. Your subs have no RCA output.
Yeah, you can go with the suggested DAC with XLR output. Wiim would be better than Bluetooth in my opinion. But for now, you will be happy with Bluetooth output itself. You can later upgrade to Wiim or Ifi Zen Stream for more sound quality.
Keep aside some money for XLR cables.

 

[I Need Imagination]

Welcome
Although sound quality is very good, the studio monitors have flat frequency response and also analytical in nature. Also, depending upon the studio monitors, some might not sound good across the room because of narrow dispersion of sound from the speakers. You can check the graph at kali audio product page to see the flat frequency response of your speaker. These are meant for studio and in my opinion, you will start to analyse the song rather than enjoying it even though the sound quality is way better compared to any hifi speakers available in this price range.
Another thing is upgrading. You cannot go for a different speaker and amp as both are built inside the speakers. If flat response and clarity are what you like, then studio monitors suit you better. I have a JBL LSR 305 and I love it but only for listening sitting in front of it. Off axis response is good but I wouldn't say I like it much. Let others comment if a studio monitor suits you better.

If you want to incorporate the same subwoofer then XLR is the way to go. Your subs have no RCA output.
Yeah, you can go with the suggested DAC with XLR output. Wiim would be better than Bluetooth in my opinion. But for now, you will be happy with Bluetooth output itself. You can later upgrade to Wiim or Ifi Zen Stream for more sound quality.
Keep aside some money for XLR cables.

Thanks for your input. Now I am having doubts whether to buy these monitors or not. Are they really that, un-enjoyable? or the competition in this price range gives more joy to the music?(like the qacoustics m20 hd) If yes, can I go for it? or you can also suggest me other good speakers for the same price range.(not too expensive)

Now for the subwoofer, are there any subwoofers that better sounding than the one I chose? You can recommend me that as well for the same price.

 

[I Need Imagination]

For anyone reading my thread, THIS IS THE TLDR of my first post in this thread.(sorry for that long drivel)

My Overall budget is 90k that I have finalized around these devices Kali Audio LP-6 2nd Wave studio monitors rajmusicals.com and Subwoofer JBL LSR310S amazon.in and external DAC SMSL D 6S with bluetooth for nierfield listening with the intention of music enjoyment and bluetooth is for my family, so that they can also use it as well.

Are there any better sounding ones than the above audio devices, If so, could you recommend it here? Thank you

 

[dafreaking]

I use a set of Kali LP-UNFs as my desktop speakers/monitors. They sound fantastic for their use case. IMHO Studio monitors are always better for near-field on axis listening. And then if you want you can always eq them for a specific type of response.

 

[ajuvignesh]

Thanks for your input. Now I am having doubts whether to buy these monitors or not. Are they really that, un-enjoyable? or the competition in this price range gives more joy to the music?(like the qacoustics m20 hd) If yes, can I go for it? or you can also suggest me other good speakers for the same price range.(not too expensive)

Now for the subwoofer, are there any subwoofers that better sounding than the one I chose? You can recommend me that as well for the same price.

Can you find demo videos on youtube about your monitors and see you like it and based on that take the decision
Under 90K you will get a nice setup without a subwoofer. That the issue. The sub you have chosen is good in my opinion.

 

[I Need Imagination]

I use a set of Kali LP-UNFs as my desktop speakers/monitors. They sound fantastic for their use case. IMHO Studio monitors are always better for near-field on axis listening. And then if you want you can always eq them for a specific type of response.

Thanks for your response.

Studio monitors are always better for near-field on axis listening

That is the main usecase anyways, but @ajuvignesh did raise a good concern which I also started wondering after he/she brought them up, Is there a studio monitor with too analytical frequency response and when it becomes unenjoyable to listen? If so, then is my studio monitor fall under it?

And then if you want you can always eq them for a specific type of response.

How to do that through? just fiddling with the eq through the PEACE software until its feel right or is there a Autoeq preset for the studio monitors?

 

[dafreaking]

Thanks for your response.


That is the main usecase anyways, but @ajuvignesh did raise a good concern which I also started wondering after he/she brought them up, Is there a studio monitor with too analytical frequency response and when it becomes unenjoyable to listen? If so, then is my studio monitor fall under it?



How to do that through? just fiddling with the eq through the PEACE software until its feel right or is there a Autoeq preset for the studio monitors?

Yes, some find the Lp-6 too analytical. Whatever that means. But all of this very subjective and also depends on the type of music you listen to.

I don't think there are any auto eq presets. Because your room plays a huge part in this. If you want to go that route then it gets way more complicated. You'd need a measurement and something like REW (software) for that.

So fiddle around with that eq in your music player or EqualizerApo/Peace to your taste

 

[I Need Imagination]

Can you find demo videos on youtube about your monitors and see you like it and based on that take the decision
Under 90K you will get a nice setup without a subwoofer. That the issue. The sub you have chosen is good in my opinion.

Thanks for your input again, I appreciate it.
I don't trust demo videos, because I got to know from somewhere on the internet that it is a poor way to judge audio quality of an equipment. But I do watch reviews on youtube though, that's how I finalized my choice on these three audio devices that I provided above. But most of those are from the perspective of americans, So I needed opinions from Indians, thats why I am here.

 

[edjamesx]

Thanks for your input again, I appreciate it.
I don't trust demo videos, because I got to know from somewhere on the internet that it is a poor way to judge audio quality of an equipment. But I do watch reviews on youtube though, that's how I finalized my choice on these three audio devices that I provided above. But most of those are from the perspective of americans, So I needed opinions from Indians, thats why I am here.

I think there are some HT showrooms in Trichy around Thillai nagar Area. You may check . Or When ever u visit chennai /bangalore/coimbatore u may get good HT showrooms to audition speakers. Its better to audition the speakers whether they are up to your taste.

To start with you can build (2.0) Powered bookshelves /studio monitors and later add the Sub if needed. Generally Sub sometimes kills music , especially classical and Tamil Songs . Sub is good for Rock and pop music Though...

Don't heard of this Kali speakers. You check from Raj musicals to get it demoed. May be it will be good.
Brands like Edifier ,JBL studio monitors , Canton have good reviews.

Other option is to get stereo Receiver and get passive Bookshelf speakers. This will give you more control over music.

How about Marshall/ Creative iRoar Go Bluetooth speakers. This will be a easy and quick setup for music.

 

[ajuvignesh]

Thanks for your input again, I appreciate it.
I don't trust demo videos, because I got to know from somewhere on the internet that it is a poor way to judge audio quality of an equipment. But I do watch reviews on youtube though, that's how I finalized my choice on these three audio devices that I provided above. But most of those are from the perspective of americans, So I needed opinions from Indians, thats why I am here.

No no. The audio quality of studio monitors will be very good. It. is the sound signature you like or not. In that regard, Youtube videos can help you.

 

[I Need Imagination]

I think there are some HT showrooms in Trichy around Thillai nagar Area. You may check . Or When ever u visit chennai /bangalore/coimbatore u may get good HT showrooms to audition speakers. Its better to audition the speakers whether they are up to your taste.

To start with you can build (2.0) Powered bookshelves /studio monitors and later add the Sub if needed. Generally Sub sometimes kills music , especially classical and Tamil Songs . Sub is good for Rock and pop music Though...

Other option is to get stereo Receiver and get Bookshelf speakers. This will give you more control over music.

How about Marshall/ Creative iRoar Go Bluetooth speakers. This will be a easy and quick setup for music.

Thanks for your response.

Generally Sub sometimes kills music , especially classical and Tamil Songs

I didn't know this. I thought, subwoofers deals with only low frequencies. Mids and Highs are dealt by the studio monitors, So for Tamil songs which doesn't have any base, they can be easily played through the main speakers right? Here in this subwoofer, I will get to set the crossover to 80 hz. So, the only way, the sub kills the music(tamil songs), if they majorly falls under 80hz right? Is that the case?

Sub is good for Rock and pop music Though...

That's why I included the subwoofer, because I mostly listen to rock and pop. But I also listen to tamil songs as well, especially my family. So, Is there a way around this? Do I have to disconnect the subwoofer whenever I play tamil songs? Do I have to go that far?

 

[edjamesx]

That's why I included the subwoofer, because I mostly listen to rock and pop. But I also listen to tamil songs as well, especially my family. So, Is there a way around this? Do I have to disconnect the subwoofer whenever I play tamil songs? Do I have to go that far?

No need to disconnect , may be you can lower the level of Sub/ or adjust the Gain of sub to match the song. This is the reason most car Woofers now a days coming up with adjusting Knob to increase/decrease level.
AR Rahman songs generally match well with Sub and sounds good. But Ilayaraja songs does not sound good to me with Sub. I always lower the Sub level for Ilayayaraja songs. Ilayayaraja songs needs more mid BASS ( >100hz) than lower frequencies The EQ curve in AV receiver helps here to hear the balanced sound.

 

[I Need Imagination]

No need to disconnect , may be you can lower the level of Sub/ or adjust the Gain of sub to match the song.
AR Rahman songs generally match well with Sub and sounds good. But Ilayaraja songs does not sound good to me with Sub. I always lower the Sub level for Ilayayaraja songs. Ilayayaraja songs needs more mid BASS ( >100hz) than lower frequencies The EQ curve in AV receiver helps here to hear the balanced sound.

thanks for the fast reply.

I always lower the Sub level for Ilayayaraja songs

just for my clarification, you mean the volume knob in the sub right?

The EQ curve in AV receiver helps here to hear the balanced sound.

Isn't the PEACE APO provides this digitally? or a physical AV receiver is better?

 

[edjamesx]

just for my clarification, you mean the volume knob in the sub right?

Isn't the PEACE APO provides this digitally? or a physical AV receiver is better?

AV Receiver provides option to lower the sub level / If you dont have this option you can physically lower the sub with knob in the sub.
This adjustment is needed only if you are not liking the music with Sub/ or you are overhearing the sub over music. otherwise u can leave it as it is.
The AVR Eq curve will be similar to the PEACE APO Eq. But Av receiver will do with internal DAC so it will be better.

To start with , Studio monitor setup will be good and suffice , Later you may upgrade with AV receiver path when u get good budget.

To get better idea, you should get good demos of stereo setups. Better start audition of stereo setup from nearest locations.

 

[I Need Imagination]

AV Receiver provides option to lower the sub level / If you dont have this option you can physically lower the sub with knob in the sub.
This adjustment is needed only if you are not liking the music with Sub/ or you are overhearing the sub over music. otherwise u can leave it as it is.
The AVR Eq curve will be similar to the PEACE APO Eq. But Av receiver will do with internal DAC so it will be better.

To start with , Studio monitor setup will be good and suffice , Later you may upgrade with AV receiver path when u get good budget.

To get better idea, you should get good demos of stereo setups. Better start audition of stereo setup from nearest locations.

Thank you. I am going to buy these three audio devices now. do you have any recommendations for XLR cables?

 

[dafreaking]

Remember, if you connect the chain like PC/DAC -> Sub -> Monitors then the Sub handles the crossover and highpass.

 

[I Need Imagination]

Remember, if you connect the chain like PC/DAC -> Sub -> Monitors then the Sub handles the crossover and highpass.

Thanks for reminding me. I will connect it this way.