MusicRadar Verdict
All of the clarity and trustworthy imaging found in larger monitors in the Kali Audio range, presented here in a smaller package.
Pros
- +
Great value solution as a main or secondary pair of monitors.
- +
Easily tweakable EQ to fit in a variety of scenarios.
- +
Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity.
Cons
- -
We’d love it if they made a carry case for them.
- -
DIP switches are a tad fiddly.
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Kali Audio LP-UNF: What is it?
The LP-UNF is the second set of ultra nearfield studio monitors from Kali Audio. They are a scaled-down version of the LP-6 and LP-8 mkIIs, instead with a 4.5-inch driver, but still feature the same front-ported two-way design. We were impressed with the previous ultra-nearfield model, the ‘IN’, but did have a couple of misgivings.
The base unit and satellites made a great pairing but maybe weren’t ideal for many home studios and ad-hoc production stations where a more traditional pairing of two-way monitors would suffice. With that in mind, these new LP variants look promising.
Aside from the form and size, the big differences are price and power. The LPs are half the price of the INs and are rated at 160W with the three-way INs clocking in at 320W, but don’t let that dissuade you – these are more than capable and 160W is plenty loud enough when you’re only about a metre away!
Kali Audio LP-UNF: Performance and verdict
The LP-UNFs have been designed in a primary/secondary formation (which we’ve become accustomed to with monitors of this size), so that your I/O and controls are all taken care of with the primary speaker and then connected via a proprietary cable to the secondary speaker.
Straight out of the box, the primary is the left side and the secondary the right, but this can be switched. Unlike other setups where the secondary monitor is passive, both monitors are bi-amped here (40W HF and 40W LF/MR per channel). The proprietary cable is a sufficient length for the ultra-near arrangement, but should you find yourself needing two and a half meters of cable then Kali Audio will sell you one for $10.
The LP-UNFs are tunable to fit a few monitoring setup scenarios. Whether placing them directly on the desktop, on a stand or elevated surface, or even close to a wall, you can tweak the EQ accordingly – no prior knowledge of acoustics or measuring equipment required.
On the rear of the primary monitor is a handy schematic to guide you through finding the right setting for your monitor placement. The only slight downside are the tiny DIP switches.
That said, the placement and EQ settings work very well and helps deliver a trustworthy image in acoustically sub-optimal surroundings. Much like their larger siblings, the LP-UNFs are clear and offer a relatively flat response, even running at 85dB SPL at 0.8 metres.
The addition of Bluetooth and USB-C connectivity adds to the value and use around the home or studio space. You can easily plug in any USB-C-equipped device for latency-free sound when creativity hits, or quickly pair via Bluetooth to any device. The analogue I/O is sufficient with RCA and TRS ports, but we’d prefer separate XLRs much like the larger LPs or XLR/TRS combi ports (on everything) and a headphone output.
These new ultra-nearfields from Kali Audio are perfect for anyone short on space and budget, but what would make them indispensable, for this particular reviewer at least, would be the addition of a carry case. We’ve been looking for a small, capable set of monitors without the Genelec pricetag for a while; is this it?
MusicRadar verdict: All of the clarity and trustworthy imaging found in larger monitors in the Kali Audio range, presented here in a smaller package.
Kali Audio LP-UNF: Hands-on demos
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Kali Audio LP-UNF: Specifications
- KEY FEATURES: Two-way, class-D, bi-amped, ultra-nearfield monitors with EQ I/O: Bluetooth, USB-C, TRS (Balanced, +4 dBU), RCA (Unbalanced, -10 dBV).
- DIMENSIONS: H 25.4cm x W 16.4cm x D 18.6cm.
- WEIGHT: Primary 3.2kg (7.1 lbs), Secondary 3kg (6.6 lbs).
- CONTACT: Kali Audio
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