Computer speakers have gradually improved in the last decade, and now we are spoiled for choice. Still, Bose Companion 2 Series III, Kanto Ora, FiiO SP3… we’ve seen a lot of great models (and a lot of suckers) but today we have a true winner on our hands. Meet the LP-UNF — affordable powered speakers that simply crush the competition.
Today is a wonderful time to be into audio (I am trying to escape the dreaded term that ends in “phile”) — the amount of companies that make truly great speakers has never been greater, and many of them are affordable, too. But the desktop speakers are a little bit different. While there are fantastic models on the market, many of them are too focused on one trick or another. Usually, they are bass-focused or overdo high frequencies. And the smaller they are, the more problems they usually have.
Kali Audio is still relatively new — the company was founded in 2018 in the US. But it’s known to geeks like me; after all, their LP-6 speakers were absolutely wonderful for the price. And now we have a long-awaited sequel. Is the LP-UNF a new king of desktop monitors? Honestly? Quite possibly.
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Design and packaging
The Kali Audio LP-UNF speakers have compact dimensions, measuring 25.4 cm in height, 16.4 cm in width, and 18.6 cm in depth. The monitors feature a 3D imaging waveguide to create a detailed stereo image, and a large front-firing port tube with a fluid dynamics-derived shape to eliminate port noise and compression. Despite its small size, the LP-UNF have a high-excursion 4.5-inch woofer that extends down to 39 Hz with less than 2% distortion on the low end.
These aren’t the smallest speakers we’ve tested; in fact, the LP-UNF are one of the biggest desktop monitors we’ve had. I can understand why some people would think twice before splurging on a pair of behemoths that take up a lot of desktop space. But I know why: sound. If you ask me, it’s worth it just for thef sound alone. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
The design of the speakers is in typical Kali fashion: it’s all business. Let’s be frank, these won’t win any design awards for how they look, with their all-black plastic body and wavy geometry. If you want something striking, these are not for you. It’s that simple.
The unboxing experience is also somewhat lacking: there’s a bare minimum there. Unlike the FiiO SP3 pair I reviewed earlier, there’s no fancy speaker cable — or any speaker cable, really. There’s an explanation though: these are not strictly wired, so wires are not necessary. Still, I prefer a wired connection, so I mostly used them that way.
Sound
I keep mentioning the FiiO SP3 not only because they are fresh in my memory but also because they cost about the same as the Kali — US$300/pair. And while I liked a lot about the FiiO pair, I have to say, they don’t come close to the LP-UNF.
Kali Audio LP-UNF is a pair of ultra nearfield speakers — they are meant to be heard up close (not more than arm’s length). It might not be a good idea to use them as your standard bookshelf speakers, although you are welcome to try.
The Kali Audio LP-UNF have various connectivity options to suit different use cases. Users can connect the speakers to computers and tablets via the USB-C digital input, or wirelessly using Bluetooth. For professional audio equipment, the LP-UNF offer balanced TRS inputs, while consumer audio gear can be connected using the unbalanced RCA inputs. The choices are plenty, and honestly, there’s nothing else I would like to add.
Despite those being hailed as “studio monitors,” there’s nothing to fear: these aren’t only good for musicians and producers and will fit in any setup and in any scenario.
I tested these with a diverse selection of artists and genres, and every single track benefited greatly from the balanced, detailed sound signature of the Kali Audio LP-UNF. This studio-grade monitor speaker brings out the nuances in the instrumentation and vocal performances, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the rich textures and dynamics of each track. Whether it’s the driving rhythms of Muse or the cinematic swells of Explosions in the Sky, the Kali Audio LP-UNF deliver an engaging listening experience.
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The powerful low-end response provides a solid foundation for the driving rhythms of bands like Asking Alexandria, while the crisp highs would allow the intricate melodies of artists like nami sato to shine.
This speaker’s transparent, uncolored sound lets the music shine. I feared those would sound too sterile, too tame, but no: this pair packs a punch and does great with every genre I threw at it, from soundtracks to electronic music or black metal. And since these are active speakers, you don’t need an amplifier to make them sing.
I would absolutely recommend these to every single person. I will scream their praises from the rooftops. These are simply the best there is for this price. The Kali Audio LP-UNF will probably beat a lot of the more expensive speakers, too.
The speakers come with dip switches on the back, which allow you to adjust the settings for various setups. Whether you’re placing the speakers on a table, dedicated stands, a monitor bridge, or any other setup, you can customize the settings to match your situation. However, the effectiveness of these adjustments depends on your specific setup, so it’s worth experimenting with different settings to find what works best for you.
Verdict
I can’t believe the Kali Audio LP-UNF cost only US$300. But seeing (hearing) is believing. I urge you to give these a go. It’s hands down the best pair of desktop monitors I’ve heard in a long, long time.