Got official WS-12 distortion measurements from Kali.

[Dharmaone]

I just recently purchased two of the Kali ws12 for my studio. The interface is an Audient ID22, to a 2 way external crossover, highs are suppied by Yamaha HS8. I am using balanced lines for eveything.
My thoughts are that the Kali ws12 is one of the better subs Ive ever heard in my studio. The lows are exremely deep but not overpowering. A sweep from 400hz down gives a pretty flat response to my ear. Because of the high power, they are in my opinion, more accurate. They have the power to produce the low punches accurately and easliy and also have a very low noise floor, especially when run balanced. When there are two, the frequency response does indeed go lower, and overall it seems to do the same low frequencies that one alone achieved, but it sounds like it does it EASIER with two, if that makes sense. I dont have any measurement capabilities, but to me the Kali is perfect for my setup. Ive had LOTS of other subs in the past, including many jbl (a few actual studio subs), a few klipsh (none of which were actual studio subs but did ok), KRK, yamaha, and presonus.
I was a FOH sound engineer for over 30 years so I know what my ears tell me, and they say the kali is the one for now.

I will add that these can be very subtle when dialed in correctly. Under the HS8 they can be set to seem almost invisible, only extending the frequencies of the hs8 in a way that sounds whole and complete. Or you can dial them up a bit and get some SERIOUS thump.

Which external crossover do you use?

 

[khanhncm]

Hi there,
I think it's my karma to share what I find from my own WS-12
After asking Kali support about WS-12 , I think I learn enough to share with you guys
Be aware that, I only hear WS-12 as my first and ever "true, good enough" subwoofer . I'm at 230V region , not 110V as US . The model is manufactured at mid 2022 last year. My setup is Kali IN8v2 + WS-12. I'm not a pro audio, just some random guy seek true sound
1. Subwoofer go as low as specs said. they are honest here, reach 36 linearly , and feel drop a bit till 30hz, after that, I don't find them as a bass sound, not strong enough for me
2. They don't hiss at you but they do... coilwhine , yeah, audible high frequency sound. They confirm it's a thing too, they said that come from the cross over circuitry . I use a dip switch for "custom external crossover" , but nothing change at all. As long as their is power cable plug in, the coilwhine exists . At distance of 4m, I still hear the coilwhine . However, it's audible when at idle, when on track, it's still there, but the music hide the coilwhine away. So, ready yourself for it
3. Even my IN8 reach the same low frequency, even the sine sweep generate that kind of bass, but subwoofer create those bass more beautifully . I can't trust low bass of IN8 anymore , so thin . We deserve a subwoofer here
4. It's LED is so bright, bright enough to light up my room at night. I have to use my chair to hide it at night . Currently, I sit real close to subwoofer, my toe may touch it. Those who sit far away, should be caution if it's somehow annoying you. I find that it wouldn't be a concern for those who work on desk, subwoofer below desk . IN8 LED is much much dimmer , feel like a pixel on my TV at night, not concern me at all
5. Small thing, back plate is real hot after 1 hour, even only power plug in. The volume knob is innocent here, I check it already . But the high temperature stay like that eternally. Kali customer service say if it's hotter than a threshold, the subwoofer should turn off automatically as circuit protection design . But so far so good, the subwoofer do it job day by day, 24/7 even when I sleep
6. ignore those LP6, Lp8/IN8 crossover switch, just go straight 80HZ . You're better EQ yourself than rely on backplate dip switch . They won't do any useful but little magic for complicated system even it's just 2.1
7. I find that, place the monitor upside down, will balance out the bass from monitor's woofer with bass from subwoofer

All in all, if you guys just use it for music, I recommend it for a price, affordability, accessibility (only studio subwoofer ready in stock in my country) . The 2.1 system as a whole comparable to 8361A except the loudness, perfection. If money is not my concern, I would go for a pair of 8361A instead, cleaner setup

Edit1: here a video about that coilwhine

 

[khanhncm]

Sorry, maybe I do some mistake at the later post, I couldn't edit anymore. So here another post
Here is my youtube video about the coilwhine

5. About the heat. Kali customer service said it's normal. A metal back plate is utilized as an heat sink to disperse heat away

 

[Pritaudio]

How about the Kali 6.2 new sub. any comparisons. I’m considering 2 of these vs ws12. And it’s integration with the Kali in8 v2.

 

[Emulator II]

Sorry, maybe I do some mistake at the later post, I couldn't edit anymore. So here another post
Here is my youtube video about the coilwhine

5. About the heat. Kali customer service said it's normal. A metal back plate is utilized as an heat sink to disperse heat away

WS-12 "Second Wave" is out now.
Strangely enough, it's not listed on the official website, but can be pre-ordered in the usual shops.
Among other things, the issue of noise from the integrated crossover (that was unbearable, at least with the copy of the first version I ordered) and heat management have also been addressed. More finely graded crossover frequencies are now also available.
I feel a little sorry for Kali's customers who buy the first version of their products. Personally, I would now always wait for the revised version from this manufacturer.

 

[Pritaudio]

How does it compare to the Kali 6.2 subwoofer. Is it cleaner.

 

[Ellebob]

The WS12 is not cleaner than the 6.2 they are about the same as far being "clean". The WS-12 does go lower and plays louder obviously but it does not feel that much lower. I haven't heard the second wave but I know we have one on order at work.

My opinion on the WS-12 compared to other subs we routinely use. SVS, Paradigm, Kef and occasional other brands. OK Kef doesn't really compete but they win on aesthetics for certain situations.

WS12 wins best value for good output and plays pretty loud for the price. Doesn't go as deep and if you don't mind giving up 5-10hz it will keep up with Paradigm x-12/SVS 2000/3000 series for SPL or at least pretty close. I would say Paradigm is the cleanest but the WS12 I would say is second or tied with SVS. I think the crossover in the WS12 matches very well with its speakers. The WS12 loses on aesthetics.

We have done 2 comparisons with customers realatively recently, one comparing X-12/PB-3000 and one with X-15/PB16 both chose the Paradigm for being cleaner. SVS goes lower and louder. Just passing on what others have chosen. YMMV.

The 6.2 has quickly became one of my favorite small subs. Easily bested the Kef KC62. I have always liked the Paradigm Seismic 110 for small subs and is still one of my favorites, but it is a hard pill to swallow for price. The Kef is pretty pricey too. Price not being a concern I would pick the Paradigm but part of that is its built in EQ which is real nice for 2 channel systems that don't have EQ. I am currently using the 6.2 in my home with a pair of Kef LSX II and it is a very good combo. I think the Kali is going to stay, as I can only "test" it for so long. I might have to suck it up and buy it.

 

[Pritaudio]

The WS12 is not cleaner than the 6.2 they are about the same as far being "clean". The WS-12 does go lower and plays louder obviously but it does not feel that much lower. I haven't heard the second wave but I know we have one on order at work.

My opinion on the WS-12 compared to other subs we routinely use. SVS, Paradigm, Kef and occasional other brands. OK Kef doesn't really compete but they win on aesthetics for certain situations.

WS12 wins best value for good output and plays pretty loud for the price. Doesn't go as deep and if you don't mind giving up 5-10hz it will keep up with Paradigm x-12/SVS 2000/3000 series for SPL or at least pretty close. I would say Paradigm is the cleanest but the WS12 I would say is second or tied with SVS. I think the crossover in the WS12 matches very well with its speakers. The WS12 loses on aesthetics.

We have done 2 comparisons with customers realatively recently, one comparing X-12/PB-3000 and one with X-15/PB16 both chose the Paradigm for being cleaner. SVS goes lower and louder. Just passing on what others have chosen. YMMV.

The 6.2 has quickly became one of my favorite small subs. Easily bested the Kef KC62. I have always liked the Paradigm Seismic 110 for small subs and is still one of my favorites, but it is a hard pill to swallow for price. The Kef is pretty pricey too. Price not being a concern I would pick the Paradigm but part of that is its built in EQ which is real nice for 2 channel systems that don't have EQ. I am currently using the 6.2 in my home with a pair of Kef LSX II and it is a very good combo. I think the Kali is going to stay, as I can only "test" it for so long. I might have to suck it up and buy it.

Have you tried dual subs of any stereo setup. What do you think about having 2 Kali 6.2 subs. Does it sound less fatiguing with less distortion for a given spl. I understand that it is more uniform sound around the room. i just think that having equaliser and settings on the svs subs give it the edge for integration, especially when using something like rew to calibrate.

 

[Ellebob]

I use dual subs in my theater and many of our installations use two or more subs.

I don't use 2 subs in my family room where the Kali 6.2 is. Basically it is not practical for good placement of the second sub.

I agree EQ definitely helps and the SVS and Paradigm both have EQ. I have thought about adding a mini-dsp unit to the 6.2