Is Kali IN5 an actual upgrade from JBL LSR305?

[badtimeticket]

Just looking at the measurements, the JBL LSR305 looks pretty good? This at a desk so maybe at a .7m listening distance the coaxials have some advantage. Is the JBL just a bit underrated because of its price?

I’ll probably repurpose my DDRC24 to run Dirac here as well.

 

[Ellebob]

Definitely an upgrade

 

[badtimeticket]

I have to wonder though, what in the spins shows this? Or if not, what’s better that isn’t shown?

 

[Chrispy]

Are LSR 305s even still available? I have some of the first gen 305s but thought they'd been replaced by the 306s entirely by now, but haven't looked. Never have had a Kali but would assume not a huge difference at that level.

 

[badtimeticket]

They aren’t, but I still have mine from ten years ago or so. I’m comparing spins to the new version that Erin reviewed.(actually now that you mention 306 those might be a different lineup)

When I bought them they were super pricy to me but now that I’m older with more money I’m considering upgrading.

 

[Chrispy]

They aren’t, but I still have mine from ten years ago or so. I’m comparing spins to the new version that Erin reviewed.(actually now that you mention 306 those might be a different lineup)

When I bought them they were super pricy to me but now that I’m older with more money I’m considering upgrading.

Just curious. I have had mine 8 years, bought them just out of the good reviews/curiosity. Like them a lot, but don't use them in a main system, they're in a little-used spare bedroom with some of my old 2ch gear. Always been curious about Kali, though as they get pretty good comments.

My general advice in speakers is save up for something significantly better rather than a somewhat sideways move....and I'd think yours is more sideways with these two

 

[badtimeticket]

Yeah that was my feeling. I could also get Orbits but it’s probably more than I should spend for this setup. Other option is some of the cheaper Ascilabs since I’ll have a free Hypex amp after my C8Cs arrive, but not sure if those will be coherent in nearfield, although the measurements look nice.

 

[Chrispy]

Yeah that was my feeling. I could also get Orbits but it’s probably more than I should spend for this setup. Other option is some of the cheaper Ascilabs since I’ll have a free Hypex amp after my C8Cs arrive, but not sure if those will be coherent in nearfield, although the measurements look nice.

Not familiar with Orbits but haven't shopped much, got a link? Generally, what is lacking now where you need to "upgrade"?

 

[badtimeticket]

Not familiar with Orbits but haven't shopped much, got a link? Generally, what is lacking now where you need to "upgrade"?

Check out this thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/palmer-orbit-11-monitor-review.70063/

The benefit is the cardioid response, which might be great for my position against the wall, as well as being coaxial. I can definitely comfortably afford it but it’s probably a bit irresponsible.

Honestly to me they just don’t sound amazing. They aren’t imaging that well to me but it’s hard to attribute that to my listening setup or listening distance. (I suppose I should try putting my Q1 meta surrounds at my desk to test that theory out) It’s less satisfying than my headphones but I actually dislike headphones quite a bit from a comfort POV.

 

[Chrispy]

Check out this thread https://www.audiosciencereview.com/forum/index.php?threads/palmer-orbit-11-monitor-review.70063/

The benefit is the cardioid response, which might be great for my position against the wall, as well as being coaxial. I can definitely comfortably afford it but it’s probably a bit irresponsible.

Honestly to me they just don’t sound amazing. They aren’t imaging that well to me but it’s hard to attribute that to my listening setup or listening distance. (I suppose I should try putting my Q1 meta surrounds at my desk to test that theory out) It’s less satisfying than my headphones but I actually dislike headphones quite a bit from a comfort POV.

I like the Sigberg Audio Manta if I went that way, but that is a whole different class of speaker/budget.

ps just took a look at the Orbits, look interesting, but quite a price difference too

 

[Ellebob]

LSR-305 are still available as is the 306 and 308. We carry both JBL and Kali, I prefer the Kali across the board. Although JBL was my favorite prior to Kali in that price range. The LSR-308 and LP-8 are VERY close. The LP-6 is a step up from the 305/306.

The OP is comparing the IN series to the LSR. That's not even close. They are not close in price either, so it is a bit of an unusual comparison. As the 305 retails for $400/pair (and is often on sale for less) while IN-5 retails for more than double at $900/pair.