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Kali Audio LP-UNF

Just got my LP-UNF pair delivered, few initial impressions.

- Dead silence, no hiss, no coil whine, even with my ear next to the speaker (1 inch away).
- The interconnect cable is a bit stiff and loose. However, it is not an issue if the speakers stay at once place 24/7.
- Using USB cable and Bluetooth, there is pop noise when start/play audio source (e.g., YouTube), or when scrolling website (this one is weird). Both pop noise are negligible, but with Bluetooth, the pop is less frequent and is lower in volume.
- Using RCA, there is no pop noise. Not sure about TRS because I don't have compatible gear.
- On the back, the "Load_firmware" label is version 1.0.6.
- USB input is fixed at 24 bit/48 kHz, while Bluetooth is 16 bit / 44100 kHz.
- Bluetooth codec supports Aptx HD/Aptx/SBC, not support AAC/Opus/LDAC/LC3/SSC, not sure about Aptx LL.
- Touch volume buttons are very sensitive and responsive to gesture.

I'll just use the speaker with my Topping D10 to avoid the pop noise. Finally the D10 can see sunshine again after sitting in a cave for a long time. Not that I can hear the difference of DAC -> ADC -> DAC anyway.

Mine was purchased used so no complain, but in general, purchasing a product with known firmware-related issue and no clear firmware upgrade path is effectively a lottery.
 
It’s really too bad that there is no subwoofer output on these. It will be a nice pairing with the new WS-6.2 if you could connect it all directly via USB-C.

Oh well, RCA would also work, but then the volume control is useless because you can’t control the sub. The volume control on the front of the speaker is one of the defining features of this product.
I discovered tonight via one of AppleCare's helpful techs that the M4 Mac Mini can use its Midid Utility app to 'connect' multiple outputs - so I will be utilizing an older powered subwoofer along with a pair of Kali LP-UNF's for a full sound system.

I've ordered a USB-C > RCA pair cable and will use a USB-C hub (not Thunderbolt) to make connections. IOW, I won't need to fab a cable to make this work...
 
I discovered tonight via one of AppleCare's helpful techs that the M4 Mac Mini can use its Midid Utility app to 'connect' multiple outputs - so I will be utilizing an older powered subwoofer along with a pair of Kali LP-UNF's for a full sound system.

I've ordered a USB-C > RCA pair cable and will use a USB-C hub (not Thunderbolt) to make connections. IOW, I won't need to fab a cable to make this work...
Keep in mind that clock drift between two USB devices is to be expected.

Creating an aggregate device in the Midi control panel does not ensure that your sub and LP-UNF will stay in sync.
 
Keep in mind that clock drift between two USB devices is to be expected.

Creating an aggregate device in the Midi control panel does not ensure that your sub and LP-UNF will stay in sync.
Can the two outputs be adjusted to synch?
Will the drift affect speaker signals significant;ly?
Is it based on cable length or another variable?
 
Keep in mind that clock drift between two USB devices is to be expected.

Creating an aggregate device in the Midi control panel does not ensure that your sub and LP-UNF will stay in sync.
Yes it does. The OS will keep them in sync.
 
Yes it does. The OS will keep them in sync.
To expand on that, as I understand it if you have drift correction enabled the actual data rates will be tracked, and ASRC used to keep other devices in sync with whichever is the 'master'. I believe PipeWire on linux now does something similar to keep devices with different clock domains in sync.
 
I just ordered the LP-UNF from muziker.bg /this is a Czech-based pan-European audio store/, 330 euros.

I also got wall mounts, 50 euro pair. They will stand on either side of the TV in the living room. Sources - bluetooth phone ,laptop or TV 3.5mm to rca. Hope everything goes well.
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I'm still concerned about mounting resonance with these monitors - the cabinets are known for vibrating a good bit at volume.

My appproach is the sit them on cement cap blocks with a rubber sheet at ear level - crude perhaps but I'm not really sure what's ideal.

What have the experience of other been that works effectively?
 
I'm still concerned about mounting resonance with these monitors - the cabinets are known for vibrating a good bit at volume.

My appproach is the sit them on cement cap blocks with a rubber sheet at ear level - crude perhaps but I'm not really sure what's ideal.

What have the experience of other been that works effectively?
My plan is to seal the mount clamps with some rubber sheet, bottom plate too. Thick rubber - speakers sides are little bit curved and I need firm grip. There's 8yo kid running around.
 
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I'm still concerned about mounting resonance with these monitors - the cabinets are known for vibrating a good bit at volume.

My appproach is the sit them on cement cap blocks with a rubber sheet at ear level - crude perhaps but I'm not really sure what's ideal.

What have the experience of other been that works effectively?
Cement blocks with thin sheet are the best of what i can think of.
 
The stands arrived, with an unpleasant surprise. Good design, decent material but poor workmanship.
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What kind of monkey do you have to be to not be able to drill 2 holes correctly?! Anyway, I have a bench drill in the garage, I'll drill a big hole and fix it with a single thick screw and nut, but I'm starting to lose faith in this world :)
Stay away from Stell mounts.
 
The stands arrived, with an unpleasant surprise. Good design, decent material but poor workmanship.
View attachment 423669

View attachment 423670

What kind of monkey do you have to be to not be able to drill 2 holes correctly?! Anyway, I have a bench drill in the garage, I'll drill a big hole and fix it with a single thick screw and nut, but I'm starting to lose faith in this world :)
Stay away from Stell mounts.
For 330 Euros I'd be pretty disappointed too - which is why I make so much of my auxiliaty gear. Hope you can get these to do the job you were expecting...
 
For 330 Euros I'd be pretty disappointed too - which is why I make so much of my auxiliaty gear. Hope you can get these to do the job you were expecting...
No , mounts are 50eu, 330eu for the lp-unf :)
Meanwhile mounts are fixed. There's enough tolerance left-right with loose bolts. The pads were torn, but they were going to be replaced. By the way, the stands seem to be made for LP-UNF. They fit perfectly:
IMG_20250125_144955.jpg

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No , mounts are 50eu, 330eu for the lp-unf :)
Meanwhile mounts are fixed. There's enough tolerance left-right with loose bolts. The pads were torn, but they were going to be replaced. By the way, the stands seem to be made for LP-UNF. They fit perfectly:
View attachment 423688
View attachment 423689
Oh good! I assume the mounts were the 330 price. Whew!

I ordered my Kali's today from Sweetwater cuz you get a 2-year warranty on all their products.
 
Oh good! I assume the mounts were the 330 price. Whew!

I ordered my Kali's today from Sweetwater cuz you get a 2-year warranty on all their products.

Mounts are cheapest possible option, may be that's why I got "surprise ":) But now when fixed, Im happy- they're solid and fits perfectly to the LP-Unfs. The speakers will arive Monday/Tuesday.
Overhere in all of EU there's mandatory rule 2yrs warranty for regular Joe's and 1yrs business customers..
 
I am seriously thinking of replacing my iLoud micros with these Kali's. I have recently upgraded my PC to be more quiet and can clearly here hiss over the iLouds. Just want some advice.

I assume stands are recommended - is there consensus on whether the tweeters need to be ear level? Are there any stands that are preferred?

I will be using a pre-sonus sub 8 with the speakers. I have read the thread and understand that output direct from USB is preferred as this cuts out an ADC step. However I will need to pass through the sub to get the HP/LP setup, am I going to lose much fidelity doing this (i.e. am I likely to hear it)?

EDIT - found that the additional noise was a groundloop, must have been the new graphics card. I added in an old rca ground-loop isolator and the bulk of the noise is gone. Still interested in the Kalis though.
 
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F##c yeahhh
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Incredible sound , exactly what I like. RCA to the laptop. Switch 3 up , main speaker right - that's the whole setup so far. I can't be more satisfied.!
:cool:
 
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I'm using a PreSonus Sub8 BT with Edifier MR4.
I'm connecting my source to the Sub8's RCA input, and the Sub8 to MR4 via TRS.
I haven't done any kind of controlled listening tests, but I don't "feel" like I'm losing any sound quality.

Most importantly, even if there would be any, the benefit of extra bass extension is so significant to me that I don't really care.
If you're interested in the measured FR, see my post.
 
Well , I need a longer 4pin cable.
Swear I can hear very weak hiss from twitter when the speakers ara unplugged from everything, including the power cord !! :D
How you can see above the interconnect is behind the TV , touching its body and hdmi cables. When I switch the TV source to unused input or just shut it off the hiss is gone.
 
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