Kali Audio SM-5 (C) monitor

[Bruce Morgen]

I would counter that the cost of amplification, especially if you are dealing with multiple low-medium power amps rather than a single high power amp are very contained today. So is the cost of a chip capable of the DSP needed to run the SM5.

And the kicker is that the R&D for the DSP's setting was already done for the passive version.

In the IN-x models, the Class D amplification and the DSP hardware are on the same monolithic TI chips, and I suspect that's true for whatever chips they used in the SM-5. There's probably more hardware cost in the USB and Ethernet connectivity aspects of the SM-5 design.

Given enough time and attention, e.g. deciphering the extant LEA tuning files -- along with the fact that the SM-5C's biamp mode requires only two channels of amplification -- one could probably use any of several decent 100+ WPC stereo power amps (as long they can handle three ohm loads) for each SM-5C with a MiniDSP unit (or some such) instead of the very pricey LEA gear Kali recommends, saving some $$$ at the expense of connectivity.

 

[kemmler3D]

Looking at the Sound on Sound review, the dispersion seems really wide, distortion looks good but I think Neumann still has them beat. Still, I can imagine someone choosing these over the other "ASR approved" options even at this price.

 

[kharan]

SOS seems to think the pricing is per pair. And says it's competitive with other 1.5k/pair 5 inch two ways.

https://imgur.com/3yoKiqL

Kali Audio SM-5

Kali Audio’s latest three‑way speakers look unassuming, but represent a big step up in performance.

www.soundonsound.com

 

[Rednaxela]

Such a shame Kali gave way to so much confusion around what has to be their flagship product line.

The SOS quoted price seems very reasonable and explainable in the context of their previous offerings. Twice as much - not really.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Such a shame Kali gave way to so much confusion around what has to be their flagship product line.

The SOS quoted price seems very reasonable and explainable in the context of their previous offerings. Twice as much - not really.

Yup, IMO there's too little improvement over the excellent lower-priced Kalis for too many additional $$$$. It seems like they've lost sight of their stated commitment to "value optimization" that made their products stand out in the low end of the monitor market as they seek to climb upscale.

Of course, SOS's price confusion isn't Kali's fault -- the price on Kali's website is very clearly not per pair, even if we think it ought to be.

 

[Pritaudio]

Can we determine if the imd of the 3 ways go some way to compare to the known 2 ways such as Neumann kh150 low thd.

 

[kharan]

We don't have published IMD measurements for the KH 150.

However, all things equal, IMD in a three way will be lower than IMD in a two way.

 

[thewas]

EAC video review with measurements of the Kali Audio SM-5 is now online:

@mods: Maybe the title of this thread could be renamed to Kali Audio SM-5 (C) for better searchability?

 

[dfuller]

EAC video review with measurements of the Kali Audio SM-5 is now online:

View attachment 412450

@mods: Maybe the title of this thread could be renamed to Kali Audio SM-5 (C) for better searchability?

the IMD is spectacularly good for its size.

 

[Liopleus]

the IMD is spectacularly good for its size.

For reference, the IMD is better than KEF R3 Meta and Q Concerto Meta. However, Erin didn't provide IMD data in his IN-5 and Genelec 8331A review which are made earlier.

I was hoping the SM-5 would rival Genelec 83x1 series but it seems it is behind on response linearity and directivity, so this is kind of a letdown. It does have less bass compression though. Overall I find it hard to justify the price difference between this and the IN-5 unless you don't have access to parametric EQ or really need super low latency EQ.

 

[khanhncm]

wood can't beat metal, it's physics

 

[Bruce Morgen]

wood can't beat metal, it's physics

There are very few speaker systems with wooden enclosures -- and metals, which can be susceptible to ringing resonances, have to be every bit as carefully selected and properly designed in as engineered non-metallic alternatives like fiberboard.

 

[Jimbob54]

EAC video review with measurements of the Kali Audio SM-5 is now online:

View attachment 412450

@mods: Maybe the title of this thread could be renamed to Kali Audio SM-5 (C) for better searchability?

Done that . Good thinking folks .

 

[Ktacos]

Kind I'd expected a bit better performance here, then again the lp6 aren't perfect but still sound amazing.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

Kind I'd expected a bit better performance here, then again the lp6 aren't perfect but still sound amazing.

The LPs are a very good value, but the IN series three-ways are in the sweet spot when it comes to "bang for the buck."

 

[b7676]

Boys the SM-8C is special order for enterprise quantity

Kali Audio — Kali Audio SM Series Studio Monitors

www.kaliaudio.com

 

[dziemian]

As much as I like and support Kali Audio I dont understand the policy behind SM series. Passive version too complicated to setup, active too pricy to compete with Neumann or Genelec at this time. Market seems to agree with that statement as there have been very few reviews or any mentions since its launch.

 

[Bruce Morgen]

As much as I like and support Kali Audio I dont understand the policy behind SM series. Passive version too complicated to setup, active too pricy to compete with Neumann or Genelec at this time. Market seems to agree with that statement as there have been very few reviews or any mentions since its launch.

They made their bones going by a philosophy Charles Sprinkle called "value optimization" -- very much a "bang for the buck" approach. As much as "I like and support" them -- I own a pair of "2nd Wave" IN-8s ( L+R) and an IN-5 (center) -- I'm just not seeing that in this product.

 

[Tovarich007]

The bigger SM-8 has just been released in the U.S. (and soon elsewhere) at 2500 $/unit. That's a lot of bucks !

Kali Audio Announces SM-8 Powered Studio Monitor

Kali Audio has announced the SM-8, an 8" model in their top-tier Project Santa Monica, or SM-Series, line of studio monitors, which already includes a 5" model. The US-based brand of studio monitors keeps expanding its successful formula, leveraging the proven 3-way coincident architecture with...

audioxpress.com

It's certainly a good speaker, but much overpriced compared to the not so different IN series, whatever are the explanations of Kali officials, except for software and DSP and slightly better drivers and electronics, and probably overpriced too compared to the competition.

I don't understand where Kali's going? Obviously one of the best budget monitor maker with a deeply respectable know how, but what's the heck with this new range ???
At 1500 $ the SM-5 and 2500 $ the SM-8 for a pair, it could be OK, but not for such a price per unit.

I would not hesitate one single second to go for a Genelec 8341 or 8351 or a Neumann KH150 or KH310 instead of SM series.
At least, I would be sure of built quality, brand service and reselling value in case of money problem or system change.
And they're European companies, always making their products in Europe. In these troubled times, I'm reluctant to give big bucks to US companies.

 

[Matias]

They should lend a unit to Amir or Erin and let them review it.