If you don't want to or can't use a sub get something with good bass extension. I'm really missing that in my 5" monitors
(spec: 57Hz -3dB, 45Hz -10dB).
I am looking for new monitors myself right now and have also considered the Kali LP-6v2.
FR is fairly even, they're not huge like 8" monitors, seem to have fairly low hiss and good distortion performance in the 2-5kHz range. They`re not the cheapest 6.5" monitors but seem to be a solidly engineered choice.
There are other options of course, I'll just share some of my thoughts here, maybe it helps:
- Adam T7V - Decent performer and cheap, but loud hiss at 30dB/10cm.
- Adam T8V - Decent performer with great bass extension, but very large and less than stellar distortion performance.
- ESI uniK 08 Plus - Great feature set but there is hardly any information about performance, reliability etc. and price is somewhat higher.
- Focal Alpha 65 Evo - Subjectively really like the Alpha 65 1st gen, but they are bulky, the Evo are somewhat expensive and measured performance is not great.
- KRK RP - Hated them subjectively, they sound horribly muddy and bloated.
- Yamaha HS - Didn't like them subjectively, thin and bass-light.
- Focal Shape 65 - Didn't like them subjectively, sound unremarkable but look and feel much cheaper than they are. Passive radiators might be an advantage in some circumstances though.
- Adam A7X - Liked them better subjectively than measurements would suggest, but kind of expensive for what you get.
- Mackie MR - Own the 5" and heard the others, unoffensive sounding cheap monitors with decently low hiss. Missing standby mode wich I have come to hate.
- EVE Audio SC207 - Unremarkable, didn't care for them too much at the asking price, terribly cheap feeling plastic contol knob.
- RCF Arya - these caught my interest, manufacturer publishes measurements in the spec sheets. Especially the 8" look like a good performer at the price.
- Presonus R-Series - They look kind of interesting but I've read many bad things about hiss and reliability.
I was looking at the Neumann but I’ve seen some concerning durability/construction concerns that turn me off of them.
Really? I wouldn't be worried about Neumann speakers lasting a good long time.
If a long livespan is your concern have a look at Genelec, there are more 20-30 year old used Genelec active speakers for sale than any other brand, they seem to last very long. And the used prices are still high, they don't depreciate that much.
To gauge the size you can make some models from cardboard boxes. That really helps visualize it. With most monitors the cables will stick out in the back, so consider that too.