Kali Audio was founded in January 2018 by former JBL employees with the goal of creating high-performance, high-value professional audio products. All products are designed and engineered in their Burbank, California headquarters. Kali describes their mission, “To provide customers with best-in-class audio products, particularly loudspeakers, that offer superior value and performance”. In September 2025, Kali Audio released their first headphones, the HP-1. The HP-1 is a closed-back, over-ear headphone that combines wired and Bluetooth wireless connectivity, three selectable voicings, and active noise cancelling. Priced in the mid-range, the HP-1 is for people who want one pair of headphones to carry multiple roles.
The three voicing modes are: Studio Mode, meant for neutral, flat professional monitoring. Bass-Heavy Mode, which amplifies low frequencies, useful for genres relying on pronounced bass. Last is Consumer Mode, intended to mimic more common headphone profiles found in phones or laptops. Switching among them is done via a button on the right earcup; an LED and a voice prompt indicate which voicing is active.
The Kali Audio HP-1 is a very pleasant-sounding headphone in all modes, with firm low end and smooth treble. Like many headphones, the midrange is less emphasized. What suits the individual user will come down to personal preference and application. The versatility of the modes is a nice feature for those who are interested in flexible voicing options.
The HP-1 uses 40mm dynamic drivers and offers a frequency response of 18 Hz to 22 kHz. Its weight is about 150 grams (0.4 lbs), which is toward lighter side among over-ears. The earpads are replaceable, and the frame is foldable, which aids portability. Materials include vegan leather on pads and headband, soft cushioning, to provide comfort during extended sessions or travel.
Connectivity comes in two flavors: a wired 3.5 mm option for lower latency tasks, and Bluetooth (AAC, SBC) for wireless use. The wired option bypasses the Bluetooth electronics. Unfortunately, the cable included was only 40” long, which for any realistic wired application would be unusable except for connecting to a laptop in an airplane. Users wanting a wired connection would be best served to get a longer cable. Battery life in wireless mode is stated as over 40 hours on a single charge. Charging is via USB-C. A carrying case is included. The Kali Audio HP-1 Headphones reward the listener with a versatile, smooth and satisfying listener experience at an accessible price point. $199
