Short answer: the Genelec 8030C for better sound quality, the KRK Rokit 5 G4 for the lower price. The Genelec 8030C ranks #3 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $1590. The KRK Rokit 5 G4 ranks #14 at $337, $1253 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8030C gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent aside from one minor dip. The catch: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements.
What the KRK Rokit 5 G4 offers: Deeper bass than the HS5. Watch for: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing.
Buy the Genelec 8030C if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KRK Rokit 5 G4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | KRK Rokit 5 G4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1590 | $337 |
| Ranked | #3 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #14 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 11.2"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS/XLR |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg each | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 110dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 55w Per Speaker |
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The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8030C: $1590 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows a near-flat on-axis response with smooth directivity - “very nice overall.” Predicted in-room response is excellent aside from one minor dip. Reasonably wide horizontal beamwidth of about ±60 degrees that doesn’t narrow even above 10kHz. At 106dB SPL/1m, bass distortion measures much lower than a comparable passive speaker-plus-amplifier combination (Revel M106) tested the same way. Compression is purely instantaneous/amplitude-related rather than thermal, with max SPL before compression reaching 111dB SPL at 200Hz (96dB plus 15dB of headroom). The reviewer found it immediately musical, with reference tracks “translating” beautifully out of the box, and EQ correction of its one measured flaw improved detail with no downsides. Overall conclusion: excellent value, a rare combination of measured accuracy and genuinely engaging sound.
Cons: A minor but measurable dip between 2-3kHz shows up in both on- and off-axis measurements. Vertical directivity varies significantly with frequency, so listening height needs to stay right at the tweeter/ear axis for accurate tonal balance. Distortion at 106dB SPL/1m is elevated in the 500Hz-2kHz range compared to the Revel M106 comparison, even though bass distortion is much better. Compression headroom drops substantially at low frequencies - only about 105dB SPL max at 50Hz (a 0.5dB compression point) versus 111dB SPL at 200Hz, roughly a 6dB difference. As a near-field monitor, it has genuinely limited headroom in the deep bass - the reviewer noted severe distortion on deep-bass-heavy tracks at anything beyond modest listening levels.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 11 lbs / 5 kg each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KRK Rokit 5 G4: $337 Amazon
Pros: Deeper bass than the HS5. Good horizontal directivity - the small woofer mates well with the waveguided tweeter. Distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL and scales gradually with volume rather than breaking up suddenly, tweeter hiss is nearly inaudible, and the onboard DSP/app lets you dial in EQ, including for the 680Hz port resonance.
Cons: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing. A little more hifi sounding
Full KRK Rokit 5 G4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR |
| Output Power | 55w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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