Short answer: the JBL 305P MKII. It ranks #18 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $319 and is still sold new; the KRK Rokit 5 G4 ranks #59 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KRK Rokit 5 G4’s replacement, the KRK Rokit 5 G5, is rated 3.8/5 at $398.
The JBL 305P MKII is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Budget studio monitors with balanced sound and wide coverage that keeps the stereo image stable across a desk. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.38 against 3.92 for the KRK Rokit 5 G4. Its bass reaches about 50Hz before falling 3dB, against 55.7Hz for the KRK Rokit 5 G4. Watch for: The 3.3dB midrange span and rising response show it is not perfectly neutral.
Why pick the KRK Rokit 5 G4: A 5 inch studio monitor with fairly deep bass for its size, low hiss, and onboard controls to tune its balance. Watch for: The 3.6dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.502 show that native response is not reference-flat.
Buy the JBL 305P MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality; the KRK Rokit 5 G4 is no longer sold new.
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Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the JBL 305P MKII scores 7.5 against 6.3 for the KRK Rokit 5 G4 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
- Close enough not to matter: bass extension (50 Hz vs 55.7 Hz, 3 dB down).
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Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 305P MKII | KRK Rokit 5 G4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.00 per pair | $337 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #18 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.3”W x 9.1”D (297.2 x 185.4 x 231.1 mm) | 11.2”H x 7.5”W x 9.5”D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 49 Hz - 20 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 43Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS | TRS/XLR |
| Weight | 10.4 lbs (4.7 kg) each | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 81w Per Speaker | 55w Per Speaker |
| Sensitivity | 91.1dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.38 | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.52 | 6.29 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- JBL 305P MKII: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
- KRK Rokit 5 G4: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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