Short answer: the JBL 705P, since the KRK Classic 5 is voiced more like a hi-fi speaker. The 705P’s spinorama is flat with excellent directivity, though a likely port-related cancellation around 750Hz and a boosted 1.75kHz crossover show on-axis. The Classic 5 is credited with good soundstage, but it is described as more hifi than studio monitor.
Buy the JBL 705P if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KRK Classic 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1998 per pair | $319.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #32 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #50 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| EQ | No | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 | 3.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 | 5.99 |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
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How JBL 705P compares with other leading options:
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- JBL 705P vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 705P
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 705P: $1998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s data gives bass reaching -3dB around 48Hz and a 6.71 ideal-subwoofer preference score. Its waveguided compression driver and dedicated amplification are suited to studio use, and the broad response trend is close to level. It has useful low-frequency reach for a five-inch monitor. Measured bass extension of 47.6Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The standalone score is 4.70, and a localized cancellation near 750Hz contributes to the large 7.8dB midrange response span. A crossover-region rise also prevents reference-flat reproduction. An average flat trend does not erase these features, and amplifier wattage is not a measured clean-SPL rating. The data does not support calling it uniformly flat simply because it shares technology with larger JBL models.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 38.9Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 47.6Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6”H x 5.9”W x 10.8”D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 2409H 1” compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo (analog), XLR AES3 (digital) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.71 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs (5.7 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
KRK Classic 5: $319.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 60Hz and a 5.99 preference score with an ideal subwoofer. Broad tonal correction can improve it, so it may be useful to someone willing to measure and EQ a basic studio setup. Measured bass extension of 60.1Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB. Excess treble and crossover/directivity errors keep it from being neutral out of the box, while low-bass distortion limits loud playback. Modeled EQ scores are not stock performance and do not demonstrate corrected distortion or dispersion.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons