Short answer: the JBL 705P for better sound quality, the KRK Classic 5 for the lower price. The JBL 705P ranks #18 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $1998. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #22 at $280, $1718 cheaper.
On the JBL 705P side: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Set against that: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve.
The case for the KRK Classic 5: Good soundstage. The tradeoff: More hifi than studio monitors.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| JBL 705P | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1998 | $280 |
| Ranked | #18 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 | - |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Inputs | - | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Bluetooth | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
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KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon
Pros: Good soundstage
Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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