Kali Audio SM-5 vs KRK Rokit 5 G4

Short answer: the Kali Audio SM-5 for better sound quality, the KRK Rokit 5 G4 for the lower price. The Kali Audio SM-5 ranks #4 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $3400. The KRK Rokit 5 G4 ranks #14 at $337, $3063 cheaper.

The case for the Kali Audio SM-5: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange. The tradeoff: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size.

What the KRK Rokit 5 G4 gets right: Deeper bass than the HS5. The catch: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing.

Buy the Kali Audio SM-5 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

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The Two Speakers In Full

Kali Audio SM-5: $3400 Sweetwater

Pros: True coaxial design with the tweeter mounted inside the midrange, and an unusually large waveguide that extends into the front baffle itself - directivity is excellent both horizontally (about +/-55 degrees) and vertically (+50/-40 degrees), so off-axis and low-seated listening positions still get a consistent tonal balance. Overall linearity is very good with in-room extension to about 40-45Hz. Distortion at 96dB is very low through the midrange, with only a mild, expected breakup around 3kHz tied to a small dip in the response there. Built-in DSP with free downloadable software lets you EQ each speaker individually for placement or room correction without an outboard processor, and the cabinet is wall-mountable - useful for surrounds, front heights, or tight desk setups. Compares very favorably to Kali’s own IN-8: similar raw linearity and distortion, but without the IN-8’s diffraction issues above 7kHz.

Cons: Bass output is limited by the 5” mid-bass driver - don’t expect much excursion or high-SPL low end, though extension itself is reasonable for the size. A mild high-Q resonance lingers around 2.5-4kHz in burst decay, though not strong. Instantaneous dynamic range is limited to roughly 96-102dB at 1m before compression sets in.

Full Kali Audio SM-5 review and specifications →

App	Kali Audio DSP software (free download)
Bass Extension (-10dB)	39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)	45Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner)
Bluetooth	No
Dimensions	15.7"H x 7.9"W x 9.8"D (400 x 200 x 250 mm) (15.6 x 7.9 x 9.8 in)
Drivers	1" coaxial tweeter, 4" coaxial midrange, 5" mid-bass woofer
EQ	Yes, per-speaker DSP
Frequency Response	39Hz - 35kHz ±10dB (47Hz - 21kHz ±3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Inputs	XLR/TRS, AES/EBU (BNC), RJ45 network control
Max SPL	117dB
Output Power	150W total
Weight	20.9 lbs / 9.5 kg (21 lb) each

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• Links
  • Official Kali Audio SM-5 Product Page
• Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
  • Erin’s Audio Corner: Kali Audio SM-5 Review (With Sound Clips!)
  • Reddit Search for Kali Audio SM-5 Review
• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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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.

• Links
  • Official KRK Rokit 5 G4 Product Page
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• Head-to-Head Comparisons
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