Short answer: the KRK Classic 5. It ranks #30 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $280; the Adam Audio A4V ranks #48 and costs $599.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the KRK Classic 5 offers: High-quality Klippel NFS data produces a 5.22 Spinorama preference score with a subwoofer, essentially level with the Edifier MR4. Bass reaches 60.1Hz at -3dB and 54.2Hz at -6dB, and the speaker responds especially well to EQ: Spinorama’s corrected score rises from 2.71 to 5.34 without a subwoofer and from 5.22 to 7.71 with one. Watch for: The unequalized response has a large 6.5dB frequency-deviation band, elevated splashy treble above 4kHz, crossover directivity error, and sharply narrowing tweeter dispersion. Distortion becomes extreme below 50Hz. Its raw 2.71 preference score is weak without a subwoofer, so EQ and careful toe-in are strongly recommended.
What the Adam Audio A4V offers: Compact current-generation monitor with an X-ART tweeter, onboard DSP, room controls and Sonarworks integration. ASR data shows good on-axis smoothness (0.132), a nearly neutral +0.23dB/octave slope and a 5.43 preference score with a subwoofer. Watch for: Measured bass extension is only 52Hz and the raw preference score falls to 3.02 without a subwoofer. Directivity-index consistency is middling at 3.77, and its analog-only XLR/RCA audio inputs omit USB and S/PDIF.
Buy the KRK Classic 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Adam Audio A4V and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Adam Audio A4V. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Adam Audio A4V | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $599.99 each |
| Ranked | #30 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #48 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.71 without subwoofer; 5.22 with subwoofer | - |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 12.8 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Power Output | - | 130W RMS each |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 AM 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
KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon eBay
Pros: High-quality Klippel NFS data produces a 5.22 Spinorama preference score with a subwoofer, essentially level with the Edifier MR4. Bass reaches 60.1Hz at -3dB and 54.2Hz at -6dB, and the speaker responds especially well to EQ: Spinorama’s corrected score rises from 2.71 to 5.34 without a subwoofer and from 5.22 to 7.71 with one.
Cons: The unequalized response has a large 6.5dB frequency-deviation band, elevated splashy treble above 4kHz, crossover directivity error, and sharply narrowing tweeter dispersion. Distortion becomes extreme below 50Hz. Its raw 2.71 preference score is weak without a subwoofer, so EQ and careful toe-in are strongly recommended.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.71 without subwoofer; 5.22 with subwoofer |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review JBL 305P MKII vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs KRK Rokit 5 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier MR4
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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Adam Audio A4V: $599.99 each B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Compact current-generation monitor with an X-ART tweeter, onboard DSP, room controls and Sonarworks integration. ASR data shows good on-axis smoothness (0.132), a nearly neutral +0.23dB/octave slope and a 5.43 preference score with a subwoofer.
Cons: Measured bass extension is only 52Hz and the raw preference score falls to 3.02 without a subwoofer. Directivity-index consistency is middling at 3.77, and its analog-only XLR/RCA audio inputs omit USB and S/PDIF.
Full Adam Audio A4V review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4" MLM woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control |
| Power Output | 130W RMS each |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Adam Audio A4V vs Edifier R1280DB
- Adam Audio A4V vs Edifier S2000MKIII
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