Short answer: the KRK Classic 5. It ranks #50 of 68 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99; the Audioengine HD4 ranks #59, rated 3.2/5, and costs $429, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
Why pick the KRK Classic 5: ASR’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 60Hz and a 5.99 preference score with an ideal subwoofer. The catch: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
Why pick the Audioengine HD4: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. The catch: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system.
Buy the KRK Classic 5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD4 and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $429.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #50 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #59 of 68 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 | 3.47 | - |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How KRK Classic 5 compares with other leading options:
- KRK Classic 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- KRK Classic 5 vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- KRK Classic 5 vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Classic 5
- KRK Classic 5 vs Reflector Audio Square Two
Prices on this page were last checked September 29, 2026 at 3:43 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
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 |
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact powered cabinets, analog input options and RCA output can simplify a desktop stereo system. Its modest footprint is useful where larger studio monitors are impractical.
Cons: The compact cabinets suit close desktop listening rather than a large-room system. A separate subwoofer adds cost and space if deeper bass is a priority.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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