Short answer: the KRK Classic 5. It ranks #24 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $280; the Audioengine HD4 ranks #33 and costs $429, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the KRK Classic 5 offers: Good soundstage Watch for: More hifi than studio monitors.
What the Audioengine HD4 offers: Its documented strengths make it a credible option in this class. Watch for: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Buy the KRK Classic 5. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Audioengine HD4 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Audioengine HD4. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Audioengine HD4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $429.00 |
| Ranked | #24 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| 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 | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | - | RCA Output |
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- Dayton Audio M4 vs Audioengine HD4
- Audioengine HD3 vs Audioengine HD4
The Two Speakers In Full
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 |
|---|---|
| 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.
- Links
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- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Audioengine HD4: $429.00 Amazon
Cons: Not a great sounding speaker for the high price.
Full Audioengine HD4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Output |
| Weight | 7.3 lbs / 3.3 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons