Short answer: the KRK Classic 5. It ranks #72 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99; the Avantone Pro Active MixCube ranks #99, rated 1.7/5, and costs $518, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The KRK Classic 5 is the more accurate pick. ASR’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 60Hz and a 5.99 preference score with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.47 against -3.58 for the Avantone Pro Active MixCube. Watch for: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
What the Avantone Pro Active MixCube does well: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. The tradeoff: It is not a full-range music speaker.
Buy the KRK Classic 5. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Avantone Pro Active MixCube and costs less, so it is the default pick unless a specific strength of the other one matters more to you.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Avantone Pro Active MixCube | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $518 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #99 of 100 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 | -3.58 |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 90Hz-17kHz |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 1.16 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB at 1m |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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: $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
Avantone Pro Active MixCube: $518 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A deliberately bandwidth-limited single-driver monitor for checking midrange balance and mix translation. The powered, sealed format, isolation pad and stand mounting make it useful as a secondary studio reference.
Cons: It is not a full-range music speaker. The measured -3dB point is around 297Hz, and scores of -3.58 standalone and 1.16 with an ideal subwoofer reflect severe bandwidth and response limitations for general listening. A subwoofer cannot restore the missing high-frequency coverage. This low general-purpose rank does not measure its usefulness for the specialist task of checking a mix.
Full Avantone Pro Active MixCube review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 60W RMS Class AB |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.5H x 6.5W x 6.5D in |
| Drivers | 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver; 5.25-inch paper-cone driver |
| Enclosure | Powered sealed full-range monitor |
| Frequency Response | 90Hz-17kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Balanced XLR/TRS combo |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB at 1m |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | -3.58 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 1.16 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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