Short answer: the Dynaudio LYD 5. It ranks #6 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.5/5, at $998. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #72, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99, $678.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The case for the KRK Classic 5: ASR’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 60Hz and a 5.99 preference score with an ideal subwoofer. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Dynaudio LYD 5 lacks. Watch for: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
The Dynaudio LYD 5 is the better-sounding option. ASR’s Klippel data is substantially stronger than a low ranking suggests: 4.72 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 1.9dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors.
Buy the Dynaudio LYD 5. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $678.01 you would save on the KRK Classic 5 does not close the gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, 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) | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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
Dynaudio LYD 5: $998 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data is substantially stronger than a low ranking suggests: 4.72 standalone and 7.38 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 1.9dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.242 supports relatively uncolored midrange reproduction. It is particularly competitive when used with a subwoofer rather than judged only by bass reach. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors. The existing review identifies a dip near 1.6kHz, upper-bass emphasis and uneven crossover-region dispersion. These issues and limited deep-bass capability keep it below the leading all-rounders despite its strong bass-normalized score. A subwoofer does not correct upper-frequency directivity errors.
Full Dynaudio LYD 5 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons