Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the Edifier MR4 for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #22 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The Edifier MR4 ranks #23 at $169.99, $110.01 cheaper.
On the KRK Classic 5 side: Good soundstage. Set against that: More hifi than studio monitors.
What the Edifier MR4 offers: More balanced than the R1280DB. Watch for: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier MR4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Edifier MR4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $169.99 |
| Ranked | #22 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 109Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 58Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 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 | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Sensitivity | - | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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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 |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, 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 |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier S1000MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII sound.DEMO
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review JBL 305P MKII vs KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 sound.DEMO
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs KRK Rokit 5 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KRK Classic 5 vs KEF LSX II LT
- KRK Classic 5 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier R1280DB
- KRK Classic 5 vs JBL 705P
- KRK Classic 5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier R1280T
- KRK Classic 5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KRK Classic 5 vs Presonus Eris E5 XT
- See all 26 comparisons
Edifier MR4: $169.99 Amazon
Pros: More balanced than the R1280DB. The value king. Impressively deep, flat bass down to 70Hz for such a small speaker, and its waveguide gives it unusually wide, consistent horizontal directivity for the price. Balanced XLR/TRS inputs are rare this cheap.
Cons: No Bluetooth unlike other Edifier models. Distortion climbs sharply above 86dB SPL, breaking into audible squealing near 96dB, and there’s a dip in the lower treble that needs a bit of EQ or the rear HF control to smooth out. Playback volume is limited with bass-heavy material - pushing it loud brings audible clicking/static.
Full Edifier MR4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 58Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 109Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9"H x 5.5"W x 7.6"D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux |
| Output Power | 42w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs / 4.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1280DBs sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Edifier R1700BT sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs JBL 305P MKII sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E3.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Presonus Eris E4.5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs Mackie CR4-X sound.DEMO
- Reddit Search for Edifier MR4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons