Short answer: the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE on measured sound quality, the KRK Classic 5 on price. The HEDD Type 05 A-CORE ranks #24 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $1,398. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #72, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99, $1,078.01 cheaper.
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 tradeoff: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
The HEDD Type 05 A-CORE is the more accurate pick. ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.35 against 3.47 for the KRK Classic 5. Watch for: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 when the price outweighs sound quality for you, and the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE when sound quality outweighs the price instead.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | HEDD Type 05 A-CORE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $1,398 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #24 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.47 | 5.35 |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 43Hz - 50kHz |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer |
| App | No | None (analog-only, no DSP) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 7.23 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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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
HEDD Type 05 A-CORE: $1,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the HEDD Type 07 A-Core (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.23 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a balanced all-round option. The AMT tweeter and analog signal path appeal to users who want a studio monitor without digital conversion or firmware dependence. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here. The response rises modestly toward the treble. The analog-only design does not provide built-in room correction or digital inputs, and published amplification power should not be read as a measured clean-output rating.
Full HEDD Type 05 A-CORE review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) |
| App | None (analog-only, no DSP) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each |
| Drivers | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer |
| EQ | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 50kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.23 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
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- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs JBL 305P MKII
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- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs KEF LSX II LT
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