Short answer: the KEF LS50 Wireless II if sound quality matters most, the KRK Classic 5 if price matters most. The KEF LS50 Wireless II ranks #18 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.3/5, at $2,999. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #72, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99, $2,679.01 cheaper.
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. Watch for: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
The KEF LS50 Wireless II is the more accurate choice. Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.43 against 3.47 for the KRK Classic 5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KRK Classic 5 lacks. The catch: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the KEF LS50 Wireless II if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | KEF LS50 Wireless II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $2,999.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #72 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.47 | 5.43 |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| App | No | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 7.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | Yes |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA subwoofer |
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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
KEF LS50 Wireless II: $2,999.00 per pair Amazon KEF Crutchfield eBay
Same family: the KEF LSX II LT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4/5), the KEF LSX II (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.1/5) and the KEF LS60 (floorstanding, rated 4.8/5).
Pros: Erin’s measurements give preference scores of 5.43 standalone and 7.51 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 51Hz. The coincident Uni-Q layout helps preserve tonal consistency across horizontal and vertical listening positions. Low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.308 supports relatively clean midrange reproduction. HDMI eARC and streaming functions make it a capable all-in-one stereo system. Measured bass extension of 51.3Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.0dB response span is good but not reference-leading, and dispersion still varies with frequency. Compact bass drivers limit deep-bass output. App placement adjustments are not the same as microphone-based automatic room correction. The price and primary/secondary architecture are practical trade-offs; neither driver geometry nor a single directivity statistic guarantees the best sound in every room.
Full KEF LS50 Wireless II review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 280W (LF) + 100W (HF) per speaker, bi-amped |
| App | KEF Connect (placement EQ presets, source selection, firmware updates) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 41.5Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 51.3Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | Yes |
| Dimensions | 12” x 7.9” x 12.2” (305 x 200 x 311 mm) each |
| Drivers | Uni-Q coincident array: 130mm aluminum woofer + 25mm MAT aluminum dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes, fixed placement presets (desk/bookshelf/wall-mount) - no automatic room correction |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 28kHz ±3dB |
| HDMI Input | Yes |
| Inputs | HDMI eARC, optical, digital coaxial, 3.5mm analog, USB-A (service), Ethernet |
| Maximum SPL | 108dB at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA subwoofer |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.43 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 44.3 lbs (20.1 kg) for the pair |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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