Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the M-Audio BX5 D3 for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #30 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #49 at $149.50, $130.50 cheaper.
What the KRK Classic 5 offers: High-quality Klippel NFS data produces a 5.22 Spinorama preference score with a subwoofer, essentially level with the Edifier MR4. Bass reaches 60.1Hz at -3dB and 54.2Hz at -6dB, and the speaker responds especially well to EQ: Spinorama’s corrected score rises from 2.71 to 5.34 without a subwoofer and from 5.22 to 7.71 with one. Watch for: The unequalized response has a large 6.5dB frequency-deviation band, elevated splashy treble above 4kHz, crossover directivity error, and sharply narrowing tweeter dispersion. Distortion becomes extreme below 50Hz. Its raw 2.71 preference score is weak without a subwoofer, so EQ and careful toe-in are strongly recommended.
What the M-Audio BX5 D3 offers: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension. Watch for: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the M-Audio BX5 D3. It ranks near the bottom of the 64 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $149.50 each |
| Ranked | #30 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #49 of 64 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 | 2.71 without subwoofer; 5.22 with subwoofer | - |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 12.3 lbs each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Power Output | - | 100W each |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 25, 2026 at 6:19 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: $280 Amazon eBay
Pros: High-quality Klippel NFS data produces a 5.22 Spinorama preference score with a subwoofer, essentially level with the Edifier MR4. Bass reaches 60.1Hz at -3dB and 54.2Hz at -6dB, and the speaker responds especially well to EQ: Spinorama’s corrected score rises from 2.71 to 5.34 without a subwoofer and from 5.22 to 7.71 with one.
Cons: The unequalized response has a large 6.5dB frequency-deviation band, elevated splashy treble above 4kHz, crossover directivity error, and sharply narrowing tweeter dispersion. Distortion becomes extreme below 50Hz. Its raw 2.71 preference score is weak without a subwoofer, so EQ and careful toe-in are strongly recommended.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/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 |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.71 without subwoofer; 5.22 with subwoofer |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
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M-Audio BX5 D3: $149.50 each Amazon eBay
Pros: A 100W bi-amplified 5-inch monitor with balanced XLR/TRS inputs and acoustic-space control. The local Spinorama snapshot scores 3.34 raw and 5.94 with a subwoofer, with 58Hz measured extension.
Cons: Rear ports require boundary clearance, and there is no digital input, Bluetooth or automatic calibration. Sold individually, so level matching and cabling are handled per speaker.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
|---|---|
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Power Output | 100W each |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons