Short answer: the KRK Classic 5, if you are buying new. The M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks higher than it (#42 vs #73 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.4/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the KRK Classic 5 is still sold new at $319.99.
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. The catch: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
The M-Audio BX5 D3 is the more accurate pick. The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.09 against 3.47 for the KRK Classic 5. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if you want one new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #73 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 105 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 | 3.47 | 4.09 |
| 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 (5.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 100W each |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 6.69 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| 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 |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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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
M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Same family: the M-Audio BX4 D3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5), the M-Audio BX4 BT (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5) and the M-Audio BX8 D3 (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom. Discontinued.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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 |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
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- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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