Short answer: the KRK Classic 5. It ranks #72 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $319.99 and is still sold new; the Midiplus MI5 II ranks #90 (rated 3.0/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Midiplus MI5 II’s replacement, the Midiplus MI5 II V2, is rated 3.1/5.
The KRK Classic 5 is the more accurate pick. ASR’s Klippel data gives -3dB bass around 60Hz and a 5.99 preference score with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.47 against 2.24 for the Midiplus MI5 II. The catch: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
Why pick the Midiplus MI5 II: Balanced inputs, Bluetooth and a powered-pair format offer useful connectivity. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KRK Classic 5 lacks. The catch: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region.
Buy the KRK Classic 5. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Midiplus MI5 II is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Midiplus MI5 II | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $169 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #90 of 100 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 | 2.24 |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz-25kHz |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 100W RMS per pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 4.53 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Maximum SPL | - | 103dB |
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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
Midiplus MI5 II: $169 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the Midiplus MI5 II V2, ranked higher, estimated 3.1/5.
Same family: the Midiplus MI3 II (smaller bookshelf, rated 2.4/5).
Pros: Balanced inputs, Bluetooth and a powered-pair format offer useful connectivity. The measured -3dB point is around 54Hz, so it reaches lower in the bass than some compact monitors.
Cons: The 2.24 standalone and 4.53 ideal-subwoofer scores show significant problems above the bass region. A large 9.4dB midrange response span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.644 indicate substantial coloration even though the overall response slope is fairly mild. A subwoofer cannot fix those irregularities. Amplifier-power specifications do not establish clean output. Discontinued.
Full Midiplus MI5 II review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W RMS per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10.1H x 6.7W x 9.4D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch fiberglass woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-25kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.24 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 4.53 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.1 lbs (4.14 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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