Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the Neumi BS5P-ARC for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #30 of 64 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The Neumi BS5P-ARC ranks #61 at $219.99, $60.01 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 Neumi BS5P-ARC offers: Adds an HDMI ARC input over Neumi’s standard BS5P, plus USB-C, optical and coaxial digital inputs, useful as a simple TV soundbar alternative. Watch for: Erin’s Audio Corner measured a rough response: on-axis deviation of 0.617dB, on-axis smoothness of just 0.167, and a mild +0.08dB per octave upward tilt, with predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.26. A -3dB point of 112.8Hz and a Harman in-room extension estimate of just 79Hz mean very little real bass extension without a subwoofer.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Neumi BS5P-ARC if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Neumi BS5P-ARC. 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 | Neumi BS5P-ARC | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $219.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 64 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #61 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) | 10.6H x 7.2W x 8.5D in each |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, coaxial, RCA analog |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | - |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 1" silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide, 5" poly-cone woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active |
| Power Output | - | 75W total (37.5W per channel) |
| Country | - | China |
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- Kali LP-UNF vs Neumi BS5P
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs Neumi BS5P
- Yamaha HS5 vs Neumi BS5P
- Adam Audio T5V vs KRK Classic 5
- KRK Classic 5 vs Dayton Audio M4
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 |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier MR4
- KRK Classic 5 vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- KRK Classic 5 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KRK Classic 5 vs Dayton Audio M4
- KRK Classic 5 vs KEF LSX II LT
- KRK Classic 5 vs Topping MA4
- KRK Classic 5 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- KRK Classic 5 vs Reflector Audio Square Two
- See all 64 comparisons
Neumi BS5P-ARC: $219.99 Amazon eBay
Pros: Adds an HDMI ARC input over Neumi’s standard BS5P, plus USB-C, optical and coaxial digital inputs, useful as a simple TV soundbar alternative.
Cons: Erin’s Audio Corner measured a rough response: on-axis deviation of 0.617dB, on-axis smoothness of just 0.167, and a mild +0.08dB per octave upward tilt, with predicted in-room smoothness of just 0.26. A -3dB point of 112.8Hz and a Harman in-room extension estimate of just 79Hz mean very little real bass extension without a subwoofer.
Full Neumi BS5P-ARC review and specifications →
| Country | China |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 7.2W x 8.5D in each |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter with integrated waveguide, 5" poly-cone woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active |
| Inputs | HDMI ARC, Bluetooth, USB-C, optical, coaxial, RCA analog |
| Power Output | 75W total (37.5W per channel) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs Edifier R1280DB
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs KEF LSX II LT
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs Yamaha HS5
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs Adam Audio T5V
- Neumi BS5P-ARC vs JBL 305P MKII
- See all 10 comparisons


