Short answer: the KRK Classic 5 for better sound quality, the Presonus Eris E5 for the lower price. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #30 of 58 powered bookshelf speakers at $280. The Presonus Eris E5 ranks #39 at $109.99, $170.01 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 Presonus Eris E5 offers: Watch for: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Buy the KRK Classic 5 if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Presonus Eris E5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Presonus Eris E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $280 | $109.99 |
| Ranked | #30 of 58 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 58 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) | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 80w Per Speaker |
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Prices on this page were last checked August 24, 2026 at 6:53 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
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- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Reddit Search for KRK Classic 5 Review
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Presonus Eris E5: $109.99 Amazon eBay
Cons: More HiFi sounding than the HS5 and not quite as detailed, although with deeper bass and a more fun listen.
Full Presonus Eris E5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10.2"H x 7"W x 7.7"D (259.1 x 177.8 x 195.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 53Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS, XLR, RCA |
| Output Power | 80w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.1 lbs / 4.6 kg each |
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