Short answer: the HS5, and the measurements are the reason why. It ranks #66 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers at $399.98; the Classic 5 ranks #74 at $319.99, $79.99 less.
The Classic 5’s issues are specific and technical. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz from port and woofer resonance, a directivity error at the crossover, and distortion exceeding 100% below 50Hz. Our notes call it not recommended out of the box, though EQ correction can turn it into a capable monitor with real power on tap.
The HS5 is the industry’s default reference for a reason. Our notes call it excellent for mixing and anything needing a neutral output, with only a slight midrange boost and bass that doesn’t reach quite as deep as some rivals as its real complaints.
Buy the HS5 for the cleaner, more trusted reference sound. Buy the Classic 5 only if you’re prepared to EQ it and manage your listening position carefully, and want to save $79.99 doing it.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A basic 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs, best for someone willing to tune it with EQ.
A popular 5 inch studio monitor with balanced inputs and room placement controls for a home studio.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Classic 5 | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $319.99 per pair | $399.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #74 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.47 | 3.70 |
| Dimensions | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker | 45w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.99 | 6.32 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
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