Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #36 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $399 and is still sold new; the KRK Rokit 5 G4 ranks #57 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KRK Rokit 5 G4’s replacement, the KRK Rokit 5 G5, is rated 3.8/5.
The KRK Rokit 5 G4 is the deeper-bass option. ASR’s data gives -3dB bass around 56Hz and scores of 3.92 standalone and 6.29 with an ideal subwoofer. Its bass reaches about 55.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 68Hz for the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It has an adjustable EQ, which the Audioengine A5+ Classic lacks. Watch for: The 3.6dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.502 show that native response is not reference-flat.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate choice. ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.59 against 3.92 for the KRK Rokit 5 G4. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KRK Rokit 5 G4 lacks. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the KRK Rokit 5 G4 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Rokit 5 G4 | Audioengine A5+ Classic | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $337 per pair Discontinued | $399.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #36 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 7.5”W x 9.5”D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR | RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 55w Per Speaker | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.29 | 7.06 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | Yes |
| DSP | - | No |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM 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 Rokit 5 G4: $337 per pair Discontinued eBay
Newer model: the KRK Rokit 5 G5, ranked higher, estimated 3.8/5.
Same family: the KRK Rokit 7 G4 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5) and the KRK Rokit 8 G4 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5).
Pros: ASR’s data gives -3dB bass around 56Hz and scores of 3.92 standalone and 6.29 with an ideal subwoofer. The waveguide provides useful horizontal directivity control, while onboard adjustments help tailor broad balance. The existing review reports low distortion at 86dB and low audible hiss. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 3.6dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.502 show that native response is not reference-flat. A port-region resonance and other tonal irregularities remain. Its deeper bass does not establish greater detail or mixing accuracy than another monitor. EQ can help, but the unequalized measurements determine the starting recommendation. Discontinued.
Full KRK Rokit 5 G4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 55w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 7.5”W x 9.5”D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.29 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Adam Audio T5V Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs KRK Rokit 5 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Presonus Eris E5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: PreSonus E5 XT vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Genelec 8020D & KRK Rokit 5 G4 PR5G4 - Same, same, but different Sound & Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Tannoy Gold 5 vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Dayton Audio M4
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Yamaha HS5
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Neumi BS5P
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs KRK Rokit 5 G5
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Presonus Eris E5 XT
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
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- See all 51 comparisons
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Audioengine A2+ (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.4/5).
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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