Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #52 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $249.98 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 121Hz for the Dayton Audio M4. The tradeoff: The 3.6dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.502 show that native response is not reference-flat.
What the Dayton Audio M4 does well: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the KRK Rokit 5 G4 lacks. Watch for: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the Dayton Audio M4. It is rated higher for sound quality; the KRK Rokit 5 G4 is no longer sold new.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Rokit 5 G4 | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $337 per pair Discontinued | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 7.5”W x 9.5”D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 55w Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.29 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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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 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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Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons