Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 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 case for the KRK Rokit 5 G4: ASR’s data gives -3dB bass around 56Hz and scores of 3.92 standalone and 6.29 with an ideal subwoofer. 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 Genelec 8331A is the more accurate, deeper-bass choice. Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 3.92 for the KRK Rokit 5 G4. Its bass reaches about 49Hz before falling 3dB, against 55.7Hz for the KRK Rokit 5 G4. The tradeoff: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the KRK Rokit 5 G4 is discontinued.
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Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Rokit 5 G4 | Genelec 8331A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $337 per pair Discontinued | $5,750 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #1 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.4Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) | 39Hz (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) | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) each | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 55w Per Speaker | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.29 | 8.51 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | Yes | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 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 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
Genelec 8331A: $5,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Genelec 8341A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8351B (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Genelec 8361A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Genelec 8381A (floorstanding, estimated 4.9/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 6.57 standalone and 8.51 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| AES Input | Yes |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons