Short answer: the KRK Rokit 5 G4. It ranks #14 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $337; the JBL 705P ranks #18 and costs $1998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The case for the KRK Rokit 5 G4: Deeper bass than the HS5. The tradeoff: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing.
What the JBL 705P gets right: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. The catch: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve.
Buy the KRK Rokit 5 G4. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 705P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Rokit 5 G4 | JBL 705P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $337 | $1998 |
| Ranked | #14 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (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) | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR | - |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 55w Per Speaker | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| DSP | - | No |
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More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Genelec 8030C vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Yamaha HS5 vs JBL 705P
- Kali Audio IN-5 vs JBL 705P
The Two Speakers In Full
KRK Rokit 5 G4: $337 Amazon
Pros: Deeper bass than the HS5. Good horizontal directivity - the small woofer mates well with the waveguided tweeter. Distortion is quite low at 86dB SPL and scales gradually with volume rather than breaking up suddenly, tweeter hiss is nearly inaudible, and the onboard DSP/app lets you dial in EQ, including for the 680Hz port resonance.
Cons: Not quite as detailed as the HS5, not as good for mixing. A little more hifi sounding
Full KRK Rokit 5 G4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 78Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | 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) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR |
| Output Power | 55w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Focal Alpha 50 EVO vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
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- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Yamaha HS5 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- 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
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- Reddit Search for KRK Rokit 5 G4 Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Kali Audio IN-5
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Yamaha HS5
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM
- KRK Rokit 5 G4 vs Adam Audio T5V
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- See all 19 comparisons
JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons