Short answer: the KH80 DSP, if the price gap is acceptable. It ranks #4 of 25 powered bookshelf speakers at $598.98; the Rokit 5 G4 ranks #11 at $337, $262 less.
The Rokit 5 G4 is described as deeper in bass than the Yamaha HS5, with good horizontal directivity from its waveguided tweeter and low distortion that scales gradually with volume. Our notes call it a little more hifi sounding and not as good for mixing as the HS5 by comparison.
The KH80’s real limitation is its control app, which is iPad-only with no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only, an odd gap at this price. One reviewer even found the smoother-measuring KH80 sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MkII in a direct listening test.
Buy the Rokit 5 G4 for the strong value case. Buy the KH80 DSP for the higher ranking if the iPad-only app isn’t a dealbreaker.
Specifications Side By Side
| KRK Rokit 5 G4 | Neumann KH80 DSP | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $337 | $598.98 |
| Ranked | #11 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 24 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 11.2"H x 7.5"W x 9.5"D (284.5 x 190.5 x 241.3 mm) | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS/XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs / 4.9 kg each | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Output Power | 55w Per Speaker | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 57Hz |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Max SPL | - | 110.7dB @ 1m |
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
| App | No |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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Neumann KH80 DSP: $598.98 Amazon
Pros: Near identical sound to the 8020D. 8020D is slightly cleaner, KH80 is slightly warmer.
Cons: High price. Companion app for EQ/setup is iPad-only - no Android or Bluetooth option despite being control-only. There’s a dip in energy around the crossover that gets worse with ceiling/rear-wall reflections, and in one reviewer’s listening test the smoother-measuring KH80 actually sounded smaller and less present than the cheaper JBL 305P MKII, which had more perceived bass and clarity despite measuring worse.
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz |
| Bluetooth | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 10.8"W x 9.6"D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 1" fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
| Weight | 9 lbs / 4.1 kg each |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Erin’s Audio Corner Review Measurements
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
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- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs JBL 305P MKII Sound & Frquency Response Comparison
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.