Short answer: the Neumann KH80 DSP. It ranks #4 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.6/5, at $1,198. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #74, rated 3.4/5, at $319.99, $878.01 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
The Neumann KH80 DSP is the more accurate pick. Compact studio monitors with extremely accurate sound and room tuning, ideal for a desk or small studio. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.89 against 3.47 for the KRK Classic 5. The catch: Bass reaches -3dB around 59Hz in this measurement, less deep than the KH120 II.
Why pick the KRK Classic 5: A basic 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs, best for someone willing to tune it with EQ. The tradeoff: The native standalone score is 3.47 and the midrange span is a large 6.5dB.
Buy the Neumann KH80 DSP. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $878.01 with the KRK Classic 5 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
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Measured Differences
- Tonal accuracy above the bass: with a subwoofer taking the low end, the Neumann KH80 DSP scores 8.2 against 6.0 for the KRK Classic 5 on the Spinorama preference scale. Its frequency response and off-axis sound are smoother, so voices and instruments sound closer to the recording.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Neumann KH80 DSP | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,198 per pair | $319.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #4 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #74 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6”H x 10.8”W x 9.6”D (345.4 x 274.3 x 243.8 mm) | 9.7”H x 7.4”W x 11.2”D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 57 Hz - 25 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-30kHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Weight | 9 lbs (4.1 kg) each | 12.9 lbs (5.87 kg) |
| Drivers | 4.1” woofer, 1” fabric dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 51Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60.1Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| DSP | Yes | - |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Sensitivity | 91.9dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 140W (90W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 110.7dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.89 | 3.47 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.25 | 5.99 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-6dB) | - | 54.2Hz (Spinorama/Audio Science Review) |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Neumann KH80 DSP: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner, Audio Science Review and Joy & Oluv’Sone.
- KRK Classic 5: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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