Short answer: the Yamaha HS8. It ranks #36 of 119 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.4/5) at $797.98 and is still sold new; the KRK Rokit 8 G4 ranks #97 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The KRK Rokit 8 G4’s replacement, the KRK Rokit 8 G5, is rated 4.0/5 at $1,076.
The HS8 is the measured, neutral 8-inch. Audio Science Review found a 2.3dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, a preference score of 5.85 and bass reaching 43.9Hz before falling 3dB. It has balanced inputs and room switches. Sit level with the tweeter, since its off-axis sound is less refined than the best monitors.
The Rokit 8 G4 is a discontinued 8-inch monitor. It has balanced inputs and room-adjustment controls, and its large cabinet gives more scale than a compact monitor. It needs real stand space and is only available used.
Buy the Yamaha HS8. It is rated higher for sound quality; the KRK Rokit 8 G4 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS8 | KRK Rokit 8 G4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $797.98 per pair | $500 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #36 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #97 of 119 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 15.4”H x 9.8”W x 13.1”D (391.2 x 248.9 x 332.7 mm) | 15.7”H x 10.5”W x 12.2”D (400 x 266.7 x 309.9 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 47Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 36Hz - 40kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | TRS, XLR |
| Weight | 22.5 lbs (10.2 kg) | 23.1 lbs (10.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 8” woofer, 1” dome tweeter | 8” (203mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| DSP | No | No |
| Amplifier Power | 120w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.85 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.58 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| 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 |
Watch Them Compared
Videos and reviews that test both speakers side by side.
- DSAUDIO.review: KRK Rokit 8 G4 RP8G4 vs Yamaha HS8 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Sercan Solmaz: Adam Audio T8V vs Yamaha HS8 vs KRK Rokit 8 (STUDIO SPEAKER SOUND TEST)
Where the Ratings Come From
- Yamaha HS8: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review, DSAUDIO.review and Sercan Solmaz.
- KRK Rokit 8 G4: reviews by DSAUDIO.review and Sercan Solmaz.
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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