The KRK Rokits are kind of like Boss DS-1 pedals in that you can find them absolutely everywhere. You can find them in the smallest of lo-fi bedroom setups, you can find them in pawn shops, in your uncle’s closet, and in professional studios, side by side with monitors that are far more expensive.
Engineers have come to know and trust KRK Rokits over the years for their consistent sound quality, and the new generation, the G5, is no exception.
Final verdict
The KRK Rokit 5 G5 monitors feel like a natural continuance of everything that made the Rokits so great to begin with. If you’re a beginner on a budget, they’re a perfect option to get you started, and they’re perfect for professionals looking for an inexpensive pair of studio monitors to A/B their mixes. They look great, sound great, and will most likely outlast you.
What I like
- Consistent performance.
- Great for EDM/hip-hop producers.
- High-quality build and design.
What I don’t like
- Bass-heavy sound.
Why you should trust this review
As a producer and audio engineer for over 15 years, I’ve laid fingerprints on a wide range of gear in all sorts of setups.
I’ve learned how to stretch a budget, working with everything from second-hand monitors from a buddy to cheap pawn shop desktop speakers.
I’ve mixed on consumer-grade models, repurposed radio speakers, high-end monitors, and everything in between.
This hands-on experience, along with years of problem-solving in different recording environments, has taught me what monitors are worth investing in – and which aren’t.
Power and frequency response 4.0
All in all, these speakers certainly live up to the reputation of their former iterations, if not surpassing them. They offer a frequency range of roughly 43 Hz – 40 kHz (at +3/-10 dB), while the SPL reaches its peak at 104 dB.
Although the speakers are capable of reaching such a high volume, it should be noted that the level of harmonic distortion present in the low frequencies renders the monitors more or less unusable at around 96 dB. So, if for any reason you’re looking for monitors that can handle such high volumes without losing accuracy, these aren’t the best options available.
That being said, the frequency response is generally flat. Despite a handful of spikes at around 700 Hz as well as under 10 kHz, the issues here are relatively minor and don’t detract from the total quality of the speakers.
When factoring all of this in with regards to their extremely affordable price, it’s hard not to recommend these monitors – they’re damn near perfect.
I/O and controls 4.5
In lieu of the previous Rokits’ separate input jacks for XLR, TRS, and RCA (found in G3 and earlier), KRK has done away with RCA entirely and has changed the XLR and TRS inputs to be handled with but one Neutrik combo input jack. Whether this is for better or worse is fairly insignificant, but it is a noteworthy simplification.
On the back panel, starting with the fourth generation, the multiple adjustment knobs have been replaced with one stepped continuous rotary encoder and an LCD with more options in digital form.
Here you can do a number of different things. You can scroll through a variety of several preset low and high EQ settings, attenuate the output level of the monitors, engage or disengage the monitor’s standby function, adjust the display’s brightness, and so on and so forth.
This is a welcome change from the previous controls of former generations, which isn’t necessarily outdated yet but can be cumbersome at times.
Build quality 5.0
In pure Rokit fashion, the monitors sport the classic style and appearance we’ve come to expect from KRK Systems, albeit completely redesigned. The bass ports are much larger than the previous models’ and now span the full bottom of the speaker face.
The new Rokit 5 are far more rectangular than the G2 or G3 and are more akin to the original design of the first generation of Rokits. However, the front edges are slightly rounded and contoured into the sides of the speaker.
Another update of the new generation’s design is that the woofers are now made using woven Kevlar rather than the glass aramid design of previous models. This was done not only to help make the monitors more durable and long-lasting but to improve the quality of sound – at least as according to KRK.
The 1-inch soft dome tweeter design was also updated and is now with matching yellow woven Kevlar as well.
Compared to other studio monitors
It’s no secret, the Rokits are some of the most popular studio monitors on the market, and for good reason: they perform really well for the money. But before concluding this review, let’s mention some other options available to consider.
KRK Rokit 5 vs Yamaha HS5
The Yamaha HS5 are the monitors most often compared against the KRKs, and for good reason. They’re both fabulous choices, although I’ve found that the Yamahas are far brighter than the Rokits.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. Both are roughly the same price, but again, you lose some of the high end and fullness you get from the HS5.
Read the full Yamaha HS5 review
KRK Rokit 5 vs JBL 305P Mk2
Yes, at just over $300 a pair, the JBLs are more affordable than the KRKs. However, their frequency response leaves a lot to be desired, only presenting 49 Hz – 20 kHz. I seriously advise you to save up an extra $70-80 and buy the KRKs for a fuller and more accurate listening experience.
Read the full JBL 305P Mk2 review
Who are the KRK Rokit 5 G5 best suited for?
The Rokit 5 G5 studio monitors are a great choice for both beginners and professionals looking for a decent pair of monitors on a budget.
See current price at: SweetwaterAmazon
