KRK Rokit 5 vs Yamaha HS5 - Which Sounds Best?
It’s a tough decision to make, but I’ve done the hard work for you so that you can choose your next set of studio monitors. In this post, I’ll be comparing two sets of studio monitors – the KRK Rokit 5 and Yamaha HS5. I will analyze their features, specifications, and sound quality in order to help you decide which one is better suited for your needs. So without further ado, let’s start!
Yamaha HS5
Yamaha has been making high-quality audio gear since their founding in 1887. They’ve won countless awards and have produced some of the most iconic pieces of music equipment ever made. The HS5 is no exception, with its newly designed bi-amplified drivers and scientifically designed ported enclosures that deliver amazing accuracy and low coloration. You can trust these speakers to give you an accurate representation of your mix every time!
These are the perfect monitors for any home or professional studio environment, whether it be a bedroom setup or a full recording facility. Although for bigger rooms you might want to consider the 8-inch variant. However, for most home studio use, the HS5 can provide clear highs and deep lows so you can hear everything from subtle nuances to thunderous basslines!
KRK Rokit 5
KRK Rokits have always been top sellers, and the fourth generation of these studio monitors don’t disappoint. The Rokit 5 is the latest in KRK’s line of industry-standard speakers. They are designed to give an accurate response across all frequencies, and feature an advanced DSP that will make sure your sound is always balanced. Regardless of the type of music you’re trying to produce, the Rokit 5 has got you covered with its wide range of features and high-quality components.
In my personal experience, the KRK Rokits can be a little muddy on the low end in comparison to the competition. However I should note that I used to have the second generation Rokits and it seems like KRK has since addressed the bass issues with their latest G4.
Yamaha HS5 vs KRK Rokit 5 - Which sounds better?
While I think both monitors offer a great value for their price, Yamaha’s HS-series have become somewhat of a new industry standard. The KRKs tend to sound more boomier, while Yamaha’s flatter tone is going to be a more accurate representation of your mixes.
Bear in mind depending on the size of the room in which you’re setting up your studio, both models offer a larger variant which should help you control the low-end. It’s worth noting that the KRK’s frequency range goes extends a bit lower (43Hz vs 54Hz). Similarly, the KRK’s sound extends to a higher range than the Yamhas (40Khz vs 30Khz), but in my opinion, this is less relevant since both monitors exceed the upper range of human hearing, which is known to be around 20Khz.
I have been using my Yamaha HS5s (connected to a Scarlett 2i2 audio interface) since I switched to them in 2017 after one of my KRK RP5s started malfunctioning and I honestly do prefer the new ones. It’s not a day and night difference, but a preference nonetheless.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Yamaha HS5 is the winner for me. The KRK Rokit 5s sound great, but it’s not as accurate, especially for home studio use where bass issues can be even harder to treat with room imperfections. If you’re building a studio on a budget, then go with the Yamaha HS5s and you won’t regret it!