A studio monitor is the best way to achieve a great sound if you are a music producer. In other words, monitors will help you hear every detail to make better music. They eliminate the need to use headphones, which is healthier.
Premium models cost thousands of dollars, but you don’t have to break the bank to get a decent pair of studio monitors. In this article, we will pit Yamaha HS7 against KRK Rokit 7 G4 to find out which one is a better choice. These are affordable options and pack pretty amazing features.
The Yamaha HS7 has excellent sound quality and a minimalist design. It features a 6.5″ woofer and 1″ tweeter with a bi-amplified cabinet. In addition, it comes with a total output of 95W, where 30W is reserved for the high filter and 65W for the low filter.
On the other hand, KRK Rokit 7 G4 retains the black and yellow trademark on the drivers. Also, the amplification is upgraded to Class D from AB design in the previous generation. Moreover, it has a brick wall limiter to eliminate overs and clipping in the sound.
Sound quality
Yamaha HS7:
The speaker produces incredible sound quality. For example, the low-end is subtle and well-rounded, and you may not need to add a subwoofer. In addition, the mid-range is clear, although not as accurate as more expensive models. Also, the high-range is clean and crisps with zero distortions and harshness.
It is vital to have a good balance between frequencies, and no single range should overpower the other. This makes the speaker ideal for analytical listening.
The Yamaha HS7 is perfect for a small to mid-sized studio because the sweet spot is narrow. Therefore, you will have to place the speakers in the right location for optimum results. The drivers are powered with 95W and produce plenty of volumes. However, this is not ideal for a larger studio, so you may need bigger speakers to fill the room.
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
Its previous generation was great but had more exaggerated lows and highs, which isn’t ideal for a studio environment. However, the Rokit 7 G4 has stabilized the frequencies to improve the soundscape.
The treble is less prominent and combines well with the upper-middle frequencies. In addition, the low end is clean without distortion, thanks to the revamped front-facing bass port. Like with the Yamaha HS7, you might not need to add a subwoofer unless you want a more pounding bass.
Build quality
Yamaha HS7:
Many entry-level monitors use cheap materials, which can significantly affect the sound quality. Thankfully, the Yamaha HS7 has an attractive price point and does not compromise quality. Even though the material used is not high-end, it is above average and durable.
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
The Kevlar material is increasingly adopted by newer studio monitor models, and Rokit 7 G4 has not been left behind. It makes the sound distribute evenly and consistently when implemented well. The rest of the cabinet is solid, well-made, and heavy-duty.
Specifications
Yamaha HS7:
The woofer is 6.5 inches for the low ranges, while the tweeter is 1-inch to handle the mid and high ranges. It has a frequency response of 43Hz to 30kHz and a crossover frequency of 2kHz. This is a fantastic depth that delivers crisps and clean highs without deformation. Anything beyond 20Hz isn’t audible because of the prominent bass or low-end.
Drivers
- 6.5” woofer
- 1” tweeter
Frequency range
- 43Hz-30kHz
Weight
- 18.1 pounds (8.2Kg)
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
The frequency response is 42Hz-40kHz, offering an outstanding balance across the frequency spectrum. Also, the addition of the Class D amplifier increases the efficiency by about 90%. This means a smaller physical size and elimination of cooling fans and heatsinks.
These speakers are also plenty loud at 110dB maximum sound pressure level (SPL). They also have an inbuilt brick wall limiter. This helps produce a consistent as well as balanced sound and prevents damage to the speakers.
Drivers
- 6.5” Kevlar woofer
- 1” Kevlar tweeter
Frequency range
- 42Hz – 40kHz
Weight
- 16.7 pounds (7.6Kg)
Tuning options
Yamaha HS7:
It offers multiple tuning options. Besides the level control to adjust the volume, there is also Room Control and High Trim at the back of the monitor.
The Room Control enables you to alter the low-end frequency output according to your studio space. This feature is a lifesaver if you place the speakers too close to the wall as you can minimize the sound refraction. On the other hand, the High Trim will help you regulate the high frequencies. Both options are easy to use by just flicking a switch.
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
The most appealing feature is the onboard digital signal processor (DSP) with an LCD screen, where the volume control is the selector. Unlike the Yamaha HS7 which has only a couple of tuning options, Rokit 7 has DSP-driven room tuning with 25 different equalizer settings. This offers full flexibility as you can customize the sound to your preference. For example, if you don’t like the flat analytical response, you can tweak the low end to increase the bass. What’s more, it has a dedicated app for both Android and iOS to help you with tuning and monitor placement.
Design
Yamaha HS7:
Although the design is highly subjective, the HS7 looks really great. The textured matte color gives it a sleek and clean look. Also, the contrast between the black exterior and the white woofer is alluring but subtle. In addition, the housing has a low resonance which improves the sound quality.
A white version of the same model is also available, ideal for a white-themed studio. Moreover, you can go for the install versions. Although these options are a bit expensive, they have mounting points, screws, and compatible brackets for easier installation.
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
The speakers maintain the distinctive iconic black and yellow theme. However, the yellow color isn’t as bright as the preceding generations. Also, the company recently introduced a white model.
Furthermore, the Rokit 7 G4 has replaced the shiny plastic on the front with a textured matte finish. This makes the speakers look more professional and will be a great addition to your studios.
Dimensions
Yamaha HS7:
The speakers are relatively large with a 6.5-inch woofer. So, you have to put this into consideration if your studio is small or has a limited workspace. Also, the speakers are relatively heavy at 18.1 pounds (8.2Kgs), although this adds to the sturdiness.
Width – 8.3” (211mm)
Depth – 11.2” (284mm)
Height – 13.1” (333mm)
KRK Rokit 7 G4:
This is a large 6.5-inch studio monitor, so check if your workstation has enough space to accommodate it. Also, at 16.7 pounds (7.6Kgs), the speaker is heavy to place on a floating speaker. Therefore, look for a stable and secure surface to handle both the dimensions and weight.
Width – 8.8” (223.52mm)
Depth – 11.2” (284.48mm)
Height – 13.3” (337.82mm)
What I liked
Yamaha HS7
- Amazing sound quality
- Effective tuning options
- Sleek design
- Solid construction
KRK Rokit 7 G4
- Professional-grade studio monitor
- Efficient Class D amplifier
- An LCD screen to adjust the EQ settings
- KRK app for better monitoring and faster mixing
- Built-in Brick Wall Limiter
What I didn’t like
Yamaha HS7
- Small sweet spot
KRK Rokit 7 G4
- White noise in the background
The Verdict: Which is a better choice?
Both the Yamaha HS7 and KRK Rokit 7 G4 are exceptional studio monitors. They have a solid build quality and offer high-quality features. However, Yamaha HS7 is more expensive, but the KRK Rokit 7 G4 has better features like the Kevlar drivers and DSP-driven EQ.