Anyone new to the world of mixing would be familiar with the KRK Rokit 5 and the Yamaha HS5 studio monitors.
But how do you decide on one of the two? After a detailed comparison between both, it’s settled that the Yamaha HS5 wins this one.
For bass-heavy production, the KRK Rokit 5 G3 is the better option, while the HS5 is more ideal as a reference monitor. Its sound delivery is more natural, and it is a more suitable assistant for beat markers.
On that note, let’s get into the battle between Yamaha HS5 and KRK Rokit 5 and take a detailed look into each to help you make a more informed final decision.
Yamaha HS5
Anyone who has a flair for music must know about Yamaha. They started the production of instruments in 1887 and the production of reference monitors in 1967. One thing that can be attributed to the popularity of the company is its accuracy, and the HS5 is a perfect example of this.
A 5 inch powered studio monitor; the Yamaha HS5 has a compact size that is great for small studios. Unlike bigger models, this can be positioned very close to your workstation and still deliver a clear sound.
KRK Rokit 5
As a major player among loudspeaker manufacturers across the world, the new Rokit series from KRK, like the KRK Rokit 5 G3 is perpetually popular among DJs, audio enthusiasts, and first time producers.
The sound level delivered by this 5-inch speaker is enough for limited spaces. Though there are better options for professional mixing, this is an excellent and durable model for Bass House, DubStep, and EDM genre production.
Sound Quality
A lot of people have mentioned that the KRK Rokit 5 can only be used in the mid to upper bass range. And the sound output is buzzy when the bass is amplified.
The KRK Rokit 5 delivers high-volume sounds. So the audio may be remarkable initially, but that doesn’t mean the actual sounds are being represented.
On the other hand, there is more accuracy with the Yamaha HS5 powered studio monitor. It delivers high-resolution sounds with a flatter response curve. This monitor makes the smallest notes recognizable and makes a good mix distinguishable from a poor one.
The Verdict: The Yamaha HS5 provides more accurate sound.
Tech Specs
Powered loudspeakers
The HS5 and the Rokit 5 are both active/powered loudspeakers with amplifiers embedded in their cabinet. Hence, there won’t be any need for the monitors to be matched to amps.
Furthermore, the design of all active monitors is more compact. They connect easily to other devices since no additional component is required. Another thing that makes active speakers better than passive ones is the highly accurate crossover.
The Verdict: There is no clear winner in this round. The features are quite similar.
Power Configuration
These two studio monitors have different amplifiers for drivers and HF, i.e., they are bi-amped. Thus, there won’t be a need for additional amplifiers to complement various frequency ranges.
The Verdict: There is no clear winner in this round.
LF And HF Drivers
For HF5 enhancements, the Rokit 5 and the HS5 both have a 1-inch dome tweeter, while the low-frequency driver is a 5-inch woofer.
The sole difference is that a stiff paper cone is used to make the HS5 woofer while the Rokit 5 is fitted with a glass-aramid woofer.
Reviews from customers reveal that when it comes to transferring sound, Aramid fabrics like Kevlar are more efficient. They vibrate less and so do not moderate the low frequencies.
On the contrary, paper is rather ‘lossy.’ It causes the sound to break and delivers a less accurate output.
The densities of paper and aramid composites are both low. Hence, if the maker tries for more stiffness by using multiple layers, it has no effect on the weight of the monitor. But besides the lightweight, the aramid composites are quite strong.
The Verdict: The Rokit 5 has the better features here.
LF Driver Power Amp
The HS5 feeds the LF driver with just 45W and runs the tweeter with 25W. On the other hand, the Rokit 5 uses 55W on the woofer while 20W is used on the tweeter.
The amp power of HS5 is 70W, while the amp power of Rokit 5 is 75W. The difference isn’t great but the HS5 monitors perform a little more efficiently.
The Verdict: The HS5 is the winner here because it’s more efficient.
Frequency Response
The frequency range of the Yamaha HS5 is between 54 Hz and 30 kHz which means that it is powerful for sounds in the mid and high range.
While 54 Hz is sufficient low-end for most applications including chamber music, keyboards, and guitar performances, it doesn’t give the bass extension for EDM or hip-hop styles. So, such productions will require you to get a subwoofer.
In comparison, the frequency range on Rokit 5 G3 is wider. Its frequency range is between 45 Hz and 35 kHz, which allows you to mix frequencies in the lowest and highest end.
The Verdict: The Rokit 5 has a wider frequency range for the lowest and highest ends.
Crossover Frequency
The frequency range of the Yamaha HS5 is 2kHz, while the crossover frequency range of the Rokit 5 is adjustable. The advantage of the variable crossover is that it filters unwanted frequency waves to prevent them from alternating between different waves.
The Verdict: Adjustable frequency makes the Rokit 5 the better option.
Maximum Peak SPL
The SPL of Rokit 5 monitors is 104 dB, which means the volume can be exceptionally high with no distortions from the high end. Oddly though, the Yamaha HS5 series do not have a maximum peak SPL.
In summary, the Rokit 5 delivers a higher sound than the HS5. However, according to customer feedback, it isn’t quite clear compared to the HS5, making it more ideal for dance beats and music than for mixing.
The Verdict: The HS5 delivers higher sound, thus it’s the winner.
Input Types
Apart from the XLR and TRS, which are also present on the HS5, the KRK Rokit 5 comes with an extra quarter-inch socket along with an RCA input jack that lets you enter phono inputs.
The Verdict: Rokit 5 has more input options.
Enclosure Type
The speaker port on the HS5 is on the back, while Rokit 5 features a frontal speaker port. The implication of this is that the HS5 should not be placed close to the wall or any obstacle, while such limitations are irrelevant to the Rokit 5.
However, the reflex enclosure on the HS5 is more efficient at maximizing resonance. Thus, it prevents the occurrence of sonic coloration – an important feature for accurate mixdowns and monitoring.
The Verdict: The HS5’s enclosure is more adept at maximizing resonance.
Build Quality
With respect to their construction, the Rokit 5 and HS5 are not identical in any way, but they are almost equal in terms of build quality and durability.
As a matter of fact, the two monitors are made from solid, durable MDF. Their corners are also rounded to reduce unpleasant diffractions. In addition, the porting is designed to produce enhanced acoustic clarity on both. Yamaha added rubber surrounds to protect the woofer of the HS5. On the other hand, the woofer of the KRK Rokit 5 is protected by foam surrounds.
Rubber and metal are both sturdy materials, compared to foam. They provide the woofer with better protection and more resistance to physical damage. Therefore, the woofer surrounds of the HS5 is more durable.
The Verdict: HS5 is the winner because of the woofer surrounds.
Design
Yamaha designed all their HS monitors to look similar to their classic NS10s, which dominated the industry for years.
Yamaha monitors create a professional studio ambiance, with their signature white woofers, black exteriors, and stereo-like appearance. They also create nostalgic vibes.
This simple design was inspired by the acoustic purity associated with Yamaha reference monitors.
In contrast, the Rokit 5 has a more modern look and a yellow and black color scheme that decorates your environment. The bottom also features a large LCD to improve your settings.
This fancy feature is absent in the HS5 model, but the EQ controls are positioned at the back inside.
The Verdict: There is no clear winner in this round.
Price Points
Most customers are satisfied with the value for money that both models offer because quality is not compromised for performance and vice versa.
However, the price of the HS5 is a bit higher than the Rokit 5.
In general, KRK monitors are surprisingly affordable, which is one major reason why they’re so popular. They can also be used for a wide variety of applications.
But this is not to say that the price of the Yamaha is not justifiable. Yamaha’s HS series deliver maximum accuracy and clarity, which stands out in the industry. Therefore, they are also worth the price they cost.
The Verdict: The HS5 offers better value for money.
Yamaha HS5 vs KRK Rokit 5 – Likes and Dislikes
Yamaha HS5
Likes
- The sound is precise, neutral, and flat
- A Powered studio monitor that comes dual-amped drivers
- Comes with adaptable knobs, including room control and tight trim
- Its frequency response range is extensive
- Perfect for small-sized studios
Dislikes
- Not suitable for hip-hop production or large-sized studios
- Requires a subwoofer for punch notes to be audible
KRK Rokit 5
Likes
- Comes with LCD screens and EQ settings
- Performance hits the high notes
- Offers a great value
- Has a tough and hard-wearing body
- Smartphone apps make fine-tuning easy
Dislikes
- Its representation of sound is imprecise
- The sound becomes unclear when the bass is amplified
The Verdict
Due to its massive record of excellent sound quality, advanced features, and affordable price, the KRK Rokit 5 G3 seems to be the best option for studio owners. But concerning reliability and preciseness, the Yamaha HS5 is superior to the Rokit. Both 5-inch monitors are similar in many ways, but they work better for varying situations. If you’re looking for low-end efficiency as well as accuracy in one package, then complement your HS5 with a subwoofer.
