Comparison: JBL 305p MkII vs. KRK Rokit 5 Classic Studio Monitors

The JBL 305p MkII and KRK Rokit 5 Classic are both popular studio monitors and are often compared against each other. Both monitors have a fairly neutral sound, but the JBL 305p MkII tends to have a slightly flatter response, which can be desirable for mixing and mastering. The KRK Rokit 5 Classic has a slightly more colored sound, with more emphasis on the bass and high-end frequencies.

JBL 305p MkII Studio Monitors

JBL 305p MkII studio monitors are two-way powered studio monitors designed for use in the home and professional recording studios. They have a modern and sleek design with a front-facing bass port that allows for more flexible placement options. They also have a waveguide design that provides a wide sweet spot and accurate imaging.

The JBL 305p MkII monitors have a neutral and accurate sound that is suitable for mixing and mastering. They have a frequency response of 49 Hz – 20 kHz (+/- 3 dB) and a maximum SPL of 108 dB. The monitors also feature a newly designed low-frequency transducer and a high-frequency soft dome tweeter that provide improved performance and lower distortion.

The JBL 305p MkII monitors have a total power output of 82 watts, with 41 watts dedicated to each driver. As inputs you will find LR, TRS, and RCA input options, allowing for easy connectivity with a variety of audio sources. The monitors have a rear-mounted input sensitivity switch, which allows for easy adjustment of the input signal level. They also feature a volume control knob and a low-frequency trim switch that allows for adjustment of the bass response.

The JBL 305p MkII monitors are compact and lightweight, with dimensions of 11.75″ x 7.28″ x 9.09″ (299 mm x 185 mm x 231 mm) and a weight of 10.43 lbs (4.7 kg) per monitor.

KRK Rokit 5 Classic Studio Monitors

KRK Rokit 5 Classic Studio Monitors are also designed for use in the home and professional recording studios. The KRK Rokit 5 Classic monitors have a distinctive yellow cone and black cabinet design that is instantly recognizable. They also have a front-facing bass port that allows for more flexible placement options.

The KRK Rokit 5 Classic monitors have a slightly colored sound that emphasizes the bass and high-end frequencies. They have a frequency response of 45 Hz – 35 kHz (+/- 2 dB) and a maximum SPL of 106 dB. The monitors also feature a 5-inch Kevlar driver and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter that provide improved performance and reduced distortion.

The KRK Rokit 5 Classic monitors have a total power output of 55 watts, with 30 watts dedicated to the woofer and 25 watts dedicated to the tweeter. The KRK Rokit 5 Classic monitors have XLR and TRS input options, allowing for easy connectivity with a variety of audio sources.

The monitors have a rear-mounted volume control knob and a high-frequency level control that allows for adjustment of the tweeter response. They also feature a low-frequency control switch that allows for adjustment of the bass response. The KRK Rokit 5 Classic sound can be considered more colored than other monitors, and their input options are limited compared to other monitors in the same price range.

Which one is the best?

Both monitors have a solid build quality, but the JBL 305p MkII has a more modern and sleek design, with a front-facing bass port that allows for more flexible placement options. The JBL 305p MkII has a more powerful amplifier than the KRK Rokit 5 Classic, with a peak power output of 82 watts compared to the Rokit’s 55 watts. This can result in a slightly louder and clearer sound from the JBLs. The JBL 305p MkII has more input options, including XLR, TRS, and RCA, while the KRK Rokit 5 Classic only has XLR and TRS inputs.

In terms of which one is best for a home studio, it ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget. Both monitors are capable of producing high-quality sound and are suitable for mixing and mastering in a home studio environment. The JBL 305p MkII may be a better option if you prefer a flatter and more neutral sound, while the KRK Rokit 5 Classic may be preferable if you prefer a slightly more colored sound with more emphasis on the bass and high-end frequencies. It’s also worth considering factors such as price, size, and input options when making your decision.

Also read: Top 5 Most Affordable Studio Monitors For Producers