KRK Rokit RP5 G3From real comments

Name: KRK Rokit RP5 G3
Rating: 3 (22 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 22 mentions across 12 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment47%

PROS 47%

CONS 53%

Rank based on 22 mentions across 12 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want punchy, bass-forward near-field monitors for home listening or gaming
You need speakers capable of very high volume without breaking up
You'll position them properly at ear level on stands for the best sweet spot

What users love

Positive overall listening experience for casual useNotable0 mentions

Widely praised

Loud output capability0 mentions

Widely praised

Build quality0 mentions

Widely praised

Transient response and imaging0 mentions

Widely praised

Front-firing bass port for wall placement0 mentions

Widely praised

Attractive design0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You need a strictly neutral, linear reference sound for mastering
You're sensitive to hiss or hum, especially over unbalanced/PC-DAC connections
You prioritize midrange clarity over rivals like the JBL LSR305

What users complain about

Bass-heavy, non-linear low end0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Hissing or noise issues on power-up0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Weak midrange reproduction versus competitors0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Sound quality criticized for the price0 mentions

Generally negative

Loose or imprecise bass extension0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Hum/noise via unbalanced PC-DAC connections0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

Genelec 8351B

GLM calibration softwareStrong subwoofer synergyExceptional detail and accuracyHigh priceLow-frequency nulls and room interaction issuesRear porting limits placement

Genelec 8351B

GLM calibration software

Strong subwoofer synergy

Exceptional detail and accuracy

High price

Low-frequency nulls and room interaction issues

Rear porting limits placement

2Mid

EVE Audio SC203

Excellent sound quality for the sizeSurprising low end for a small driverAttractive build and controlsPrice seen as high for the sizeWeak bass without a subwooferLogo and knob placement disliked

EVE Audio SC203

Excellent sound quality for the size

Surprising low end for a small driver

Attractive build and controls

Price seen as high for the size

Weak bass without a subwoofer

Logo and knob placement disliked

3Premium

Genelec 8341A

Effective GLM calibration ecosystemPrecise time-aligned imagingImproved clarity via digital AES connectionBoominess near desks or wallsHighs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivalsQuestionable value versus price for some buyers

Genelec 8341A

Effective GLM calibration ecosystem

Precise time-aligned imaging

Improved clarity via digital AES connection

Boominess near desks or walls

Highs and hi-mids feel lacking versus rivals

Questionable value versus price for some buyers

4Mid

ADAM Audio A7V

Major upgrade from previous speakersSonarworks DSP integrationBalanced, neutral sound signatureSelf-noise and electrical interference concernsBuild/material downgrade concerns versus A7XMissing TRS input option

ADAM Audio A7V

Major upgrade from previous speakers

Sonarworks DSP integration

Balanced, neutral sound signature

Self-noise and electrical interference concerns

Build/material downgrade concerns versus A7X

Missing TRS input option

5Mid

KRK Classic 8

Premium Look & Collector AppealGood Fit for Small RoomsLong-Term Brand TrustLess Detail Than RivalsMuddy Sound at Price PointSome Users Switch Away

KRK Classic 8

Premium Look & Collector Appeal

Good Fit for Small Rooms

Long-Term Brand Trust

Less Detail Than Rivals

Muddy Sound at Price Point

Some Users Switch Away

6Mid

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM

Strong bass extension for the size

IK Multimedia iLoud MTM

Strong bass extension for the size

7Premium

Genelec 8030A

Well-designed internal amplificationLong-term reliabilityAccurate, detailed soundLimited bass extensionSlight tonal colorationHigh price for the size

Genelec 8030A

Well-designed internal amplification

Long-term reliability

Accurate, detailed sound

Limited bass extension

Slight tonal coloration

High price for the size

8Mid

Yamaha HS50

Flat, accurate sound for mixingBi-amplified active designCutoff filter improves mix translationCan cause listening fatiguePrice a stretch for tight budgets

Yamaha HS50

Flat, accurate sound for mixing

Bi-amplified active design

Cutoff filter improves mix translation

Can cause listening fatigue

Price a stretch for tight budgets

9Premium

Genelec 8331A

Neutral, accurate soundExcellent imaging and soundstageGLM room calibration effectivenessHigh price for the categoryCan sound overly clinicalPerceived lack of warmth or bass texture

Genelec 8331A

Neutral, accurate sound

Excellent imaging and soundstage

GLM room calibration effectiveness

High price for the category

Can sound overly clinical

Perceived lack of warmth or bass texture

10Budget

Yamaha HS5

Clear, detailed sound

Yamaha HS5

Clear, detailed sound

You are here

31Mid

KRK Rokit RP5 G3

Positive overall listening experience for casual useAttractive designBuild qualityBass-heavy, non-linear low endHissing or noise issues on power-upWeak midrange reproduction versus competitors

KRK Rokit RP5 G3

Positive overall listening experience for casual use

Attractive design

Build quality

Bass-heavy, non-linear low end

Hissing or noise issues on power-up

Weak midrange reproduction versus competitors

Glm calibration
1. Genelec 8351Barrow_upward6
2. Genelec 8331Aarrow_upward3
3. Genelec 8341Aarrow_upward3
Neutral sound
1. Genelec 8331Aarrow_upward6
2. ADAM Audio A7Varrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Genelec 8331Aarrow_downward3
2. Genelec 8351Barrow_downward4
Detailed sound
1. Genelec 8351Barrow_upward4
2. Genelec 8030Aarrow_upward2
Great imaging
1. ADAM Audio A7Varrow_upward3
2. Genelec 8331Aarrow_upward3
High price
1. Genelec 8030Aarrow_downward1
2. EVE Audio SC203arrow_downward3

Overall Impression

Bass response is the RP5 G3's most polarizing trait. Several commenters describe the low end as boomy, loose, or overemphasized, with one noting the box gets 'mushy' near its rated 45Hz limit and another calling the bass exaggerated and non-linear for studio use. A few even suggest the RP5 G3 boosts low-end too much to be considered a true reference monitor, recommending Yamaha or Adam instead for flatter response.

Noise and hiss reports vary widely between users. Some owners report a persistent hissing sound as soon as the monitors power on, worsening with volume, and unrelated to cables or outlets. Others experienced hum only when using unbalanced inputs with a PC DAC, which cleared up after bypassing power cord grounds. Meanwhile, other users report zero noise whatsoever, suggesting the issue may depend on source gear, cabling, or unit variation rather than a universal flaw.

Opinions split sharply on tonal accuracy versus competitors. Multiple commenters directly compare the RP5 G3 unfavorably to the JBL LSR305, citing much better midrange reproduction on the JBL, while others found the KRK dull or 'not full' next to Mackie or Adam F5 monitors. Conversely, other listeners describe being thrilled with the sound and impressed by its transient response and imaging, showing genuine disagreement over whether these are accurate monitors or simply pleasant-sounding speakers.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

thumb_upPositive overall listening experience for casual useNotable

4 mentions

Widely praised

Several users express enthusiasm after hearing or owning the monitors, saying they are thrilled with the sound or fully convinced to buy after watching reviews, especially for gaming and casual music listening rather than critical studio work.

@TripleXMen

Your video is very appealing to me, I have the monitors too and I'm thrilled. A little hint, your monitors are too low, you should put them on a monitor stand higher, approximately at eye/ear level (keyword sweet spot)...

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October 19, 2018

@DaniPhoto

I've had the KRK 8 incher from the 2nd generation for a year. I bought this from the big 'T' for about 400 euros (pair). So far I'm very satisfied with these things, even though they're already massive cubes. :) Actually, the boxes sound more like they're already too 'beautiful and bass-heavy' for what near-field monitors are actually supposed to be. But since I don't have a professional recording studio, more like hobby-wise for gaming, listening to music on the PC, etc., these are more than good enough. In any case, they're better than those PC plastic speakers. Optically, I actually like them better than the 3rd generation. The bass control isn't necessarily needed, you can also adjust that elsewhere. Why didn't you just buy the 6-inch variant? I think the 6\" is the best middle ground, neither too big nor too small, goes a bit deeper than the 5er and aren't much more expensive either. I can't confirm that they sound dull, at least not with mine.

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January 11, 2016

@AndiMiner

So Valentin, now you've completely convinced me. Now they're going to be bought! :b

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January 6, 2016

@AppleLoverTM

Cool review Valentin! :) I like the KRKs, I could already listen to the 2nd one and really like them. I was also thinking of getting them too :)

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January 6, 2016

volume_upLoud output capability

1 mentions

Widely praised

Users note that the RP5 G3 can get extremely loud, to the point of being a hearing risk at maximum volume. This headroom is seen as a clear strength for a compact 5-inch monitor.

@ExSkyCyclePilot

I have a pair of these, and found the bass a bit loose, and a bit too \"boomy\" in the upper bass and lower mid ranges. There is no bass extension - as expected from a 5\" woofer. I also found the lower end of the high frequency range to be a bit soft. Transient response and imaging are first rate, however. Build quality is excellent, and there is no hiss or hum whatsoever, even though I had to bypass the grounds on the power cords in order to use the unbalanced inputs. Before doing so, I had a ton of noise and hum, but that's not too much of a surprise as I'm using them with a DAC connected to a PC. And finally, I'll mention that they will get insanely loud. If you prize your hearing, just don't... I got a good deal on these, so I'll keep them, but would have liked for them to be a bit more accurate.

smart_display

July 5, 2018

buildBuild quality

1 mentions

Widely praised

One long-term owner and a detailed reviewer both praise the construction quality of the monitors as excellent. This is mentioned alongside otherwise mixed sonic impressions.

@ExSkyCyclePilot

smart_display

July 5, 2018

speedTransient response and imaging

1 mentions

Widely praised

A detailed user review specifically highlights first-rate transient response and imaging on these monitors, calling out precision in how sound is reproduced despite other tonal complaints.

@ExSkyCyclePilot

smart_display

July 5, 2018

check_circleFront-firing bass port for wall placement

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter appreciates that the RP5 G3's bass port exhausts at the front rather than the rear, making it more practical to place near walls or in corners compared to competitors like the Behringer Truth B1030A.

@Lets-Drone-With-Bone

reat in depth review. i am torn between these (in a 5\") and Behringer TRUTH B1030A. These will however be up against a wall, and one in a corner, so i am probably aimed more toward the KRK's because of the bass exhaust being at the front.\n\nHowever, on the back of the TRUTH B1030A monitors, they have more setting to rectify these problems with being stuck up against a wall...its all so confusing!!...i bet both sound great, but i just like the idea more of the KRK'S having the bass exhaust at the front. thanks for the great video :-)

smart_display

December 21, 2014

paletteAttractive design

1 mentions

Widely praised

Some commenters compliment the visual design of the monitors, noting they look better than earlier generations or competing options like the JBL LSR305.

@Freddy68107

So now I'm just thinking about getting the KRK Rokit RP5 G3 or the JBL LSR305.. I think the KRK monitors look better optically but I've heard sound-wise the JBL speakers are supposed to be better... It would be cool if someone could help me with the choice ;)

smart_displayTranslated from German

February 15, 2018

warningBass-heavy, non-linear low end

3 mentions

Frequently criticized

Multiple commenters describe the bass as too strong, boomy, or exaggerated for accurate monitoring, saying it boosts the low end unnaturally and makes the frequency response less linear than rivals like Yamaha or Adam.

@BaboBaer

I don't have KRK, but I want to recommend to anyone who listens to music a lot and often to get near-field monitors. While my Presonus Eris 4.5 don't come close to the KRK in terms of sound, they are a cheaper and very good alternative (cost new approx. 199€). And believe me, you really notice the sound difference between near-field monitors and other PC speakers! At this point, thanks to you Valentin, because it was only through your reviews back then that I came up with the idea of switching to near-field monitors!

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January 24, 2016

@TheFisico1

The KRK Rokit are unsuitable for studios because they boost the LOW-end. Therefore, they don't have a linear sound image. The near-field monitors from Yamaha or Adam are much 'better' :) You usually don't feel the low-end even with an 8\" woofer... you need a separate sub for that. Or eventually room acoustics play a bigger role than the monitors themselves.

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January 8, 2016

@Sfatschalt

Well, I heard the KRK recently at ppc, don't know if you know the store. It's in Hannover :) Anyway, I didn't find them to be very linear. Somehow they didn't really seem like monitors to me. The basses were way too strong, the mids didn't really come across right, and it just didn't fit together. I also listened to an alternative. I think it was the Adam F5, and in my opinion they were just much more linear and didn't sound nearly as washed out and sloppy. However, I think it was the second generation of the KRKs. To what extent that's improved now, I can of course only judge with difficulty, but I would rather go for the F5s. A good friend of mine has the Neumann KH 120 A. That's of course no comparison, but I've never noticed so many things when listening to music like with the Neumanns. LG

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January 6, 2016

warningHissing or noise issues on power-up

3 mentions

Frequently criticized

Several owners report an audible hiss immediately when powering on the monitors, regardless of whether music is playing, sometimes worsening with volume and persisting despite trying different outlets and cables.

@juliusselinger3615

I also ordered the krk rokit 5 in the 3rd generation, I've had the boxes for about 2 weeks now and as soon as I turn the boxes on I hear a hissing sound similar to when you touch an aux cable with your finger. Is that normal or are the boxes broken?

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June 7, 2019

@sadasvogler4174

I personally have a problem with the Krks. Namely, when I connect them to the PC, they start to hiss (whether music is playing or not doesn't matter at all). It's not the boxes themselves because when I connect the boxes to my phone there's no noise (so it's not the cables either). The noise also gets louder the louder I turn the monitors. I also tried connecting the power supplies to different outlets (or the same ones) and that didn't help either... does anyone have similar problems or a solution? Please write, thanks!

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August 20, 2018

@Technikfreak

It's not necessarily the case that a near-field monitor produces noise. It's rather unusual — normally you have no noise on the monitors. The noise can be due to poor contact, sound card (there are also big differences with external sound cards; I chose the RME Babyface because it gave the best sound on different monitors and in terms of usability it's a hammer for me. Monitors were the Neumann KH120, Adam A3X, and RCF Ayra 5. There's no noise at all here.) or it's the amplifier (AMP). I also added the bass from RCF — the RCF Ayra 10 Sub — and from that moment on I had noise on the monitors. However, I think they cheaped out on the crossover, which is how the noise came about. Otherwise, a good video! I have a lot of fun watching your videos. P.S. For smaller membranes, I would generally add bass as the linearity is much better that way. You can hear it (even if the spec sheet says 45Hz) that the box really becomes mushy there, which would be bad if it didn't. With bass, you then also have much better definition of the sound in the low end, which makes listening to music even more fun.

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June 2, 2016

trending_downWeak midrange reproduction versus competitors

3 mentions

Frequently criticized

Multiple commenters directly compare the RP5 G3 unfavorably to the JBL LSR305 in terms of midrange clarity, and others describe the overall sound as dull or 'not full' compared to Mackie or Adam alternatives.

@maxgeier9012

The RP5 G3 are certainly good speakers, but in this price range nothing beats the JBL LSR 305, which have a MUCH better midrange reproduction.

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January 7, 2016

@TheStoepselTV

I've already heard the previous model at a friend's and found it much worse compared to my jbl lsr 305. How the v3 sounds, I'll also test drive soon

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January 6, 2016

@Fyba

For the price, I found the KRK really terrible in terms of sound compared to other monitors in that price range. I personally see them together with the Yamaha monitors as the worst among monitors (at least in that price range). The KRK just sound dull and somehow not so 'full'. But it's all subjective whether you like the sound. Objectively, the monitors from Mackie were by far the best in that price range when it comes to filling the frequency spectrum. You could also review those sometime ^^ I would definitely recommend taking a look.

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January 6, 2016

attach_moneySound quality criticized for the price

2 mentions

Generally negative

Some users felt the sound quality did not justify the price compared to competitors in the same range, naming Mackie, Nubert nuPro, and JBL as better options.

@Fyba

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January 6, 2016

@gfdgdfg916

I also have the KRK Rockit 5 but 2nd edition. After I just got to test the nuPro series for Nubert, I'm very disappointed with KRK. Okay, the KRK set costs just the booklets right now, but the proportions are almost the same.. =(

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January 6, 2016

graphic_eqLoose or imprecise bass extension

1 mentions

Frequently criticized

A detailed reviewer found the bass loose and boomy in the upper bass and lower midrange, with no real extension expected from a 5-inch woofer, leading to a less accurate low end overall.

@ExSkyCyclePilot

smart_display

July 5, 2018

errorHum/noise via unbalanced PC-DAC connections

1 mentions

Generally negative

One user experienced significant hum and noise when using unbalanced inputs with a DAC connected to a PC, only resolved after bypassing the power cord grounds, indicating a setup-sensitive noise issue.

@ExSkyCyclePilot

smart_display

July 5, 2018

KRK Rokit RP5 G3chat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Glm calibration

Neutral sound

Expensive

Detailed sound

Great imaging

High price

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

KRK Rokit RP5 G3From real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression