KRK V8 S4From real comments

Verdict distilled from 16 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment50%
PROS 50%
CONS 50%

Rank based on 16 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want monitors that reveal mix flaws for more accurate mixing
  • You're upgrading from colored/consumer speakers like Rokit 8s and want a truthful reference
  • You plan to pair them with a subwoofer or DAC for a fuller, tailored low end

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You expect punchy, full bass straight out of the box without extra tuning
  • You're sensitive to background hiss at close listening distances
  • You want simple plug-and-play settings without experimenting with rear-panel controls

What users complain about

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 V8 S4
Revealing, accurate soundImproves mixing accuracy over timeResponsive manufacturer engagementWeak or missing low endAudible hissing noiseConfusing rear-panel settings
KRK V8 S4
Revealing, accurate sound
Improves mixing accuracy over time
Responsive manufacturer engagement
Weak or missing low end
Audible hissing noise
Confusing rear-panel settings

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

A deliberately honest, revealing sound that takes getting used to. Multiple commenters describe an initial reaction of the V8 S4 sounding flat or even bad compared to their old speakers, only to realize it was revealing flaws in mixes they hadn't heard before. KRK's own product manager confirmed this is intentional design philosophy, wanting a monitor that's enjoyable to listen to while still being brutally honest. One suggests making beats on old monitors but mixing on the V8, implying it rewards experienced ears over time as mixes reportedly translate better once adjusted.

Reports of missing low end frustrate some new owners. Several buyers specifically complain about a lack of bottom end, with one noting their old KRK Rokit 8s had plenty of punch by comparison, even after raising the low-end control by 2dB. Another reports horrible sound with no low frequencies across multiple source devices, having tried all the rear settings without meaningful improvement, suggesting this is a recurring frustration point rather than an isolated case.

A persistent hiss and confusing rear-panel settings trip up several buyers. New owners report a low hissing noise even after disabling the rear B switch, and ask whether it's audible at around one meter listening distance, suggesting it's a known concern among the community. Separately, other buyers ask for help understanding the correct rear-panel settings after finding the default sound underwhelming, while one owner reports only noise when connecting through a Steinberg UR22 interface, pointing to setup complexity.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?