Some cheaper options have gained more recognition among home studio owners than others.
However, you do need to be careful when looking at the more affordable studio monitors out there.
In this post, I’ll be showing you two popular monitors that many people use when setting up a studio at home.
I’ll compare the JBL LSR305 vs KRK Rokit 5. By the end of this guide, you’ll better understand which of these monitors will be best suited for your needs.
Let’s get started!
JBL LSR305
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The JBL LSR305 is one of the most preferred monitors when looking at smaller studios. In fact, many people who are setting up a home-based studio also opt for the JBL LSR306.
One of the main factors mentioned by people (which I highly agree with) is the fact that it gives you the most value for its price.
The JBL LSR305 studio monitor is a two-way powered speaker that can be used in a variety of studio settings. It is available in a 1st and 2nd generation model.
The speaker has a woofer that measures five inches in diameter, which should suit the needs of most bedroom-sized studios.
However, two larger options are also available in this speaker model if you do have bigger needs.
The JBL LSR305 uses a flagship M2 Master Reference technology developed by the JBL brand. This technology is able to provide a significant enhancement in sound quality.
I’d also like to give attention to the monitor’s Broad Sweet Spot function, which gives me a more neutral sound experience.
This ensures the monitor gives great quality sound, no matter how high or low the acoustics in the room may be.
Balanced connectors are used for inputs in the JBL SLR305 speakers. This helps to provide a better transmission of audio channels.
KRK Rokit 5
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The KRK Rokit 5 is another popular option for small home studio producers. This is also a two-way powered studio monitor that provides many input options.
I was really happy to find out that the speaker provides a universal range of functions.
It’s a quality speaker for music production use, but it’s also a great inclusion in my entertainment and multimedia station at home.
The KRK Rokit 5 comes with a five-inch woofer, as well as a soft-dome tweeter. The combination of these two interior components lets me experience GREAT sound quality.
I find the unit impressively powerful when considering the lower price of the speaker, as well as the compact size.
The woofers are built from a high-quality glass-aramid composite, which lets you hear midrange frequencies in audio tracks better.
The KRK Rokit 5 is also known for its ability to produce better-quality bass. This is an essential function when producing hip-hop music in your home studio.
A built-in amplifier further adds value to your buy — and the KRK Rokit 5 uses a BI-Amped A/B amplifier.
This amp is able to provide the maximization of the headroom offered by the speaker. At the same time, the amp also provides a reduction in distortion in your studio monitors.
JBL LSR305 Vs KRK Rokit 5
With both options providing similar qualities and functions, they’re well-loved among people who own a home studio and multimedia centers.
I suggest closing down on some of the more specific features to determine what the best one would be for your studio.
In this JBL LSR305 and KRK Rokit 5 comparison, I’ll give you a closer look at some of the smaller features. These can be the deciding factors that sometimes go unnoticed.
Let’s start to compare specific features and help you understand which of the two may give you better value for your buck.
Tweeter
The JBL LSR305 comes with a built-in one-inch tweeter. The KRK Rokit 5 matches the JBL with the use of a one-inch tweeter too.
LF Driver
The JBL LSR305 uses a five-inch LF driver.
This provides better performance on your lower frequencies. Like the JBL model, the KRK Rokit 5 also comes with a five-inch low-frequency driver.
Amp
Both the JBL LSR305 and the KRK Rokit 5 come with built-in amplifiers.
This gives you better value for the money, as you are not required to buy a separate amp to get a better and louder sound.
The KRK Rokit 5 comes with two built-in amps. A high-frequency and low-frequency amp is included. A Class A-B LF Amp with a 30W power rating is used, along with a 20W HF Amp.
The JBL SLR305 uses Class D amps for both low-frequencies and high-frequencies. Both of the amps used in the JBL speakers feature a power rating of 41W.
Frequency Response
There is a big difference in the frequency response offered when comparing the JBL LSR305 vs. KRK Rokit 5.
The KRK Rokit 5 speaker set features a frequency response of 45 Hz to 35 kHz.
Meanwhile, the JBL LSR305 has a more limited frequency response, rated between 43 Hz and 24 kHz.
Bass
JBL and KRK both offer bass port inputs to provide greater quality sound.
The KRK Rokit 5 has a front bass port input, which made things more convenient for me. Meanwhile, the JBL LSR305 uses a rear bass port.
Inputs
Inputs determine the types of devices that can be connected to your studio monitors.
The KRK Rokit 5 features an XLR input, a ¼” TRS input port, and is also compatible with RCA inputs.
On the other hand, the JBL LSR305 has a more limited number of input options. This particular monitor has an XLR and a ¼” TRS input port.
Dimensions
The JBL LSR305 measures 11.75” x 7.28” x 9.88”. The KRK Rokit 5 measures 11.10” x 7.28” x 9.06”.
The KRK has a smaller structure than the JBL, so I found it slightly easier to position.
Weight
Weight is important if you need a portable solution that will be easier to move around.
The KRK Rokit 5 weighs 14.1 pounds, making it the heavier option when comparing these two monitors. The JBL LSR305 has a weight of 10.12 pounds.
Stand Out Features
You need to ensure you take a closer look at specific features.
These are the features that affect the performance of the monitors, while also giving you a product with a longer life expectancy.
In this section, I’ll provide you with an overview of the stand-out functions related to the JBL LSR305 vs. KRK Rokit 5.
JBL LSR305
For me, the most impressive feature of the JBL LSR305 is the technology that JBL developed.
JBL has used these features for a much more expensive studio monitor in their range – the M2 speaker.
The Image Control Waveguide gives you a more professional experience.
The idea behind this technology is to give you a clearer audio experience at the mid-range frequencies.
READ MORE: JBL LSR305: Is It Worth It? (Full Review)
KRK Rokit 5
The KRK Rokit 5 features three input port options for better versatility, making it a universal solution that can be installed in your studio.
An option to adjust the bass makes it easy to set the monitors to the specific settings you need.
High and lower frequencies provide a clear playback with the KRK Rokit 5.
The tweeter uses a soft-dome design to help improve the quality of sound produced by the monitor.
Conclusion
Some of the cheaper options probably won’t provide you with appropriate quality sound and lack the bass you need while editing audio clips.
I have compared the JBL LSR305 vs. KRK Rokit 5 in this post — and while both of these are great monitors for a small studio environment, in my opinion, the JBL LSR305 does offer better value for your money.
Do take note that you should not expect too much from a budget-friendly set of small speakers. They have their limitations, even when you do manage to get the best option for your studio.
If you’re on a budget, you could check other alternatives from the best studio monitors under $200.
