KRK RP5G3-NA Review – Exceeding Expectations All Around

Controls:
Features:
Performance:

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KRK Rokit 5 Gen 3 are the latest and greatest from this series. Considering how good the previous model was, it came as no surprise that KRK RP5G3 managed to quickly gain the reputation of being among the most attractive studio monitors to get under $300. Let's check it out.

Design

KRK has evolved their Rokit 5 design quite substantially from the last generation. Not only did they update the hardware, but it almost feels like they took every little detail into consideration, looking for ways to make it better. This is apparent in the fact that cabinets are now slightly tighter all around. Not only in a sense of quality control but aesthetics as well. Naturally, the most defining feature of the KRK Rokit 5 was always that yellow low-frequency driver cone.

That has remained the same with Gen 3 model. In general, KRK Rokit 5 Gen 3 speakers are slightly bigger than your usual monitor speaker in this segment. One of the really interesting design features are the slotted front firing ports. KRK essentially enabled us to put the speakers closer to the walls without sacrificing much of the low-end response.

Features

Feature wise, the hardware is the very first thing that we have to mention. The tweeter of choice is a fairly standard 1″ soft dome unit that is paired with a 5″ glass-aramid composite low-frequency driver. KRK didn't really go with an aggressive waveguide design, but that didn't seem to impact the performance that much. KRK RP5G3-NA offer some 50 Watts of power, which is plenty enough for use in a smaller or medium sized home studio.

If you look at the back of the active unit, you will notice a pretty interesting layout. On one hand, we have the HF trim, LF trim controls, aside from the standard power switch and volume knob. The I/O cluster features an unbalanced RCA set as well as 1/4″ TRS/XLR balanced pair. The only really annoying thing about this speaker is the rear mounted volume and power controls.

Performance

So far we have seen many great features and some downsides as well. Let's talk a little about what KRK Rokit 5 Gen 3 is capable of delivering in terms of performance. The most important and most relevant thing we want to emphasize is how flat these are. KRK has done an amazing job at leveling out the response across the range, even though it can be a bit rough in certain places. There are really only a handful of speakers that can even compete with the sound we are getting from Rokit 5 Gen 3.

Trebles are tight, warm and clear while mids are well defined. Bass is abundant but definitely not loose nor thumping. Positioning the speakers is essential here, especially in smaller spaces. Using the trim controls in the back, you can fine tune the performance to your liking and needs. Versatility is abundant, that's for sure.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, KRK RP5G3-NA, or Rokit 5 Gen 3 as they are better knownthese days, is an amazing set of monitors. They're more than flat enough to be used for more serious work while their price makes them attainable. What more can we ask for?

For more info about the KRK RP5G3-NA, click here.
For more studio monitors under $300 you might like, click here.