Should you buy monitor loudspeakers? (KRK Rokit 5 Gen4)

[BogdanH]

So I did it: I bough KRK Rokit 5 Gen4 monitor loudspeakers for my keyboard. I have them now for about 2-3 weeks and after initial impression I decided to share my thoughts to those, who are also considering to buy some external loudspeakers for keyboard.

Why I decided to get monitor loudspeakers?
As I said few times before, I think speakers that are built-in PSR-SX700 sound pretty good (for their purpose). Sometimes I connected keyboard on my hi-fi system and of course, it sounds much better. However that solution is not very practical because of cabling and speakers position. I wished to have speakers on my stand and so, they must be relative small.
The second reason is, I'm planing to buy some TOTL keyboard in near future (hopefully) and those keyboards don't have speakers built-in.

To keep the whole thing compact enough, I decided for 5" loudpeakers. Most of them have more than enough power (30-50W) for home use and (non-existing) specifications are pretty much similar. Yes, I watched reviews and believe me, they don't tell the whole truth.

Why I decided for KRK Rokit 5 Gen4?
Most similar priced loudspeakers have similar specs and so my decission was mostly based on my personal preferences: Class-D amplifier, design and connections. Here KRK was kinda the best match (except I don't like yellow membrane), although it's quite pricey compared to other 5" monitors. But you know how it is.. we don't buy these things every day and we also don't wish to regret the decissions a month later. Anyway, because I couldn't find some serious complaints from actual buyers, my decission was final.
Again: I didn't decide for KRK monitors because I would think these are the best among them all -I'm quite sure all 5" monitors sound pretty much similar.

Honest first impression
There is not much difference between monitors and built-in speakers! Kinda disappointing. But then, both are 5" and if used at similar loudness, what should we expect?
Second impression... there is a difference. The thing is, monitors are oriented toward listener (not upwards) and so we hear mid/high frequencies much clearly and also stereo separation is better. That is, overall sound has more brilliance. In short: is better.
Now about bass sound. As I mentioned many times, nowadays specifications are non-existent or misleading. KRK says low frequencies starts at 43Hz(!?), but that value alone means absolutely nothing. Btw. the same is true for other brands too.

We must keep in mind that 5" (12,5cm) is very small diameter for a woofer (membrane diameter is actually 10,5cm) and so we shouldn't expect wonders. Let me just say, that at normal loudness, there isn't that much bass. Anyway, as we turn volume up, bass becomes more apparent. There's a reason why's that, but I'm not going deeper into that, because that would exceed the purpose of this post.
The good thing is, bass is tight and well defined -and that's the main purpose of monitor loudspeakers. Or to put it differently: hi-fi loudspeakers are for enjoying the music and monitors are meant more for analyzing the sound -which is also a reason why monitors should be placed relative close to listener.
How about the power? Specification says 2x55W (another info that's not supported with necessary data). Yes, these monitors are actually louder than speakers inside keyboard. But what's more important, at higher loudness they sound much better (more precise) than built-in speakers.

Impression about KRK Rokit 5 Gen4
They are very solid built and higher quality components are used (even it's Made in China). That is, I can't imagine any other 5" monitors to be better. The thing is, at this size, we just can't get more.

Final thoughts
By assuming your keyboard has decent speakers built-in ... is it worth buying 5" monitors? My opinion is: no. Yes, it sounds better, but being objective, difference is really not that big. Other than my personal reasons mentioned at beginning, the only reason I see for buying monitors is, if you occasionally perform elsewhere where more power is needed. But in that case I would strongly recommend bigger (7") monitors.

Do I regret my decision? Well, I told you my reasons and the answer right now is, no I don't regret. But if it happens I can't afford TOTL keyboard, then I probably wasted the money.

I hope this post is helpful for some,
Bogdan

[Lefty]

Hi Bogdan,

Thanks for the review of the differences between built-in and external speakers.  I've been considering either a subwoofer, or a subwoofer and monitors for my SX900.  Since I only play at conversational sound levels, it sounds like the monitors would be a waste of money. 

I still wonder about a sub-woofer though.  The bass seems a bit light at low volume levels.

Craig

[ayeff]

Craig,

I bought the Yamaha KS-SW100 subwoofer for my SX900 and I can assure you it does make a huge difference!  I thought at the time it was a lot of money to spend, but I don't regret it one little bit - get one!

Alan.

[Graham UK]

There is not much difference between monitors and built-in speakers! Kinda disappointing.

Bogdan. If that's your conclusion then you purchased the wrong Monitors.
Regarding volume. Laws of nature do not change. Larger cones move more air.
Well designed small cones can sound excellent...Example BBC LS35A.

[Divemaster]

I'm happy with the built in speakers on my SX and I was happy with the monitor speakers and sub bass on my Tyros.
Unless you're performing, I don't see the point of bigger speakers.
The SX speakers are perfectly adequate, and certainly loud enough to give any home user a good volume level, without hacking the neighbours off!

Yamaha spend a lot of money designing these keyboards, and choosing suitable speakers, and I certainly wouldn't risk my hearing by buying something that's already adequate for purpose.  Just seems like a waste of money to me.

Just my take on it.
Keith.

[BogdanH]

Thank you all for commenting.
Now I have a feeling that my post was (or could be) misunderstood. KRK Rokit 5 Gen4 are very good speakers, but that was not the point of my post (and I really didn't wish it would sounded like I'm bragging). My intention was to prepare potential buyers on what to expect, so they won't be disappointed. That is, they shouldn't have unrealistic expectations from 5" speakers -no matter who makes them and at what price.
When I bough KRK, I knew they can't compete with my 8" JBL hi-fi speakers (acoustic laws prohibit that). And that's why I concentrated comparison with same sized keyboard built-in speakers. I also have Yamaha YST-SW160 subwoofer, which I intentionally didn't mentioned.. because if I did, then that would open all possible scenarios.

@Lefty (Craig)
I can mostly hear praise and satisfaction from those who decided for subwoofer. Although many are probably using it wrong way, it's the satisfaction that matters. The thing is, it is extremely difficult to adjust subwoofer properly (to establish the right balance with the rest of audio spectrum). That is, not only output power should be right, but also crossover frequency must be set at the right value. Usually that's done by measuring room audio characteristic with a microphone and result also depends on where subwoofer is placed. A lot of experience is needed to accomplish that "by ear".
Regardless... if you are picky about good sound, then you should definitely get some monitors as well. As I mentioned, speaker direction alone, makes quite a difference.
So, the remaining question is, what is better (more practical): two smaller monitors + subwoofer, or two bigger monitors only?
Also keep in mind, that subwoofer "shine" at frequencies below 50Hz (that's their main purpose) and that there are only few instruments capable to produce such low tones.

@Graham
As mentioned at beginning of this post, I wanted 5" monitors and KRK sounds very good for it's size. And I agree, with speakers it's a matter of size and then comes the rest.
However I completely disagree about BBC LS5A loudspeakers. And here's why (just in short):
-they are passive loudspeakers, so separate amplifier is required
-12mm wall thickness is kinda thin
-lower end starts at 70Hz and so the lowest octave on 76key keyboards isn't covered (or if octave is shifted on 61key keyboard)
-sensitivity of 83dB is quite low and so it requires relative high power for decent loudness (that's why power of 25-50W is recommended)
-woofer/midrange speaker has diameter of 110mm and if measured the same way as everyone else does, that means it's actually 4.5" speaker
My conclusion: I do believe that they might sound very good, because most closed (no bass-reflex) loudspeakers do. I just wouldn't recommend them for keyboards.
Btw. I just realized they're sold by Graham Audio -what a coincidence 

Bogdan

[Amwilburn]

Oh, if you've got a small sub, that alone should be enough to really improve the sound! I generally really like the built in speakers (they usually do a pretty good job). Exceptions? PSRs900 just sounded kind of anemic (they improved the bass response (and the screen!) of the PSRs910, but the volume was still low. Then they cranked it back up to 30w in the PSRs950, but the highs were too "sizzly". It wasn't until the s970 that they sounded as great as back in the PSR3000 days. Note that the PA1000 speakers were fantastic (best I've heard in a portable overall) but the other Korg (and Roland) speakers were generally quite good from model to model.

The KRKs: As far as 5" go, I think those are good ones. They actually pack a surprising amount of bass; for me the complaint is that it sounds like some of the mid frequencies are a bit too scooped, making them not sound as detailed or transparent as, for example, the Yamaha HS5. Am I saying Yamaha HS5's are better? For listening to a PSR without a subwoofer, I'd say no: the HS5's lack any sort of bass whatsoever (I hear nothing under 500 Hz!) but they are incredibly clear, and if you pair them with an HS8s subwoofer, then frankly they sound better than even a pair of HS8's without a sub.

You want weird? The Mackie MR524 5" are *too* bassy, and actually not that clear (frequencies above 15k roll of very quickly)

I feel like we discussed some of this in our other thread talking about the PSRSx900 speakers vs the sx700 (4 amp vs 2 amp, but for speakers either way) but I can't remember where that thread is 

But yes, as usual, we agree: I'd recommend 6.5" or even 8" (if you have the space) if you're only buying a pair without a subwoofer. And if were buying a pair of 5", just to listen to music and/or my psr? I'd also go for the Rockets.

Oh yeah, not many instruments make use of really low frequencies, but a sub adds to the thickness of most; drums & bass guitar, obviously, but even piano benefits a *lot* from a sub!

Mark

[BogdanH]

hi Mark, glad to see you stopped by in this thread 
Yes, I remember there was discussion SX900 vs SX700 sound not long ago.. many times discussion goes from one topic to another.
I can only say we have similar view/opinion about this matter, including about using subwoofer. I just wished to point out, that one shouldn't abuse it. Good sound setting means one shouldn't notice there's a sub -sound should speak for itself.
I mentioned I have subwoofer, but I don't use it on SX700. Reason is simple: because it can't be used directly (SX700 only has one stereo output). Yes, I could include Audio Interface in between, but that would mean even more cables (which I hate) and I don't wish to turn my small room into studio jungle -at least not yet

Greetings,
Bogdan

[Graham UK]

Bogdan. Your replies are interesting and it's obvious you have some sound knowledge.
The BBC LS35A was designed for small mobile outside studio monitoring for which they do an excellent job, and as you stated are not suitable for use with a keyboard for the reasons you mentioned.
I owned a pair amongst other models and used them for a number of years in a dedicated Hi-Fi System.
Early school days I was interested in sound quality and I later was fortunate to work within the sound industry and the best part was getting paid for what I loved doing.

[BogdanH]

hi Graham,
Thank you for clarifying. Yes, I can imagine that BBC LS35A do sound very linear -which is desired for monitoring and that's also the main advantage of closed box loudspeakers.
The thing is, most of us hobby keyboard players are buying monitors because of their smaller size and not really for monitoring purpose. And here we come to contradiction: by using small loudspeakers,we wish to enjoy full richness of the sound. Bass-reflex does help in that, but not much at such small size -is better than nothing, though 

Greetings,
Bogdan