Both the ADAM Audio T5V and KRK ROKIT 5 G4 are monitors designed for home studio use.
In fact... These studio monitors have such good sound quality, that you're set for life with either.
So which should you get for your music production endeavors?
You'll need the Best Studio Monitors to produce actual good music!
Both of these studio monitors sit at the top of their respective company’s monitor range!
For background: the ADAM Audio T5V is a third-generation version of ADAM's flagship T series, and the RK5 G4 is a new fifth-generation addition to KRK’s highly successful ROKIT range.
These are included in the Top 13 Best Studio Monitors list.
But... What are the small differences in sound quality that make each purchase worth it?
They’re both excellent monitors and even have some things in common, such as their mid-forward frequency response.
Here are the specs for these two monitors:
| ADAM Audio T5V | KRK ROKIT 5 G4 | |
| Price (each) | $220.00 | $190.00 |
| Size (Height x Width x Depth) | 11.7" x 7" x 11.7" | 7.5" x 11.2" c 9.5" |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs | 10.6 lbs |
| Tweeter Specs | 1.9" | 1" |
| Frequency Response Range | 45Hz - 25kHz | 43Hz - 40kHz |
| RCA | Yes | Yes |
| XLR | Yes | Yes |
| TRS | No | Yes |
| Ratings | 4.3/5 | 4.1/5 |
These are just the basics...
You'll soon learn that there are also plenty of differences that you need to be aware of before making your final decision on which pair of studio monitors to get.
Read this full breakdown and you'll realize if these (or other monitors) are right for you!
If you’re looking for the best-sounding monitor in its price range, the ADAM Audio T5V is the one you want. The high-end sound quality is amazing.
These studio monitors are a fantastic all-rounder, but they excel at two things:
A very clear and neutral sound
The bright high-end makes it easy to get a great mix regardless of your position
If you’re working with a wide variety of different instruments and vocals, the T5V is a great choice.
When producing music you need to account for the difference in output devices.
For example: if I'm listening to your track on an iPhone it'll sound different than in my car speakers.
You'll want to see the Best Studio Monitors Under $300 for all your options.
So because of this, I highly recommend that you get the ADAM Audio line.
The high-quality ribbon tweeters make it so you'll have very little distortion in the high end. This not only manages ear fatigue but these speakers give you a large advantage.
Even for purely aesthetic reasons, ADAM Audio studio monitors have a very attractive and stylish design, which is a nice bonus.
The sleek black design allows it to blend in any studio, compared to the bright yellow KRK monitors.
TL: DR; With the ADAM Audio T5V, you're mixing high-end vocals in the most optimal environment. Specifically for female singers, these are great budget speakers.
The ADAM Audio T5V speakers are a secret weapon in terms of frequency response.
The T5V's bass response goes all the way down to 45 Hz, thanks to its 5" woofer.
The high frequencies are spread out in a very even way, giving you a very large sweet spot that lets you work without being stuck in one position.
You can hear the higher frequency audio much louder and with more clarity than another speaker at the same price point.
While the bottom end isn't amazing, you surely won't hear noise distortion.
Compared to KRK monitors, the ADAM Audio T5V studio monitors lack low-end quality.
You should consider getting decent sub-woofers and monitoring your music production access to different devices if you choose to buy the ADAM Audio T5V.
The T5V doesn’t excel at low-end frequencies.
Now, before discarding the idea of getting these studio monitors, you need to consider why:
ADAM Audio is designed for small rooms
Excels in EQ'ing high frequencies
Allows you to hear vocals in high-quality
So if you want a monitor that makes heavy bass\drums feel really powerful and tight, the T5V may not be for you... Then the KRK ROKIT 5 G4 wins this one.
If you get these speakers, make sure you purchase a high-quality sub-woofer as well.
It also doesn’t have any features like Bluetooth or built-in amplification (which may not be important to you) but is something to consider nonetheless.
Truly, for a balanced mixing experience, consider having a pair of each speaker in your studio.
It's pricier, and your room may feel cramped, but it's worth it in the long run for a music career.
Also: the ADAM Audio TV5 does NOT have TRS connectivity!
You'll need to use either XLR or RCA, so keep that in mind.
The ADAM T5V costs roughly more than the KRKs.
While this may not seem justifiable, you need to consider that the TV5 is more socialized in high-end, which the KRK monitors are not.
Expect to pay between 10%-20% more for the ADAMs.
The ROKIT G4 is a very capable monitor for any studio setup.
These speakers and especially for beginners who are more interested in sounding good than in having all the latest bells and whistles.
(I've owned some KRK ROKIT 5 speakers for a while, my favorite!)
These monitors excel at having a very “wide” and open sound, which makes it a good choice if you’re doing vocals or if you work with a lot of different instruments that you want to sound clearly separated.
The flat response lets you play low-end signals nicely, listening to all the bottom ends without noise distortions.
The build quality makes this an overall balanced purchase.
If you happen to put on headphones, you'll hear the differences and advantages of KRK speakers.
The ROKIT G4 is made with two amplifiers and has a total of 55W of Class D power. It has a frequency range of 43Hz–40kHz and a maximum peak SPL level of 104dB.
This is why this is one of the Best Studio Monitors For Small Rooms.
This is not a big deal since the back of the cabinet, the new model has controls that are the same as those on older models, but this time there are more digital options.
You can scroll through and choose between:
Do all of these to find a solution for all your mixing needs.
The G4 is a pretty straightforward monitor with no special features.
It’s great for any home studio, but it’s not the best choice if you want something that’s extremely useful for specific purposes or has a very high build quality.
The G4’s low-end is also very powerful and tight, but it may be a tiny bit too much for certain situations.
You can play low-end at high volume, but depending on what you produce this may not be necessary (mastering vocals for example.)
You'll have to take a serious look at how important having a high-frequency response matters to you.
There's not much high-end power with these tweeters, you're best looking at the rest for this (such as Yamaha or ADAM.)
Since the ribbon tweeters are of lower build quality than the ADAM Audio T5V, they aren't as proficient at handling high frequencies.
One advantage that the ROKIT 5 has over the ADAM is price points.
Since technically the ROKIT 5 G4 is considered a "beginner" set, you'll expect to pay less almost every time.
Unless you're going for used gear (which is just as good) you can save around $45 bucks here.
Let's say you record audio and now need to produce a beat to it... Which is best for you?
Apart from the things mentioned above, there are a few more differences between these speakers.
Before you get a pair, we should see what's in store!
Let's dive into the intricate details and how they fit into your music production workflow.
The T5V is a powered monitor that has an internal DAC and headphone amplifier, while the G4 is a passive monitor that needs an external DAC and amplifier.
This means that you'll be paying more in the long run for the KRK ROKIT 5 G4.
In my opinion, this isn't a huge issue, considering you'll need a sub-woofer when getting the ADAM Audio T5V.
Then all the money is combined, and the cost of amplifiers and a sub-woofer balances the price points.
Even the cheapest Yamaha sub-woofer can set you back a little bit.
Not to mention... Every seasoned producer absolutely needs good amplifiers, to begin with.
At least here, when ADAM Audio T5V wins, it's not a huge victory.
You can always up the volume/levels and gain similar enough clarity.
The T5V is better for people who are looking for an all-in-one solution that requires less external gear. The G4, on the other hand, is better if you want a super simple monitor - just plug in your computer or mixer and you’re good to go.
In terms of appearance, the G4 has more of a “classic” look and design, while the T5V has a more modern and stylish look.
My favorite thing to compare: is the aesthetics.
You'll want a pair of monitors that look and FEEL good to use.
The point of making music is to make life more aesthetic... So your monitor absolutely needs to look good as well!
This feature should be a non-negotiable for every musician :)
The KRK ROKIT 5 has a loud look to it, which represents the way you listen to the track.
The KRK uses woven Kevlar instead of the glass aramid woofer design that was used for the previous generation of ROKITs.
This content was formerly saved for the company's midrange and high-end models, but it is now accessible here. Awesome!
Also, a similar shade of yellow braided Kevlar makes up the 1" tweeter, which was formerly a 1" soft dome design.
You won't see this on the ADAM Audio speaker line.
The ROKIT 5 speakers have a flat top, slightly rounded corners, and a larger front-firing bass port that extends the full length of the speaker's face.
For the budget, I think it's a good thing that the cheaper and more aesthetic KRK ROKITS look the way they do.
The G4 is a bit bigger and heavier than the T5V, but not by much.
On the slip side, unlike the playful look of the ROKITS, the T5V looks a lot more mature.
The new U-ART tweeter goes up to 25 kHz.
This is a breakthrough for high-resolution recording and mixing on a budget.
You can get a balanced sound using this speaker set.
A beveled cabinet with a rear-firing bass reflex port and a small footprint lets you put it anywhere in your room, no matter how small it is.
The G4 and T5V pair are very different monitors, but they’re both excellent choices for home studios.
Now that you know the differences between them, the decision comes down to your needs and preferences.
ADAM Audio T5V vs KRK ROKIT 5 G4 - which one to pick?
If you’re looking for something straightforward and easy to set up, the G4 is the better choice. If you want something a bit more advanced with a more neutral and clear sound, the T5V is better for you.
If you’re not sure which one is right for you, then you're better off with the ROKIT 5.
While you can technically reproduce the same sound by spending more money on additional stuff, it's no longer the same question then.
Its frequency response is top-notch, has decent bass, and limited distortion, and can fit every budget.
I'm not biased toward either of these, since they're both really good - I'm speaking pragmatically.
The placement of speakers is crucial to achieving an optimal audio experience. Many factors affect the placement of speakers, including the size and shape of the room, the position of furniture, and the type of speakers. The Speaker Placement Calculator is a tool that helps users determine the ideal placement for their speakers.
The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator is a web-based tool that helps users determine the ideal placement for their speakers. The calculator uses a complex algorithm to calculate the optimal position for speakers based on a variety of factors, including room dimensions, speaker type, and listening position.
Using the Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator can improve your listening experience in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits of using this tool:
Optimizes Sound Quality: The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator helps users determine the optimal placement for their speakers, which can improve sound quality. By placing the speakers in the right position, users can achieve a balanced soundstage and reduce unwanted reflections and echoes.
Saves Time and Effort: Determining the optimal placement for speakers can be a time-consuming and challenging process. The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator streamlines this process, making it easier and quicker for users to achieve the perfect setup.
Suitable for All Room Sizes: The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator is suitable for rooms of all sizes. Whether you have a small bedroom or a large living room, this tool can help you achieve the perfect placement for your speakers.
Compatible with All Speaker Types: The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator is compatible with all types of speakers, including bookshelf, floor-standing, and in-wall speakers. The tool takes into account the unique characteristics of each speaker type to determine the optimal placement.
Enhances Overall Listening Experience: By optimizing the placement of speakers, users can enjoy a more immersive and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are listening to music, watching movies, or playing games, the Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator can help you achieve the perfect setup for your audio system.
The Soundton Speaker Placement Calculator is a powerful tool that can help users achieve the perfect placement for their speakers. By taking into account room dimensions, speaker type, and listening position, this tool generates a diagram showing the optimal placement for the speakers. This can result in a significant improvement in sound quality and an overall more enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a movie buff, or a gamer, this Speaker Placement Calculator is a must-have tool for optimizing your audio system.
When it comes to buying or choosing monitors, there’s a lot more to consider than just the price.
While the price does matter, it’s also important to keep in mind that you often get what you pay for and that the most expensive option isn’t necessarily the best one.
As is often the case, the best choice isn’t the most expensive one, but it’s the one that meets your needs and delivers the best sound.
In this article, we’ve looked at two monitors: an ADAM Audio T5V and a KRK ROKIT 5 G4.
These are both excellent monitors for home studios, but there are differences between them.
Which one is right for you?
That’s up to you to decide :)
It’s time you get your exposure and listeners up - playlisting by Boost Collective has been trusted by 50,000+ artists worldwide.
It’s easy: Search your song, get on playlists, and track your campaign.
What’re you waiting for? Tap in - and get added to playlists in 24 hours.
Join Boost Collective for free here.