If you’re in the market for high-end studio audio on a budget, there are few better options than KRK Systems’ in-depth range of studio monitors, subwoofers, headphones, and more for music creators.
A longstanding leader, KRK has become synonymous with quality at a bank-friendly price and is instantly recognizable through its unique branding and eye-grabbing yellow/black colorway studio monitors.
In this review, we look at a new member of KRK’s Classic range – the Classic 8.
The Classic is KRK’s entry-level pricing option, but it certainly doesn’t scrimp on quality as a compromise.
The well-known and loved KRK Classic 5 has been a firm favorite with DJs and Producers for a fair while, and so the addition of the Classic 7 & 8 was a welcomed addition to the range – offering more oomph whilst retaining affordability and an alternative to the brand’s more expensive ROKIT range.
With the Classic 8 being the largest, most capable of the range, naturally, it also costs the most out of the bunch.
You can expect to pick them up at roughly $270/£200/€230 per speaker, which is a reasonably generous price tag when you dive into what you get for your beans.
Are the KRK Classic 8 monitors any good? (in short)
If you are looking for a price-friendly and well-balanced monitor with extra beef in the locker, the Classic 8 is a brilliant option. What you get for the money you pay is undeniably generous.
Video Review
Specifications
| Configuration | Two Way Studio Monitor |
| System type | Active Studio Monitor |
| Frequency Response | (+/- 3dB) – 42.5Hz – 28kHz |
| Frequency Range | 35Hz – 35kHz |
| Max Peak SPL | 106 dB Max Power |
| Input Impedance | 10 KΩ Balanced / 7 KΩ Unbalanced |
| Controls | System Volume -30 dB – +6 dB Max |
| Indicators | Power Output |
| Finish | Black Vinyl Wrap |
| Hardware | Foam Isolation Pads |
Features
Audio Independence
The Classic 8 range comes with crossover frequency and a host of in-built features that accommodate convenience & practicality. The first of which is the absence of required external amps.
It removes heaps of hassle by simply having drivers matched to internal amps – saving you needless wiring and leaving you with more space to fill with that sweet music.
It also comes with an auto-limiter which can be a real life-saver (and pocket-saver, too).
We’ve all been there; you have your DJ mates over for a mix & someone gets a bit carried away with the levels!
The next thing you know, your audio sounds fuzzier than the honey monster & you know it’s going to cost a pretty penny to fix it.
With the system-optimized auto-limiter in place for room acoustics and for more critical listening, KRK has your back covered – again without manual intervention – delivering consistent clarity at higher volumes without the ‘fear’.
Adjustable Frequency Manipulation
The Classic 8 has a few significant frequency-led features that allow you to tailor its power output for pretty much any given situation.
The built in power amplifier provides the bass extension is as low as 35 Hz and enhanced bass response – audio interface volume control – offering an additional +2 dB max of punch in there for those times you need that extra boom – without sacrificing any audio quality, of course.
Then you have the independent low and high-frequency level adjustment controls for fine tune. They allow you to tweak and optimize your Classic 2-way monitors’ response to suit your environment or preferences with ease.
Look & Feel of the KRK Classic Line
The Classic 8 upkeeps that distinctive KRK Systems signature, making it instantly recognizable at a distance.
The yellow and black theme has pretty much become a beacon of benchmark quality for anyone with interest in audio hardware – with the Classic 2-way series playing a seminal part in the build of that foundation.
The rigid and lightweight driver, weighing in at just over 11kg per unit, has a 15mm MDF and high impact polystyrene casing that holds an 8″ glass aramid composite woofer and 1″ textile soft dome tweeter, active studio monitor offering a balanced mix of lightweight components, durability and high-quality output for more accurate mixes.
It also comes with foam isolation pads on the bottom, helping to isolate the monitor whilst protecting any surface you choose to place it on.
Last and by no means least just about any mixer, it also comes with a front-facing bass port, which will simplify things when it comes to placement and fine-tuning the directional aspect to your optimal sound quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Adjustability and in-built protection
- No external amps required
- Interfaces with most mixers and audio interfaces
Cons
- Not much different than the Classic 7
- Not necessary for non-bass-heavy music genres
- Not as good as the ROKIT range
KRK Classic 8 Monitors: Final Verdict
The Classic 8’s are a little on the low-end scale for flat frequency solution, so if you don’t need that, then there may be better options out there; although, it’s always nice to have that trick up your sleeve if you should ever need it to fine-tune your overall.
All in all, affordable, capable, and reliable. A supreme active studio monitor!
