Customer Reviews

V4 Series 2 Powered Monitor (Single)

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I'm using the KRK V4 IIs as computer speakers for general music listening in my study. Like most computer speakers, they are small, self-powered, and are optimized for near-field listening, but they provide the kind of detailed sound you'd expect from full-size audiophile speakers. After all, these are designed for the pros who create the recordings audiophiles listen to. And you will need an audiophile or pro audio source, or at least a converter cable. The connectors are balanced Neutrik rather than the unbalanced RCA or mini-plug common on computer or consumer gear. These monitors are the perfect companion to a USB sound card like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, which features 1/4" TRS connectors.

The seamless grey finish, smoothly rounded edges, and 11 lb weight makes the V4s look and feel like small blocks of stone. They can be placed just about anywhere due to their small size. However, to get their full potential the V4s should be separated a few inches from from flat surfaces. Burying them in a bookshelf with book spines on either side or setting them directly on a desktop will reflect and smear the sound.

As with all small speakers, their range is limited on the low end, but the V4s do stay totally flat down to the 80Hz boundary where a subwoofer can easily pick up the slack. At frequencies above 80Hz the location of a speaker becomes apparent. If a subwoofer is forced to handle higher frequencies because the main speakers are too small, the music will sound like it's coming from under the desk or in the corner. But you'll have no such problems with the V4.

If you want to hear music the way it was designed to be heard, a pair of V4s and a matching subwoofer will bring the full listening experience to your office or study.

I am have been using a pair of KRK V4 monitors for feature film editing and music production on a Macintosh for several months now -- these are the ideal small studio monitors! They are VERY responsive -- everyone who comes in remarks on the great sound. When I was purchasing them from a local audio supply store I had a chance to do side-by-side comparisons between these and other monitors; the V4s have a level of detail that their competition didn't match at all -- you could really hear a distinct difference in audio quality between the V4s and the other, similarly-priced speakers. So far I haven't had any technical problems with them -- they are self-powered, which makes them good stand-alone speakers to use with a computer setup, no amplifier required. The rounded corners are a nice touch; I think the box is made out of wood, not plastic or metal, and I like to think this adds a touch of warmth to the tone. Great monitor speakers for a small studio or computer video/audio workstation.