Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor for bass, the Edifier MR3 for value. The iLoud Micro Monitor has much deeper bass than any other speaker this size, though that bass is slightly boosted, and it costs $299.99 against $109.99. The MR3 counters with a 3.5” mid-range driver and a 1” waveguided dome tweeter, but its maximum output is limited to about 86dB at 1 meter for one speaker.
On the Edifier MR3 side: 3.5” mid-range driver and 1” waveguided dome tweeter, with all amplification built into the primary cabinet and speaker-level output. Set against that: Limited maximum output - measured around 86dB at 1 meter for a single speaker (about 92dB for a pair).
The case for the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Set against that: Slightly boosted bass.
Buy the Edifier MR3 if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR3 | IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $109.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #8 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #5 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| App | No | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9"H x 3.7"W x 5.9"D (149.9 x 94 x 149.9 mm) | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA | RCA, Aux |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes (A2DP) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC | - |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 | - |
| Amplifier Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) | 50W total (combined) |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.01 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.63 | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
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The Two Speakers In Full
Edifier MR3: $109.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Erin’s measurements show little overall tilt across the listening window, helping voices retain a broadly natural balance at a desk. Scores of 3.01 standalone and 5.63 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a useful budget nearfield option rather than a reference monitor. Tone controls and app-based EQ provide unusually flexible adjustment, and its bass extends farther than the Fostex PM03’s. Measured bass extension of 60Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 83.3dB.
Cons: Local response ripples remain: the measured 300Hz-5kHz span is 4.5dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.538. Bass reaches -3dB at about 70Hz. The limiter protects the drivers but prevents much extra loudness when pushed; existing compression testing puts effective single-speaker output around 86-87dB at 1m. Vertical crossover interference makes tweeter height and tilt important.
Full Edifier MR3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 36W total (18W per speaker) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 52Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 5.9"H x 3.7"W x 5.9"D (149.9 x 94 x 149.9 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble) |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA |
| Maximum SPL | 93dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Sensitivity | 83.3dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.01 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.63 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs (3 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. The linked quasi-anechoic measurement review reports broad, reasonably consistent horizontal radiation and useful tolerance above the tweeter axis, helpful when the speakers sit below ear height. Its compact size and bass balance make it a practical close-listening alternative to small monitors that need a subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 55Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality. Deep bass from tiny drivers does not establish loud-playback headroom; use these for close desktop listening, not as a substitute for larger room speakers.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 7.1"H x 3.5"W x 5.3"D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review Edifier MR4 vs iLoud Micro Monitor sound.DEMO More from DSAUDIOreview →
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- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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