Short answer: the Cambridge Audio L/R S for better sound quality, the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor for the lower price. The Cambridge Audio L/R S ranks #4 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.4/5, at $549. The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor ranks #6, rated 4.3/5, at $299.99, $249.01 cheaper.
Why pick the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: A tiny desktop pair with surprisingly big bass and Bluetooth, made for close listening at a desk. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Cambridge Audio L/R S lacks. Watch for: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality.
The case for the Cambridge Audio L/R S: Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening. The catch: Maximum clean output is limited: Erin’s Audio Corner measured about 86dB before the onboard limiter engages around 96dB to protect the drivers, so this is a near-field or small-room speaker rather than one built to fill a living room.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Cambridge Audio L/R S if sound quality matters more than the price.
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A tiny desktop pair with surprisingly big bass and Bluetooth, made for close listening at a desk.
Compact desk speakers with very accurate sound, Bluetooth and optical and USB inputs, best for close listening.
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Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | Cambridge Audio L/R S | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $549.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #4 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 7.1”H x 3.5”W x 5.3”D (180.3 x 88.9 x 134.6 mm) | 5.3” (134 mm) W x 226mm H x 180mm D (each) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA, optical digital, USB-C |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 6.6 lbs (3.0kg) primary speaker, 5.7 lbs (2.6kg) secondary speaker |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 21mm aluminum dome tweeter, 3” long-throw woofer |
| App | No | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 57Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz - 24kHz (±3dB, manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) | 100W total (50W to woofer, 50W to tweeter, per speaker) |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| DSP | - | Yes, room size, wall distance, and reflective surface correction; desktop-placement and near-wall/free-space switches |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer, wired speaker-to-speaker link |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.08 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.72 |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.1 |
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