Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor ranks #5 of 23 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $299.99; the Fiio SP3 ranks #19 at $299.99. With prices this close, go by the sound-quality ranking rather than the cost.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor offers: 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. Watch for: 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.
What the Fiio SP3 offers: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Watch for: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 2.71 standalone and 5.32 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Fiio SP3 at the same price, so the other one has nothing left to offer.
Skip the Fiio SP3 if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 23 powered bookshelf speakers.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 23 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 23 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) | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | AUX, RCA |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.32 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor:
- Genelec 8010A vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- Adam Audio D3v vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- Edifier M60 vs IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
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 →
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) |
| 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) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) |
- 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 →
- DSAUDIOreview: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs iLoud Micro Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget – 2026 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Are the D3V The Best Studio Monitors For The Money?
- Jasper Tech: Best Premium Computer Speakers: Kanto ORA4 Review & Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Are the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro the Best Studio Monitor Speakers for your Home Studio?
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M60
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Cambridge Audio L/R S
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Adam Audio D3v
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier MR3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine A2+
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Klipsch ProMedia Lumina
- See all 14 comparisons
Fiio SP3: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 2.71 standalone and 5.32 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.
Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Inputs | AUX, RCA |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.71 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.32 |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons