Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor for the higher ranking, the KRK Classic 5 for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor ranks #2 of 8 powered bookshelf speakers at $299.99. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #18 at $280, $19.99 cheaper.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor gets right: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Set against that: Slightly boosted bass.
On the KRK Classic 5 side: Good soundstage. The catch: More hifi than studio monitors.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor if the ranking matters more than the price. Buy the KRK Classic 5 if the price matters more than the ranking.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 | $280 |
| Ranked | #2 of 8 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 24 in Medium 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) | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
| Drivers | 3" woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m | - |
| Output Power | 50W total (combined) | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
The Two Speakers In Full
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: $299.99 Amazon
Pros: Much deeper bass than any other speaker this size. Wide, consistent horizontal directivity out to about 15kHz gives an unusually good soundstage for such a small speaker, and vertical response stays flat well above the tweeter axis, forgiving desktop placement where the tweeters sit below ear height.
Cons: Slightly boosted bass. Some treble rolloff up high. More hifi sounding than neutral
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz |
| 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 |
| Max SPL | 96dB @ 1m |
| Output Power | 50W total (combined) |
| Weight | 2 lbs / 0.9 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Adam Audio D3v
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine HD3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier MR3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M60
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Presonus Eris E3.5 2nd Gen
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Focal Alpha 50 EVO
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs JBL 305P MKII
- Links
KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon
Pros: Good soundstage
Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
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- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs Yamaha HS5 sound.DEMO
- DSAUDIO.review: DSAUDIO.review KRK Classic 5 CL5G3 vs KRK Rokit 5 RP5G4 sound.DEMO
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Links
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Product prices and availability were last checked August 9, 2026 at 6:57 AM UTC 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.