Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks #5 of 34 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $299.99. The M-Audio BX3 ranks #28, rated 2.9/5, at $99.99, $200 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor is the better-sounding option. Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. The tradeoff: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality.
What the M-Audio BX3 does well: Balanced TRS, RCA and auxiliary inputs, headphone output and high/low tone controls offer useful flexibility for an inexpensive desktop pair. Watch for: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $200 with the M-Audio BX3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | M-Audio BX3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $99.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #5 of 34 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 34 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) | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | - |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 80Hz-22kHz |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) | 50W RMS per pair |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Outputs | - | Headphone |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.18 |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor compares with other leading options:
- 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 October 4, 2026 at 9:58 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
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 →
- 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 Cambridge Audio L/R S
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Adam Audio D3v
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier M60
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Genelec 8010A
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs HiVi Swan X3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Edifier MR3
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine A2+
- IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor vs Audioengine HD3
- See all 15 comparisons
M-Audio BX3: $99.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Balanced TRS, RCA and auxiliary inputs, headphone output and high/low tone controls offer useful flexibility for an inexpensive desktop pair. The controls give some scope to adjust broad tonal balance for placement.
Cons: ASR’s data gives only 2.04 standalone and 5.18 with an ideal subwoofer. Listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.580 indicates persistent tonal irregularities, while bass reaches -3dB at about 88Hz. The limited bass and uneven response make it a weak choice for accurate monitoring even with a subwoofer. Broad tone controls cannot precisely fix crossover or dispersion problems.
Full M-Audio BX3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.2H x 5.5W x 5.7D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 3.5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz-22kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Inputs | TRS, RCA, 3.5mm aux |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Headphone |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.04 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.18 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 7.4 lbs (3.35 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons