Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It ranks #6 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 4.3/5, at $299.99; the Yamaha HS5 ranks #66, rated 3.6/5, and costs $397, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor is the deeper-bass pick. Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair. Its bass reaches about 55Hz before falling 3dB, against 88Hz for the Yamaha HS5. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Yamaha HS5 lacks. Watch for: The existing review evidence indicates some bass emphasis and upper-treble rolloff rather than strict neutrality.
Why pick the Yamaha HS5: ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly. Watch for: The measurements do not support describing it as very neutral: excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight produce a bass-light balance.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor. It is rated higher for sound quality than the Yamaha HS5 and costs less, so only choose the other one for a particular feature it does better.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Unusually substantial bass for such a small desktop pair.
Amazon $299.99 eBay
ASR found reasonably smooth early-reflection directivity, which makes broad EQ correction more promising than on speakers whose off-axis response changes abruptly.
Amazon $397.00 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 19, 2026 at 10:32 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor | Yamaha HS5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299.99 per pair | $397.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #6 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #66 of 108 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) | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | XLR |
| Weight | 2 lbs (0.9 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each |
| Drivers | 3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 5” (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 45Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | Yes (A2DP) | No |
| EQ | Yes (Bass/Treble switches, Desktop/Free field) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total (combined) | 45w Per Speaker |
| Maximum SPL | 96dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| 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 | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.70 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.32 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More top alternatives to IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor: