Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII if sound quality matters most, the Dayton Audio M4 if price matters most. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII ranks #23 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, rated 4.2/5, at $699.99. The Dayton Audio M4 ranks #54, rated 3.8/5, at $249.98, $450.01 cheaper.
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII is the better-sounding, deeper-bass pick. A small, accurate desktop monitor with an included calibration microphone that corrects room peaks. Its bass reaches about 52.7Hz before falling 3dB, against 121Hz for the Dayton Audio M4. Watch for: Some excess treble remains in the native tuning.
What the Dayton Audio M4 does well: A compact, affordable powered desk pair with Bluetooth, USB-C, a subwoofer output and a soft, unfatiguing treble. It keeps a wired aux input, which the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII lacks. The tradeoff: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Dayton Audio M4 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII reaches 46.3 Hz (10 dB down) against 60 Hz for the Dayton Audio M4, about half an octave deeper. You hear more of the lowest bass notes and kick drums.
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Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 10.4”H x 5.1”W x 6.3”D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers, 1” silk dome tweeter | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Maximum SPL | 112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Where the Ratings Come From
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner and Jasper Tech.
- Dayton Audio M4: reviews by Erin’s Audio Corner.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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