Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII for better sound quality, the Dayton Audio M4 for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII ranks #17 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $799.99. The Dayton Audio M4 ranks #23 at $249.98, $550.01 cheaper.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII offers: Compact MTM layout (two 3.5” midwoofers flanking a 1” tweeter) powered monitor rated at 100W per speaker with XLR input, sold as a pair with an ARC room-correction microphone included. Watch for: Native treble tuning still runs about 3dB hot on-axis; the back-panel -3dB treble switch overcorrects, and roughly -1.5dB via external EQ works better.
What the Dayton Audio M4 offers: Good build quality. Watch for: The amplifier is only in the left speaker, so it’s not separate amps in each unit.
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.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 | $249.98 |
| Ranked | #17 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #23 of 36 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) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| 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 | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) each | 6.2 lbs / 2.81 kg (active), 5.1 lbs / 2.31 kg (passive) |
| Max SPL | 112.5dB peak | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Aux Input | - | Yes (RCA) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes (20Hz - 200Hz) |
| Discontinued | - | No |
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The Two Speakers In Full
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII: $799.99 Amazon
Pros: Compact MTM layout (two 3.5” midwoofers flanking a 1” tweeter) powered monitor rated at 100W per speaker with XLR input, sold as a pair with an ARC room-correction microphone included. Well-suited to nearfield desktop use, with linearity good enough for mixing or mastering. The bundled auto room-correction mic is genuinely effective - in testing it resolved specific room resonance peaks around 150Hz and 220Hz, making the midrange sound noticeably more lifelike. Back-panel switches allow desktop vs. free-field placement plus treble and bass trim. Harmonic distortion is good at a moderate 86dB output, appropriate for a speaker of this size.
Cons: Native treble tuning still runs about 3dB hot on-axis; the back-panel -3dB treble switch overcorrects, and roughly -1.5dB via external EQ works better. Vertical MTM lobing means staying within about 20-25° of the tweeter axis, or the upper-midrange to treble transition suffers significant suckout - the speaker should never be laid on its side unless the tweeter is pointed directly at the listener, or comb filtering results. Bass falls off sharply below its F3 of 51Hz (F10 45Hz), so a subwoofer is needed for anything lower. Multitone distortion rises sharply at 96dB/1m, and the reviewer recommends not exceeding about 86dB for extended listening at any distance - broadband output for the pair tops out around 94dB at 1 meter, with dynamic range essentially collapsing approaching 102dB. Horizontal directivity narrows with frequency rather than staying constant. Adding a subwoofer with an 80Hz crossover doesn’t meaningfully improve the distortion headroom, even though it does extend the low end.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII review and specifications →
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10.4"H x 5.1"W x 6.3"D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Max SPL | 112.5dB peak |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) each |
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- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Kali Audio IN-5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Edifier S1000MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Edifier R2000DB
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Audioengine HD4
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 Parts Express
Pros: Good build quality. Has a subwoofer output for extending the low end. Overall linearity is decent for the price. Avoids sibilance since it’s slightly recessed right in the harsh 4-8kHz region.
Cons: The amplifier is only in the left speaker, so it’s not separate amps in each unit. Bass doesn’t extend very deep, and unlike some rivals it doesn’t use DSP to boost the low end. Sounds noticeably different up close versus at a normal listening distance, with a softer treble near field and a more recessed upper midrange farther away. Limited output headroom - distortion rises sharply above about 93dB, so it’s better suited to near-field or desktop use than as a far-field living-room speaker.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5" x 6.5" x 9.5" (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 4" aluminum woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes (20Hz - 200Hz) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs / 2.81 kg (active), 5.1 lbs / 2.31 kg (passive) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons