Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII for nearfield accuracy, the Edifier R1280T for measured toughness. ASR’s Klippel-based measurements found the R1280T’s woofer handled a demanding bass-heavy track without bottoming out, with distortion low at 86dB SPL, but its on-axis response is jagged with 5kHz and 10kHz peaks. The MTM MKII adds 100W per speaker and an ARC room-correction mic, though its treble runs about 3dB hot.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII gets right: 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. The catch: 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.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Edifier R1280T if the price matters more than sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | Edifier R1280T | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 per pair | $149.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #17 of 68 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #62 of 68 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) | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Inputs | XLR | 2x RCA Input |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers, 1” silk dome tweeter | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 42w RMS Total |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| Maximum SPL | 112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 | 5.02 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 | No | No |
| Outputs | - | None |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 2, 2026 at 10:18 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 MTM MKII: $799.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM (ranked lower, rated 4.1/5).
Pros: Erin’s MKII measurements give a 2.2dB midrange span, a -3dB point around 53Hz, and preference scores of 5.22 standalone and 7.44 with an ideal subwoofer. The compact layout and included calibration microphone suit a close desktop setup. Existing tests show useful room-peak correction and good harmonic-distortion behavior at moderate levels. Measured bass extension of 52.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Some excess treble remains in the native tuning. The two-woofer MTM arrangement narrows the vertical listening window, so ear height and orientation matter. Multitone distortion rises strongly when pushed toward 96dB/1m; the review favors moderate listening levels, and a subwoofer does not eliminate all midrange output limits. These are MKII results, not measurements of the original MTM. Treble runs about 3dB hot on-axis; the rear -3dB treble switch overcorrects, and about -1.5dB of external EQ works better.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | 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) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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Edifier R1280T: $149.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s review found useful moderate-level bass output from an inexpensive powered pair. Remote volume and bass/treble controls make it easy to use without separate amplification. Measured bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz. Measured bass extension of 63Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Preference scores of 2.41 standalone and 5.02 with an ideal subwoofer reflect substantial tonal limitations, not just missing bass. The response spans 5.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.650. Resonances and treble unevenness affect reflected sound too. Listening height is important, and high-level compression changes the balance.
Full Edifier R1280T review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 42w RMS Total |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (derived, log-interpolated between spinorama.org -9dB/-12dB points) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 7.7”W x 5.7”D (234 x 196 x 146 mm) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | 2x RCA Input |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | None |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.41 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.02 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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