Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII. It ranks #23 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $699.99 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU6 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5.
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII is the more accurate option. 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. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.22 against 4.28 for the Kanto YU6. The catch: Some excess treble remains in the native tuning.
The case for the Kanto YU6: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 4.28 standalone and 6.89 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. The catch: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU6 is discontinued.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 105 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers, 1” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Maximum SPL | 112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 | 6.89 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII compares with other leading options:
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Genelec 8331A
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Reflector Audio Square Two
Prices on this page were last checked October 9, 2026 at 8:01 AM 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: $699.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Older model: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM (ranked lower, rated 4.1/5). See every IK Multimedia iLoud generation.
Same family: the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro (smaller bookshelf, estimated 4.3/5).
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 →
| Released | May 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| 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
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Kali Audio IN-5
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Kanto YU6: $380.00 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the Kanto YU6 G2, estimated 3.9/5, released 2026. See every Kanto YU and Tuk generation.
Same family: the Kanto YU2 (smaller bookshelf, estimated 3.4/5) and the Kanto YU4 (smaller bookshelf, rated 3.3/5).
Pros: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 4.28 standalone and 6.89 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted.
Cons: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities. Discontinued.
Full Kanto YU6 review and specifications →
| Released | Feb 2017 (9 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons