Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII. It ranks #22 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $699.99 and is still sold new; the M-Audio BX5 D3 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII is the more accurate pick. 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 4.09 for the M-Audio BX5 D3. The tradeoff: Some excess treble remains in the native tuning.
Why pick the M-Audio BX5 D3: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. The tradeoff: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the M-Audio BX5 D3 is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $699.99 per pair | $299 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #22 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 100 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) | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 52.7Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR and TRS |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers, 1” silk dome tweeter | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 100W each |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) each | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Maximum SPL | 112.5dB peak (manufacturer specified) | 110dB |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.22 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.44 | 6.69 |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
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).
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 →
| 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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M-Audio BX5 D3: $299 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Same family: the M-Audio BX4 D3 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.4/5) and the M-Audio BX8 D3 (larger bookshelf, rated 4/5).
Pros: The third-party measurements suggest scores of 4.09 standalone and 6.69 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.4dB midrange span. Balanced inputs and acoustic-space adjustment are useful for a basic studio setup. The measured -3dB estimate is about 64Hz.
Cons: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange. There is no digital input or automatic calibration, and the preference estimate does not verify distortion or output headroom. Discontinued.
Full M-Audio BX5 D3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100W each |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Drivers | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz-35kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR and TRS |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.69 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kanto YU6
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Kali LP-UNF
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Adam Audio T5V
- M-Audio BX5 D3 vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
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