Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII for better sound quality, the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII ranks #17 of 36 powered bookshelf speakers at $799.99. The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus ranks #30 at $699.99, $100 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 Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus offers: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. Watch for: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus if the price matters more than sound quality.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks near the bottom of the 36 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $799.99 | $699.99 |
| Ranked | #17 of 36 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #30 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) | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Frequency Response | 48 Hz - 28 kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | XLR | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers, 1" silk dome tweeter | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| App | Yes (X-MONITOR speaker emulation) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg (5.5 lbs) each | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
| Max SPL | 112.5dB peak | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Yamaha HS8
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- Audioengine HD6 vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
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
Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus: $699.99 Amazon
Pros: Smooth, relatively flat on-axis response instead of the pronounced mid-bass-and-treble “V curve” common in this size class, which tends to cause listener fatigue over long sessions. A waveguide plus phase plug on the tweeter helps spread off-axis energy more evenly, giving good vertical consistency. Included remote controls volume, source, and separate treble/mid-bass trim, letting you tune the tonal balance without a computer or app. Subwoofer output with automatic 80/125 Hz crossover engagement when a sub is connected. Extensive wired inputs: USB, optical, coax, and analog, plus Bluetooth. 240W total power is enough headroom for near-field desktop use or a small-to-medium living room.
Cons: A slight sibilance/edge in the 4-6 kHz lower-treble region stood out to the reviewer as mildly fatiguing, though a single band of parametric EQ (about -2dB) fixed it; toeing the speakers off-axis reduces but doesn’t eliminate it. A minor scoop in the 1-2 kHz mid-range is audible in A/B comparison but not problematic on its own. No HDMI input, a drawback if you want to use these as TV speakers via ARC. Like most stand-mount speakers this size, real output below about 40 Hz needs a subwoofer - the reviewer recommends pairing one regardless of use case just to take headroom pressure off the mains.
Full Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus review and specifications →
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 34Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 42Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.5"W x 8"D (254 x 165 x 203mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25" aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25" passive radiator (rear), 1" aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Frequency Response | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Inputs | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Weight | 10.8 lbs (passive unit), 12.2 lbs (active unit) |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Klipsch The Fives
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Kali Audio IN-UNF
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier R2000DB
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Audioengine HD6
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Dayton Audio M4
- Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus vs Edifier S1000MKII