Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, if you are buying new. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks higher than the Dayton Audio M4 (#30 vs #52 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, is rated 4.2/5 at $699.99 and is still sold new.
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM is the deeper-bass option. ASR’s measurements of the original MTM give scores of 4.07 standalone and 6.26 with an ideal subwoofer, a 2.4dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 53Hz. Its bass reaches about 50Hz before falling 3dB, against 121Hz for the Dayton Audio M4. Watch for: The MTM arrangement makes listening height and orientation important, while bass below the low-50Hz region still needs support.
The case for the Dayton Audio M4: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. It keeps a wired aux input, which the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM lacks. The catch: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, the replacement for the discontinued IK Multimedia iLoud MTM; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Dayton Audio M4.
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Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,600 per pair Discontinued | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #30 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #52 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| 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 | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 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: $1,600 per pair Discontinued Amazon eBay
Newer model: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, ranked higher, rated 4.2/5.
Pros: ASR’s measurements of the original MTM give scores of 4.07 standalone and 6.26 with an ideal subwoofer, a 2.4dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 53Hz. The small cabinet, balanced input and calibration capability make it useful for close listening where larger monitors would be impractical. Measured bass extension of 50Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The MTM arrangement makes listening height and orientation important, while bass below the low-50Hz region still needs support. The native response is not as smooth as the best compact reference monitors. Exact compression ceilings and correction examples from the MKII review should not be assigned to this original version; its score describes tonal response, not maximum clean volume. Treble runs about 3dB hot on-axis; the reviewer found the rear -3dB switch too aggressive and preferred about -1.5dB of external EQ. Discontinued.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| 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 |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison More from DSAUDIOreview →
- DSAUDIOreview: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs iLoud Micro Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KRK Rokit 5 G4 Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Edifier S3000 Pro Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Adam Audio A3X vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- DSAUDIO.review: Yamaha HS8 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- Audio Science Review Measurements (spinorama.org)
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Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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) |
| Drivers | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons