Short answer: the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE. It ranks #25 of 105 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.2/5) at $1,398 and is still sold new; the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks #31 (rated 4.1/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM’s replacement, the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, is rated 4.2/5.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM does well: 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. Watch for: The MTM arrangement makes listening height and orientation important, while bass below the low-50Hz region still needs support.
The HEDD Type 05 A-CORE is the deeper-bass pick. ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Its bass reaches about 43.9Hz before falling 3dB, against 50Hz for the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM. The tradeoff: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here.
Buy the HEDD Type 05 A-CORE. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM is discontinued.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | HEDD Type 05 A-CORE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,600 per pair Discontinued | $1,398 per pair |
| Ranked | #31 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #25 of 105 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Dimensions | 10.4”H x 5.1”W x 6.3”D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 43Hz - 50kHz |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer |
| App | No | None (analog-only, no DSP) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| 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 |
| Maximum SPL | - | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.23 |
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- Klipsch The Fives vs HEDD Type 05 A-CORE
- JBL 305P MKII vs HEDD Type 05 A-CORE
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs HEDD Type 05 A-CORE
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: $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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Pioneer DJ VM-50
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio IN-5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Airpulse A100
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KEF LSX II LT
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio SM-5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Adam Audio T5V
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- See all 47 comparisons
HEDD Type 05 A-CORE: $1,398 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the HEDD Type 07 A-Core (larger bookshelf, estimated 4.2/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows useful bass reach for this size, with -3dB around 44Hz. Preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.23 with an ideal subwoofer support it as a balanced all-round option. The AMT tweeter and analog signal path appeal to users who want a studio monitor without digital conversion or firmware dependence. Measured bass extension of 43.9Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The 2.7dB midrange span and listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.404 trail the most linear monitors here. The response rises modestly toward the treble. The analog-only design does not provide built-in room correction or digital inputs, and published amplification power should not be read as a measured clean-output rating.
Full HEDD Type 05 A-CORE review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 200W total, bi-amped (2x100W ICEpower Class D) |
| App | None (analog-only, no DSP) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 37.1Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 43.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 12.1” x 7.1” x 9.6” (308 x 180 x 245 mm) each |
| Drivers | AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter, 5” Honeycomb-compound woofer |
| EQ | Yes, analog High/Low shelving, ±6dB continuous |
| Frequency Response | 43Hz - 50kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA unbalanced, XLR/TRS combo balanced |
| Maximum SPL | 112dB per pair at 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.35 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.23 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 13.7 lbs (6.2 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Kali Audio IN-5
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs JBL 305P MKII
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Klipsch The Fives
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs KEF LSX II LT
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Adam Audio T5V
- HEDD Type 05 A-CORE vs Kanto YU6
- See all 20 comparisons