Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM. It ranks #17 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $800; the JBL 705P ranks #18 and costs $1998, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM gets right: Compact MTM layout (two 3.5” midwoofers flanking a 1” tweeter) powered monitor with 100W per speaker and XLR input, well-suited to desktop/nearfield use with great linearity for mixing or mastering. The catch: Native treble tuning runs hot (about 3dB boosted on-axis); the reviewer found the back-panel -3dB switch too aggressive and preferred roughly -1.5dB via external EQ instead.
On the JBL 705P side: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Set against that: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM. It ranks higher for sound quality than the JBL 705P and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | JBL 705P | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 Discontinued | $1998 |
| Ranked | #17 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #18 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.4"H x 5.1"W x 6.3"D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | - |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| DSP | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More useful head-to-heads from the same speaker class:
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Presonus Eris E5
- Genelec 8020D vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- Kali Audio SM-5 vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs JBL 705P
- JBL 705P vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
The Two Speakers In Full
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM: $800 Discontinued Amazon
Pros: Compact MTM layout (two 3.5” midwoofers flanking a 1” tweeter) powered monitor with 100W per speaker and XLR input, well-suited to desktop/nearfield use with great linearity for mixing or mastering. Includes a genuinely effective auto-room-correction microphone that resolved specific room resonance peaks (150Hz and 220Hz in testing), making the midrange sound noticeably more lifelike. Extensive back-panel switches handle desktop vs. free-field placement plus treble/bass adjustment. Harmonic distortion looks good at a moderate 86dB output, appropriate for a speaker this size. Reasonable value at around $799/pair including the calibration mic.
Cons: Native treble tuning runs hot (about 3dB boosted on-axis); the reviewer found the back-panel -3dB switch too aggressive and preferred roughly -1.5dB via external EQ instead. Vertical MTM lobing means listeners need to stay within about 20-25° of the tweeter axis, or the upper-midrange to treble transition suffers significant suckout. Should never be laid on its side (introduces comb filtering); if it must be, the tweeter needs to be pointed directly at the listener. Bass falls off sharply below its F3 of 51Hz (F10 45Hz) - like a cliff - so a subwoofer is required for anything below about 50Hz. Multitone distortion rises sharply at 96dB/1m; the reviewer recommends not exceeding about 86dB for extended listening at any distance. SPL-limited overall: significant bass loss by 96dB, and dynamic range essentially collapses approaching 102dB; maximum broadband output for the pair tops out around 94dB at 1 meter. Horizontal directivity narrows with frequency rather than staying constant, unlike some rival designs. Discontinued.
Full IK Multimedia iLoud MTM review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 10.4"H x 5.1"W x 6.3"D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) |
| Discontinued | Yes |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements
- DSAUDIO.review: IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8020D Sound & Frequency Response Comparison
- 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
- Reddit Search for IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Review
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KEF LSX II LT
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio IN-5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KRK Classic 5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Yamaha HS5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Edifier MR4
- See all 19 comparisons
JBL 705P: $1998 Bhphotovideo
Pros: CEA2034 spinorama shows flat response with excellent directivity, similar to its larger 708P sibling. Bi-amplified 500W design (250W woofer, 250W compression driver) into a 5” woofer and JBL’s 2409H compression tweeter.
Cons: A cancellation around 750Hz (likely port-related) and a bit of boosted response at the 1.75kHz crossover show up in the on-axis curve. Sits right around the ear’s most sensitive hearing range near 100Hz, so that region is partially audible even at modest levels.
Full JBL 705P review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.6"H x 5.9"W x 10.8"D (268 x 151 x 274 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" woofer, 2409H 1" compression driver |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 39Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Output Power | 500W total (250W woofer, 250W tweeter) |
| Weight | 12.6 lbs / 5.7 kg each |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons