Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM for better sound quality, the KEF LSX II LT for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks #17 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $800. The KEF LSX II LT ranks #20 at $600, $200 cheaper.
The case for the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM: 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 tradeoff: 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.
What the KEF LSX II LT gets right: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The catch: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KEF LSX II LT if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | KEF LSX II LT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 Discontinued | $600.00 |
| Ranked | #17 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 55Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (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) | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | No |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
| Outputs | - | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | - | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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- Neumann KH80 DSP vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Edifier S2000MKIII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs Klipsch The Fives
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII vs KEF LSX II LT
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Edifier S1000W
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 JBL 705P
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- 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
KEF LSX II LT: $600.00 Amazon
Pros: Coaxial (Uni-Q-style) driver keeps the tweeter centered in the midrange, giving wide and consistent dispersion both horizontally and vertically (about ±60° each) - a wide sweet spot for multiple seats or positions. The KEF Connect app provides genuinely useful DSP control: desk/wall boundary compensation, adjustable bass contour (standard/less/extra), treble trim, and subwoofer integration, letting you tune the sound to wherever it’s placed. Distortion at a moderate 86dB looks good for the speaker’s compact size. Tonal profile stays consistent from 0° to 30° off-axis, so side-seat listeners hear essentially the same balance as someone centered. Extensive connectivity for its size: HDMI, USB, optical, sub output, plus Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Clearly outperformed the reviewer’s soundbars, including ones bundled with their own subwoofers, as a TV audio replacement.
Cons: Small drivers mean it’s SPL-limited: bass compression kicks in around 88-92dB/1m per speaker, and multitone distortion crosses the reviewer’s 3% threshold around 96dB - not intended for loud or large-room duty. F3 of 55Hz and F10 of 46Hz mean it loses much of its bass by around 50Hz; a subwoofer (controllable through the same app) is needed for real low end. Diffraction dips appear around 4-5kHz and again near 8kHz, likely tied to the tweeter housing or surround, giving a mild reduction in treble attack and sibilance. A possible port or enclosure resonance shows up around 800Hz in the rear-radiation measurements, though the reviewer wasn’t certain of the exact cause or whether it’s audible. No analog input on this LT variant, so a turntable can’t be connected directly - only the pricier standard LSX II model includes one.
Full KEF LSX II LT review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 46Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 6.1"W x 7.1"D (241.3 x 154.9 x 180.3 mm) |
| Drivers | 115mm (4.5in.) magnesium/aluminium alloy cone woofer, 19mm (0.75in.) aluminium dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Wifi, USB-C, HDMI, Optical, Bluetooth |
| Output Power | 100w RMS Per Speaker |
| Outputs | RCA Subwoofer |
| Sensitivity | 84dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Weight | 15 lbs / 6.8 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- KEF LSX II LT vs Presonus Eris E5
- KEF LSX II LT vs KRK Classic 5
- KEF LSX II LT vs JBL 705P
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier MR4
- KEF LSX II LT vs Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus
- KEF LSX II LT vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- KEF LSX II LT vs Edifier R1280DB
- KEF LSX II LT vs KRK Rokit 5 G4
- See all 25 comparisons


