Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM for better sound quality, the KRK Classic 5 for the lower price. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks #17 of 42 powered bookshelf speakers at $800. The KRK Classic 5 ranks #22 at $280, $520 cheaper.
On the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM side: 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. Set against that: 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.
The case for the KRK Classic 5: Good soundstage. The tradeoff: More hifi than studio monitors.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM if sound quality matters more than the price. Buy the KRK Classic 5 if the price matters more than sound quality.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | KRK Classic 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $800 Discontinued | $280 |
| Ranked | #17 of 42 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 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) | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs / 2.5 kg | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5" (89mm) woofers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Output Power | 100w Per Speaker | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Discontinued | Yes | - |
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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 |
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- 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
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs KEF LSX II LT
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio IN-5
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Yamaha HS5
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KRK Classic 5: $280 Amazon
Pros: Good soundstage
Cons: More hifi than studio monitors. Elevated, splashy highs above 4kHz stem from port/woofer resonance glitches, plus directivity error at the crossover dips the upper midrange. Distortion exceeds 100% below 50Hz, and the lack of a waveguide narrows the tweeter’s beam sharply, so toe-in and listening position matter a lot. Not recommended out of the box, but the reviewer said EQ correction turns it into a capable, high-power monitor.
Full KRK Classic 5 review and specifications →
| App | No |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 62Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 80Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.7"H x 7.4"W x 11.2"D (246.4 x 188 x 284.5 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" (127mm) woofer |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Frequency Response | 56Hz-30KHz (+-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | RCA, TRS, XLR |
| Output Power | 50w RMS Per Speaker |
| Weight | 12.9 lbs / 5.87 kg |
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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