Short answer: the Neumann KH120 MKII. It ranks #2 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.7/5) at $1,898 and is still sold new; the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks #30 (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.
Why pick the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM: 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 catch: The MTM arrangement makes listening height and orientation important, while bass below the low-50Hz region still needs support.
The Neumann KH120 MKII is the better-sounding option. ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. The tradeoff: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled.
Buy the Neumann KH120 MKII. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | Neumann KH120 MKII | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,600 per pair Discontinued | $1,898.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #30 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #2 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 10.4”H x 5.1”W x 6.3”D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| App | No | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (via DSP) |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| XLR Input | Yes | Yes |
| RCA Input | No | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| DSP | - | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | - | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 8.44 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Neumann KH120 MKII compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8030C vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
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)
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio IN-5
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- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Kali Audio SM-5
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs HEDD Type 05 A-CORE
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Adam Audio T5V
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Neumann KH120 MKII: $1,898.00 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Older model: the Neumann KH 120 A (ranked lower, rated 4.4/5).
Same family: the Neumann KH80 DSP (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH 150 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5), the Neumann KH 310 A (larger bookshelf, rated 4.6/5), the Neumann KH420 (larger bookshelf, rated 4.8/5) and the Neumann KH 750 DSP (subwoofer, rated 3.5/5).
Pros: ASR’s Klippel data shows exceptional neutrality: only a 1.5dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz and low listening-window narrow-band deviation of 0.208. Scores of 6.49 standalone and 8.44 with an ideal subwoofer place it among the strongest measured options here. Bass reaches -3dB around 45Hz. The review reports very low distortion at 86dB/1m and clean performance outside deep bass at 96dB. Measured bass extension of 46Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Vertical crossover interference makes listening height important even though horizontal dispersion is well controlled. A small directivity irregularity remains around 2kHz. Distortion increases below about 50Hz at high output; a subwoofer can extend the system and reduce low-frequency demands. High price, and a flat anechoic response still needs suitable placement in the room.
Full Neumann KH120 MKII review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 245W (145W woofer + 100W tweeter) |
| App | Yes (MA 1 alignment) |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 36Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 46Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Yes |
| Dimensions | 11.3”H x 7.2”W x 8.9”D (287 x 182.9 x 226.1 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.25” woofer, 1” titanium fabric dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (via DSP) |
| Frequency Response | 44Hz - 21kHz (±3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 116.8dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | No |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.49 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.44 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) each |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8030C
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8331A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Dynaudio LYD 5
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8320A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Devialet Phantom II 98 dB
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Topping MA4
- See all 51 comparisons