Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, if you are buying new. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM ranks higher than the Pioneer DJ VM-50 (#30 vs #33 of 100 powered bookshelf speakers) but is discontinued; its replacement, the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, is rated 4.2/5 at $699.99 and is still sold new.
The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM is the deeper-bass choice. 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. Its bass reaches about 50Hz before falling 3dB, against 61Hz for the Pioneer DJ VM-50. The tradeoff: The MTM arrangement makes listening height and orientation important, while bass below the low-50Hz region still needs support.
Why pick the Pioneer DJ VM-50: Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. Watch for: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, the replacement for the discontinued IK Multimedia iLoud MTM; it is rated higher for sound quality than the Pioneer DJ VM-50.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | Pioneer DJ VM-50 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,600 per pair Discontinued | $418 per pair |
| Ranked | #30 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 47.3Hz (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) | 7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Frequency Response | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers | 1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100w Per Speaker | 30W LF + 30W HF; 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 |
| DSP | - | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 7.00 |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for IK Multimedia iLoud MTM:
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8331A
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Genelec 8030C
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Dynaudio LYD 5
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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
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 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 HEDD Type 05 A-CORE
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs Adam Audio T5V
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM vs IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII
- See all 47 comparisons
Pioneer DJ VM-50: $418 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Same family: the Pioneer DJ VM-70 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Pioneer DJ VM-80 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements give scores of 4.64 standalone and 7.00 with an ideal subwoofer, with a -3dB point around 60Hz. The existing review reports low distortion and little sustained compression, supporting practical clean playback beyond what the tonal score alone captures. Separate bass and treble voicings and balanced inputs make adjustment straightforward. Measured bass extension of 61Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The default response spans 3.5dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and the upper-midrange/treble balance varies with angle. EQ-switch selection and aiming therefore matter. Bass below about 50Hz is reduced, so it is not a full-range substitute for a monitor-and-subwoofer system. Its output evidence supports nearfield use, not unrestricted home-theater levels.
Full Pioneer DJ VM-50 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 30W LF + 30W HF; Class D |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47.3Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 61Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DSP | Four LF and four HF EQ settings |
| Dimensions | 7.8” x 11.8” x 10.1” (198 x 300 x 256 mm) (W x H x D) |
| Drivers | 1” tweeter in horn; 5.25” aramid-fiber woofer |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 36kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | XLR/TRS combo and RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.64 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.00 |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) |
| XLR Input | Yes |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Airpulse A100
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs KEF LSX II LT
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Audioengine A5+ Classic
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Adam Audio T5V
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Kali Audio IN-5
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Kanto YU6
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs Kali Audio SM-5
- Pioneer DJ VM-50 vs M-Audio BX5 D3
- See all 53 comparisons