Short answer: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM measures better, but the Yamaha HS5 is the one you can still easily buy new. The iLoud MTM ranks #66 of 108 medium powered bookshelf speakers against #31 for the HS5, and it costs $1,200.02 more where still available. The IK Multimedia iLoud MTM is discontinued; its replacement is the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII. If you are buying new, get the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII.
The measurements don’t support the HS5’s reputation for neutrality. Audio Science Review found excess midrange and reduced lower-midrange/upper-bass weight, producing a bass-light balance despite the “very neutral” reputation the HS5 carries, with a 4.3dB span from 300Hz to 5kHz. The iLoud MTM measured tighter, at a 2.4dB span in the same range, and reaches a -3dB bass point around 50Hz against 88Hz for the HS5, a meaningful difference in low-end weight from a physically smaller cabinet.
Each has its own real flaw. The iLoud MTM’s native treble runs hot, about 3dB boosted on-axis, and ASR’s reviewer found the back-panel -3dB switch overcorrects, preferring roughly -1.5dB dialed in through external EQ instead. The HS5’s flaw is more fundamental: a subwoofer adds low bass but doesn’t fix its elevated midrange, since that’s a tonal balance issue rather than a simple extension gap.
Both are XLR-only monitors with no app, Bluetooth, or streaming, built for a desk or a small studio rather than a living room, and both include basic room-response switches on the back panel.
Buy the Yamaha HS5 if you want a currently-produced monitor with wide third-party support and don’t mind correcting its midrange bump with EQ.
Buy the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM if you can find one and want a smaller footprint with a flatter midrange and deeper bass, and are willing to tame its treble boost with EQ.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Measured Differences
- Bass depth: the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM reaches 40 Hz (10 dB down) against 68 Hz for the Yamaha HS5, about an octave deeper. Low bass that the other only hints at comes through with real weight.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Yamaha HS5 | IK Multimedia iLoud MTM | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.98 per pair | $1,600 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #66 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #31 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 88Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | 40Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Dimensions | 11.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.7”D (284.5 x 170.2 x 221 mm) | 10.4”H x 5.1”W x 6.3”D (264.2 x 129.5 x 160 mm) |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 24kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50 Hz - 24 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR | XLR |
| Weight | 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) each | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 2x 3.5” (89mm) woofers |
| App | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | Yes (Room adjustment) |
| Amplifier Power | 45w Per Speaker | 100w Per Speaker |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.70 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.32 | - |
| 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 |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Yamaha HS5: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review and DSAUDIO.review.
- IK Multimedia iLoud MTM: Spinorama.org measurements and reviews by Audio Science Review, DSAUDIO.review and DSAUDIOreview.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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