Short answer: the ADAM Audio A4V, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #67 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the ADAM Audio A4V is still sold new at $1,079.98.
Why pick the ADAM Audio A4V: Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration. Watch for: A small average-deviation figure hides a major localized response irregularity: the selected measurement spans 10.8dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.547.
What the Kanto YU does well: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the ADAM Audio A4V new; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Compact monitor with onboard DSP, placement controls and room-correction integration.
Amazon $539.99 B&H Photo Video $539.99 eBay
RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use.
Kanto $349.99 eBayPrices on this page were last checked October 17, 2026 at 6:04 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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Specifications Side By Side
| ADAM Audio A4V | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,079.98 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #67 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, dual front ports | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Drivers | X-ART folded-ribbon tweeter, 4” MLM woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 10.6H x 6.2W x 8.7D in | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Weight | 12.8 lbs (5.8 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Amplifier Power | 130W RMS each | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Inputs | XLR and RCA; Ethernet for control | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.92 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.33 | 6.38 |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 58Hz - 41kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared.
Measurement data: ADAM Audio A4V (measured by Audio Science Review) and Kanto YU (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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