Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #37 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $399 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Audioengine A5+ Classic is the more accurate option. A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.59 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. The catch: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
The case for the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU is discontinued.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A simple powered bookshelf pair with fairly balanced sound and no separate amplifier needed.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 10.9”H x 7.2”W x 9.7”D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | Subwoofer |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| XLR Input | No | 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 | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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