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 YU6 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic does well: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The tradeoff: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments.
What the Kanto YU6 does well: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 4.28 standalone and 6.89 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Watch for: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU6 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 4.59 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span.
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ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 4.28 standalone and 6.89 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #37 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5” Kevlar woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| EQ | No | - |
| DSP | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.59 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.06 | 6.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | Subwoofer |
| Inputs | RCA, Aux | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| 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 active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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: Audioengine A5+ Classic (measured by Audio Science Review) and Kanto YU6 (measured by Audio Science Review), via spinorama.org.
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