Short answer: the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks #27 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $399; the Kanto YU6 ranks #29 and costs $579.99, so there is not much of a tradeoff to weigh.
What the Audioengine A5+ Classic offers: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 3.68 standalone and 6.15 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
What the Kanto YU6 offers: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted. 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. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Buy the Audioengine A5+ Classic. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Kanto YU6 and costs less, so there is no real case for the other one.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Audioengine A5+ Classic | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.00 per pair | $579.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #27 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 65 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) | - |
| 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 | 3.68 | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) | Subwoofer |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
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Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Audioengine A5+ Classic: $399.00 per pair Amazon B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s A5+ Powered measurements give 3.68 standalone and 6.15 with an ideal subwoofer, with a 2.7dB midrange span. The analog powered pair is straightforward to use without an external amplifier. The measured result supports a more capable tonal balance than its former low position suggested. Measured bass extension of 68Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The measured -3dB point is around 69Hz, and the upper-bass recession can reduce body in voices and instruments. The existing review reports crossover-region directivity errors and a distortion feature around 800-900Hz. The score does not make it a reference monitor, and adding a subwoofer cannot correct those midrange and off-axis issues.
Full Audioengine A5+ Classic review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS / 75W peak |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| DSP | No |
| Dimensions | 10.9"H x 7.2"W x 9.7"D (276.2 x 182.6 x 247.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5" Kevlar woofer, 0.75" silk dome tweeter |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz - 22kHz (+/-1.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Outputs | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.68 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.15 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 15.4 lbs (7 kg) (left/powered), 9.7 lbs (4.4 kg) (right) |
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Kanto YU6: $579.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted.
Cons: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Full Kanto YU6 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons