Short answer: the Airpulse A100. It ranks #35 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $999.99 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.
The case for the Airpulse A100: A compact powered pair with a ribbon tweeter, Bluetooth, digital inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU6 lacks. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz, so lower notes need a subwoofer for full weight.
Why pick the Kanto YU6: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. 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 Airpulse A100. 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.
A compact powered pair with a ribbon tweeter, Bluetooth, digital inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Airpulse A100 | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #35 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 63.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) | - |
| Inputs | RCA (aux), USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth aptX | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Drivers | Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter, 5” hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| App | None (physical bass/treble knobs, IR remote) | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes (SBC, aptX) | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | Yes, rear-panel bass/treble trim knobs | - |
| Weight | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (40W+40W woofer, 10W+10W tweeter) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Dimensions | 6.3” x 11.1” x 10” (160 x 283 x 255 mm) each | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 52Hz - 40kHz | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.56 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.08 | 6.89 |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | Yes | No |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.1 | 4.0 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
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