Short answer: the Edifier MR4, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier MR4 is still sold new at $129.99.
The case for the Edifier MR4: A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. The tradeoff: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
Why pick the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Edifier MR4 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.
A budget desktop monitor pair with balanced TRS inputs, tone controls and a front headphone jack.
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
| Edifier MR4 | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9”H x 5.5”W x 7.6”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 193 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Headphone | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 79Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | 78dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.25 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 6.38 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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