Short answer: the Edifier MR4, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU6 ranks higher than it (#41 vs #72 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.9/5 vs 3.5/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Edifier MR4 is still sold new at $129.99. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
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 YU6 lacks. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 79Hz, so deep extension should not be inferred from the overall flat trend.
The Kanto YU6 is the more accurate option. A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.28 against 3.25 for the Edifier MR4. 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 Edifier MR4 new; the Kanto YU6 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 powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 PM 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier MR4 | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $129.99 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #72 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | TRS Balanced, RCA, Aux | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | Headphone | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 4” (102mm) woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Monitor and Music modes) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 42W RMS total (21W per speaker) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| 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 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.00 | 6.89 |
| Headphone Output | Yes | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes | 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 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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