Short answer: the Kanto YU if sound quality matters most, the Edifier R1700BT if price matters most. The Kanto YU ranks #39 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $349.99. The Edifier R1700BT ranks #57 at $179.99, $170 cheaper.
What the Edifier R1700BT offers: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier. Watch for: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality. Its analog and Bluetooth connections are less convenient for sources that require optical or HDMI input.
What the Kanto YU offers: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. ASR’s measurements show a 2.9dB midrange span and a 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance. Watch for: Standalone preference is 2.59 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight. The response trends upward toward the treble and retains local irregularities across the listening window. A subwoofer adds bandwidth but does not make the speaker neutral. Connectivity is basic compared with models offering USB, optical or HDMI.
Buy the Edifier R1700BT if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Kanto YU if sound quality matters more than the price.
If sound quality matters at all to you, skip the Edifier R1700BT. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers, so look higher up the list instead.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier R1700BT | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #57 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kanto YU compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Kanto YU
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Kanto YU
- Genelec 8030C vs Kanto YU
- Neumann KH80 DSP vs Kanto YU
- Kanto YU vs Dynaudio LYD 5
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
Edifier R1700BT: $179.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with analog and Bluetooth connectivity for uncomplicated desktop listening. Its self-contained design avoids the need for a separate amplifier.
Cons: Listening impressions suggest a bass-and-treble-forward balance rather than strict neutrality. Its analog and Bluetooth connections are less convenient for sources that require optical or HDMI input.
Full Edifier R1700BT review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 66w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.1 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC (inferred; additional codecs unverified) |
| Dimensions | 10"H x 6.1"W x 8.4"D (254 x 154.9 x 213.4 mm) |
| Drivers | 4" (102mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Frequency Response | 60 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, RCA Input |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 14.6 lbs (6.6 kg) |
- Links
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Kanto YU: $349.99 per pair Kanto Audio eBay
Pros: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. ASR’s measurements show a 2.9dB midrange span and a 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 2.59 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight. The response trends upward toward the treble and retains local irregularities across the listening window. A subwoofer adds bandwidth but does not make the speaker neutral. Connectivity is basic compared with models offering USB, optical or HDMI.
Full Kanto YU review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons