Short answer: the Kanto YU. It ranks #39 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality at $349.99; the Edifier S1000MKII ranks #54 and costs $399.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
What the Edifier S1000MKII offers: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening. Watch for: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup.
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 Kanto YU. It ranks higher for sound quality than the Edifier S1000MKII and costs less, which settles it without a real tradeoff to make.
The Edifier S1000MKII is not a sound-quality pick. It sits near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers; there are better options higher up.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w 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
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Kanto YU:
- 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 S1000MKII: $399.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: A self-powered stereo pair with optical, coaxial and analog inputs, plus high-resolution digital support, makes source switching unusually simple. Consumer Reports rates its sound accurate and detailed, so it is a strong one-box alternative to separate amplifier-and-speaker systems for nearfield or small-room listening.
Cons: High-resolution input support is not a guarantee of perfect tuning, and the fixed internal amplification prevents the gradual upgrades possible with separates. These are mains-powered speakers rather than portable wireless speakers, and their size and left/right cabling need a planned desktop or stand setup.
Full Edifier S1000MKII review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD |
| Dimensions | 13.6"H x 7.6"W x 11.6"D (345.4 x 193 x 294.6 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer |
| EQ | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax |
| Outputs | None |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
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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