Short answer: the Kanto YU6 for better sound quality, the Edifier S1000MKII for the lower price. The Kanto YU6 ranks #29 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $579.99. The Edifier S1000MKII ranks #54 at $399.99, $180 cheaper.
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 YU6 offers: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted. 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. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Buy the Edifier S1000MKII if the price is the priority over sound quality, or the Kanto YU6 if sound quality is the priority over the price.
Skip the Edifier S1000MKII if sound quality matters to you. It ranks near the bottom of the 65 powered bookshelf speakers.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Edifier S1000MKII | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $399.99 per pair | $579.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #54 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, 2x RCA Input, Digital Optical, Digital Coax | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | None | Subwoofer |
| Weight | 37 lbs (16.8 kg) | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5.5" (140mm) woofer | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | Yes | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX HD | SBC, aptX |
| EQ | No | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w RMS Per Speaker | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
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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 YU6: $579.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give preference scores of 3.37 standalone and 5.98 with an ideal subwoofer, stronger than several smaller lifestyle pairs. Phono input, optical connections and remote control make it useful for a simple multi-source system. The overall response trend is close to level rather than strongly tilted.
Cons: Local response variation remains despite the mild overall tilt: the midrange span is 3.8dB and listening-window narrow-band deviation is 0.419. Bass reaches -3dB around 75Hz, so the preference model’s 58Hz LFX value should not be quoted as full-level bass extension. A subwoofer improves bandwidth but does not remove tonal irregularities.
Full Kanto YU6 review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Drivers | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Inputs | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons