Short answer: the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It ranks #53 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $608 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Focal Alpha 50 EVO: A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement. Watch for: Basic shelving controls are less flexible than parametric room correction.
The Kanto YU is the more accurate option. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.46 against 1.04 for the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Focal Alpha 50 EVO. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A 5 inch studio monitor with XLR, TRS and RCA inputs and rear shelving controls for placement.
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
| Focal Alpha 50 EVO | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $608 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #53 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 12.2”H x 9”W x 9.4”D (309.9 x 228.6 x 238.8 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 45 Hz - 22 kHz (+-3 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR, TRS, RCA | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Weight | 13.2 lbs (6.0 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 5” (127mm) woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Room adjustment) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 60w Per Speaker | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 1.04 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.70 | 6.38 |
| XLR Input | Yes | 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 | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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