Short answer: the Genelec 8020D on measured sound quality, the Kanto YU on price. The Genelec 8020D ranks #11 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $695. The Kanto YU ranks #39 at $349.99, $345.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8020D offers: A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. Watch for: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom. It lacks the GLM calibration of the SAM models, and the price is substantial for a compact analog-input monitor.
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 Genelec 8020D if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Kanto YU if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8020D | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,390 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #11 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bluetooth | No | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8020D compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8020D
- Genelec 8020D vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8020D vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8020D vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Genelec 8020D 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
Genelec 8020D: $1,390 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: A compact waveguided monitor with balanced XLR input and placement filters, well suited to a small studio desk. Measured bass extension of 56Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Small size limits deep-bass reach and headroom. It lacks the GLM calibration of the SAM models, and the price is substantial for a compact analog-input monitor.
Full Genelec 8020D review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 56Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 9.5"H x 5.8"W x 5.6"D (241.3 x 147.3 x 142.2 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, desk proximity) |
| Frequency Response | 56 Hz - 25 kHz (-6 dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 103dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Audio Science Review Measurements More from Audio Science Review →
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- See all 51 comparisons
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