Short answer: the Genelec 8030C. It ranks #3 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.6/5) at $1,750 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
The Genelec 8030C is the better-sounding pick. A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice. Watch for: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
Why pick the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice.
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
| Genelec 8030C | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Dimensions | 11.7”H x 7.4”W x 7”D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Inputs | XLR | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | 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) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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