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 YU6 ranks #41 (rated 3.9/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU6’s replacement, the Kanto YU6 G2, is rated 3.9/5 at $549.99.
The Genelec 8030C is the better-sounding choice. A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice. The catch: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests.
What the Kanto YU6 does well: A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system. 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.
Buy the Genelec 8030C. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU6 is no longer sold new.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A highly accurate compact studio monitor with smooth, even sound across a wide desk, a long time reference choice.
A powered bookshelf pair with a phono input, optical, Bluetooth and a remote, a simple multi source system.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #3 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Inputs | XLR | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Drivers | 5.1” woofer, 0.75” metal dome tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| App | No | - |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| XLR Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | No | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.89 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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