Short answer: the Genelec 8030C if sound quality matters most, the Kanto YU6 if price matters most. The Genelec 8030C ranks #3 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $875. The Kanto YU6 ranks #29 at $579.99, $295.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8030C offers: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Watch for: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
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 Genelec 8030C if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Kanto YU6 if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8030C | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,750 per pair | $579.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #3 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 65 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 | - |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) | - |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 5.98 |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
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- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
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 8030C: $1,750 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s Klippel measurements show a 1.9dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz and smooth listening-window behavior. Predicted preference scores of 5.35 standalone and 7.60 with an ideal subwoofer support its high position for tonal accuracy. Broad, controlled horizontal radiation makes the balance relatively stable across a desk, and bass reaches -3dB around 56Hz. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: A dip around 2-3kHz remains, and vertical placement is less forgiving than the horizontal coverage suggests. Deep-bass headroom is limited; isolated high-output measurements at higher frequencies do not describe full-band loudness. The review found demanding bass material could cause audible distress beyond moderate levels. A subwoofer is useful for full-range monitoring.
Full Genelec 8030C review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W (50W woofer + 50W tweeter) |
|---|---|
| App | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 47Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Dimensions | 11.7"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (297.2 x 188 x 177.8 mm) |
| Drivers | 5.1" woofer, 0.75" metal dome tweeter |
| EQ | Yes (Bass tilt, treble tilt, room response) |
| Frequency Response | 54Hz - 20kHz (±2.5dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | XLR |
| Maximum SPL | 110dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
| Weight | 11 lbs (5 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
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