Short answer: the Genelec 8330A if sound quality matters most, the Kanto YU6 if price matters most. The Genelec 8330A ranks #7 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $1125. The Kanto YU6 ranks #29 at $579.99, $545.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8330A offers: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Watch for: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
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 8330A 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 8330A | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $2,250 per pair | $579.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #7 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | ported | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer | 1" silk dome tweeter, 5.25" Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) | - |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) | - |
| Country | Finland | Canada (design) |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 | 3.37 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 | 5.98 |
| Inputs | - | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8330A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8330A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 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.
As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
The Two Speakers In Full
Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 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