Short answer: the Genelec 8331A. It ranks #1 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.8/5) at $5,750 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 8331A is the more accurate pick. Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 6.57 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. The catch: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
The case for the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Genelec 8331A. 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.
Compact studio monitors with reference level accuracy and automatic room calibration, for critical listening and mixing.
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 8331A | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,750 per pair | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) | - |
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | 6.38 |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.2 |
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