Short answer: the Genelec 8331A for better sound quality, the Kanto YU for the lower price. The Genelec 8331A ranks #1 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $5750. The Kanto YU ranks #39 at $349.99, $5400.01 cheaper.
What the Genelec 8331A offers: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 5.91 standalone and 7.85 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Watch for: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
What the Kanto YU offers: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. ASR’s measurements show a 2.9dB midrange span and a 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance. Watch for: Standalone preference is 2.59 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight. The response trends upward toward the treble and retains local irregularities across the listening window. A subwoofer adds bandwidth but does not make the speaker neutral. Connectivity is basic compared with models offering USB, optical or HDMI.
Buy the Genelec 8331A if sound quality is the priority over the price, or the Kanto YU if the price is the priority over sound quality.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Genelec 8331A | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 per pair | $349.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #1 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) | - |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) | - |
| 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 | 5.91 | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.85 | 5.51 |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Inputs | - | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Genelec 8331A compares with other leading options:
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH120 MKII
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8030C
- Genelec 8331A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8331A
- Genelec 8331A 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 8331A: $4,500 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: Erin’s Klippel measurements support its reference-monitor credentials: a 1.4dB response span from 300Hz to 5kHz, low listening-window and predicted-room irregularity, and preference scores of 5.91 standalone and 7.85 with an ideal subwoofer. The coaxial mid/tweeter and concealed woofers maintain coherent radiation as listening position changes. Bass reaches -3dB around 48Hz, and GLM adds level, delay and room-response calibration. Measured bass extension of 49Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming. The compact woofers still limit deep-bass output, and the review reports protection muting when pushed beyond its operating range. GLM calibration hardware is an additional purchase. Its excellent tonal score does not remove the need for a subwoofer or larger monitor at demanding levels.
Full Genelec 8331A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 72W LF + 36W MF + 36W HF |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 39Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 49Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Dimensions | 12"H x 7.4"W x 8.3"D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB at 3m before protection (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | Not applicable (active DSP loudspeaker) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 5.91 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.85 |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Kanto YU: $349.99 per pair Kanto Audio eBay
Pros: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. ASR’s measurements show a 2.9dB midrange span and a 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 2.59 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight. The response trends upward toward the treble and retains local irregularities across the listening window. A subwoofer adds bandwidth but does not make the speaker neutral. Connectivity is basic compared with models offering USB, optical or HDMI.
Full Kanto YU review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons