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 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 8331A is the more accurate choice. 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 4.28 for the Kanto YU6. The tradeoff: Expensive, with studio-oriented XLR connectivity rather than consumer streaming.
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 8331A. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU6 is discontinued.
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 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 8331A | Kanto YU6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $5,750 per pair | $380.00 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #1 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #41 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 | 200W peak Class D (100W RMS total) |
| Drivers | Dual 130x65mm woofers; 90mm coaxial mid; 19mm tweeter | 1” silk dome tweeter, 5.25” Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 12”H x 7.4”W x 8.3”D (305 x 189 x 212 mm) | 6.9W x 8.1D x 10.7H in each |
| Weight | 14.8 lbs (6.7kg) each | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg) (active), 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) (passive) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 6.57 | 4.28 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 8.51 | 6.89 |
| Inputs | XLR, AES/EBU | Bluetooth aptX, RCA phono preamp, 2x optical |
| 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 | Yes | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | No | Yes |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz - 37kHz (-6dB) (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way active, MDF cabinet |
| Bluetooth Codecs | - | SBC, aptX |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Subwoofer Output | - | Yes |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 4.0 |
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