Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #54 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.8/5) at $249.98 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 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 tradeoff: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Why pick the Dayton Audio M4: A compact, affordable powered desk pair with Bluetooth, USB-C, a subwoofer output and a soft, unfatiguing treble. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. The catch: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB.
Buy the Dayton Audio M4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #54 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 4” aluminum woofer, 1” silk dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 5” x 6.5” x 9.5” (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes (RCA) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.0 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 121Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 60Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| App | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
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