Short answer: the Dayton Audio M4. It ranks #38 of 67 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.8/5, at $249.98; the Kanto YU ranks #40, rated 3.7/5, and costs $349.99, so there is little reason to consider the other one.
The case for the Kanto YU: RCA and Bluetooth inputs, remote control, tone adjustment and a subwoofer output make this compact pair simple to use. 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 powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The tradeoff: 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 than the Kanto YU and costs less, so the other one has nothing left to offer.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Dayton Audio M4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $249.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #40 of 67 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 67 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, 4.2 | Yes, 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) |
| Bluetooth Version | - | 5.0 |
| Digital Aux Input | - | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| App | - | No |
| Stereo | - | Yes |
| Power Input | - | AC Power cord |
| Discontinued | - | No |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 PM 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
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 6.38 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 3.46 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 →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Aux Input | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.2 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| 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 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Dayton Audio M4: $249.98 per pair Parts Express eBay
Pros: A compact powered pair with a subwoofer output, useful source connections and a solid cabinet. The existing review describes reasonable linearity for the price and a subdued upper treble that avoids an aggressively bright presentation. It is best considered for a close desktop setup. Measured bass extension of 121Hz (-3dB).
Cons: Existing listening and output notes describe limited bass, a balance that changes with distance, and distortion rising above roughly 93dB. The soft treble is a tonal preference, not evidence of reference neutrality; a subwoofer does not establish greater midrange headroom.
Full Dayton Audio M4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 75W RMS (150W peak) |
| App | No |
| Aux Input | Yes (RCA) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 60Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 121Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.0 |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Digital Aux Input | Yes (USB-C DAC, up to 192kHz/32-bit) |
| Dimensions | 5" x 6.5" x 9.5" (127 x 165 x 241 mm) (W x D x H) |
| Discontinued | No |
| Drivers | 4" aluminum woofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 40Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | RCA, USB-C, Bluetooth |
| Optical Input | No |
| Outputs | Subwoofer (20Hz-200Hz) |
| Power Input | AC Power cord |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Stereo | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.81 kg) (active), 5.1 lbs (2.31 kg) (passive) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons