Short answer: the Dynaudio LYD 5. It ranks #6 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $998 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
Why pick the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The Dynaudio LYD 5 is the better-sounding option. An affordable studio monitor with highly accurate, uncolored midrange, especially strong when paired with a subwoofer. Watch for: Bass reaches -3dB around 72Hz, so it gives up low-frequency weight to deeper-reaching monitors.
Buy the Dynaudio LYD 5. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
An affordable studio monitor with highly accurate, uncolored midrange, especially strong when paired with a subwoofer.
Prices on this page were last checked October 31, 2026 at 7:11 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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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Dynaudio LYD 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $998 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #6 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 5” woofer, 28mm soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 10.2”H x 6.7”W x 8.3”D (260 x 170 x 211 mm) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 11.9 lbs (5.4 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 100W total (50W LF, 50W HF) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | XLR, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 50Hz - 21kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 68Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 50Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| App | - | No |
| EQ | - | No |
| DSP | - | No |
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