Short answer: the Airpulse A100. It ranks #35 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $999.99 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 Airpulse A100 is the more accurate choice. A compact powered pair with a ribbon tweeter, Bluetooth, digital inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.56 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. The catch: Bass reaches -3dB around 63Hz, so lower notes need a subwoofer for full weight.
Buy the Airpulse A100. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
A compact powered pair with a ribbon tweeter, Bluetooth, digital inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Airpulse A100 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $999.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #35 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | Horn-loaded ribbon tweeter, 5” hard-anodized aluminum cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 6.3” x 11.1” x 10” (160 x 283 x 255 mm) each |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 24.3 lbs (11 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 100W total (40W+40W woofer, 10W+10W tweeter) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | RCA (aux), USB, optical, coaxial, Bluetooth aptX |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 4.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 7.08 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes (SBC, aptX) |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 4.1 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 52Hz - 40kHz |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 63.0Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| App | - | None (physical bass/treble knobs, IR remote) |
| EQ | - | Yes, rear-panel bass/treble trim knobs |
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