Short answer: the Genelec 8330A for better sound quality, the Kanto YU for the lower price. The Genelec 8330A ranks #7 of 65 powered bookshelf speakers at $1125. The Kanto YU ranks #39 at $349.99, $775.01 cheaper.
What the Kanto YU offers: 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 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance. Watch for: Standalone preference is 2.59 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.
What the Genelec 8330A offers: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Watch for: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Buy the Kanto YU if the price matters more than sound quality. Buy the Genelec 8330A if sound quality matters more than the price.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair | $2,250 per pair |
| Ranked | #39 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 65 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | ported |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | - |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | Finland |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.51 | 7.03 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| Frequency Response | - | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Warranty | - | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Maximum SPL | - | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
Related Speaker Comparisons
More worthwhile head-to-heads for Genelec 8330A:
- Genelec 8331A vs Genelec 8330A
- Neumann KH120 MKII vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8030C vs Genelec 8330A
- Genelec 8330A vs Neumann KH80 DSP
- Dynaudio LYD 5 vs Genelec 8330A
Prices on this page were last checked September 16, 2026 at 12:41 AM 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 5.51 preference score with an ideal subwoofer, supporting moderate desktop use with bass assistance.
Cons: Standalone preference is 2.59 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 →
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
|---|---|
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| 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 |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.59 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.51 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Genelec 8330A: $2,250 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay
Pros: ASR’s measurements give a 2.3dB midrange response span and a -3dB point around 56Hz. Scores of 4.78 standalone and 7.03 with an ideal subwoofer indicate solid tonal accuracy, while deeper bass than the 8320A helps without a sub. GLM calibration, the waveguide and rounded aluminum enclosure make it a practical compact studio system. Measured bass extension of 55.7Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The listening-window response has more local variation than the 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality. GLM calibration hardware costs extra. Small-driver bass headroom remains finite, and neither the modeled ideal-subwoofer score nor the fitted bass Q establishes maximum output or freedom from resonances.
Full Genelec 8330A review and specifications →
| Amplifier Power | 100W total (50W woofer, 50W tweeter, Class D) |
|---|---|
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 44.9Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 55.7Hz (measured, Audio Science Review) |
| Country | Finland |
| Dimensions | 11.8"H x 7.4"W x 7"D (299 x 189 x 178 mm) |
| Drivers | 0.75" metal dome tweeter, 5.1" cone woofer |
| Enclosure | ported |
| Frequency Response | 45Hz-23kHz -6dB |
| Maximum SPL | 104dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 4.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 7.03 |
| Warranty | 2 years (5 with product registration) |
| Weight | 11.2 lbs (5.1 kg) each |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons