Short answer: the Genelec 8330A. It ranks #7 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.5/5) at $2,250 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
What the Kanto YU does well: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The Genelec 8330A is the more accurate pick. An accurate compact studio monitor with room calibration support and deeper bass than its smaller sibling. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.54 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. The catch: The listening-window response has more local variation than the Genelec 8030C or KH80 in the selected measurements, so DSP capability should not be mistaken for superior native neutrality.
Buy the Genelec 8330A. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU is discontinued, so it is only available used.
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.
An accurate compact studio monitor with room calibration support and deeper bass than its smaller sibling.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Genelec 8330A | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $2,250 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #7 of 108 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 | XLR, AES/EBU |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | Finland |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 5.54 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 7.79 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | Yes |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 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) |
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