Short answer: both are discontinued, so this only matters if you are buying used. Used, the M-Audio BX5 D3 is the better pick: it ranks #42 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5), against #58 (rated 3.7/5) for the Kanto YU. If you want one new, the Topping MA4 ranks #12 at $378.
The case for 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 M-Audio BX5 D3 is the more accurate option. A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.09 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. Watch for: The response slopes downward by about 0.65dB per octave, potentially softening treble relative to the midrange.
Buy the M-Audio BX5 D3 only if you find one used in good condition; both are discontinued, and it is the better rated of the two. For a new speaker, start with the Topping MA4 instead.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
A budget studio monitor with balanced inputs and room adjustment for a basic home studio.
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 | M-Audio BX5 D3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $637.22 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #42 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | Active 2-way, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 1-inch silk tweeter, 5-inch Kevlar woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 10H x 6.9W x 7.8D in |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 100W each |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | XLR and TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 4.09 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 6.69 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | Yes |
| 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) | 52Hz-35kHz |
| Maximum SPL | - | 110dB |
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