Short answer: the Mackie MR524. It ranks #33 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.0/5) at $379.98 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. The tradeoff: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The Mackie MR524 is the more accurate pick. A budget studio monitor with decent bass depth, an even midrange, and balanced and RCA inputs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.11 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. Watch for: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance.
Buy the Mackie MR524. 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.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Mackie MR524 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $379.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #33 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 10.1 lbs (4.6 kg) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 50W bi-amplified per speaker |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | Balanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 5.11 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 7.06 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| XLR Input | No | Yes |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| 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) | 45Hz-20kHz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org) |
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