Short answer: the Palmer STUDIMON 5, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #68 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Palmer STUDIMON 5 is still sold new at $599.98.
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. Watch for: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The case for the Palmer STUDIMON 5: A plain compact studio monitor with balanced XLR and TRS inputs that fits easily into a home studio setup. The catch: The trace spans 4.0dB from 300Hz to 5kHz and estimates -3dB bass around 80Hz, with local irregularities despite the level overall trend.
Buy the Palmer STUDIMON 5, since the Kanto YU is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Palmer STUDIMON 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $599.98 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #68 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | 2-way active, rear-ported |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 0.75” soft-dome tweeter, 5” woofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 10.6H x 7.5W x 8.5D in |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 8.6 lbs (3.9 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 60W each (30W LF, 30W HF) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | Balanced XLR and 1/4” TRS |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Country | Canada (design) | Germany (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 3.48 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 6.37 |
| 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) | 70Hz - 20kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
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