Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It ranks #20 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 4.3/5) at $699.99 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 tradeoff: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
The Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus is the more accurate pick. Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 5.57 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU lacks. Watch for: A mild 4-6kHz edge and a smaller 1-2kHz recession were audible in the review, so its smooth midrange summary does not mean there is nothing to improve with EQ.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new.
Want more options? Browse the full Powered Home rankings.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups.
Powered speakers with natural, even sound and deep bass for their size, plus lots of digital inputs and a subwoofer output.
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 | Vanatoo Transparent One Encore Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $699.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 5.25” aluminum-cone woofer with XBL motor, 5.25” passive radiator (rear), 1” aluminum dome tweeter with waveguide and phase plug |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 10” x 6.5” x 8” (254 x 165 x 203 mm) |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 10.8 lbs (4.9 kg) (passive unit), 12.1 lbs (5.5 kg) (active unit) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 240W total (100W + 20W Class D amplifiers per enclosure) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | USB, Optical, Coax, Analog, Bluetooth |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 5.57 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 7.38 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | RCA subwoofer |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | No |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | No | Yes |
| Coaxial Input | No | Yes |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | - |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 48Hz - 20kHz ±3dB (manufacturer specified, Flat mode) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 42Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 34Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
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