Short answer: the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus. It ranks #46 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.9/5) at $499.99 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU ranks #58 (rated 3.7/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used.
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 Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus is the more accurate pick. A compact desktop pair with an even midrange, Bluetooth and USB inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 4.07 against 3.46 for the Kanto YU. It supports aptX HD Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU lacks. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. Watch for: The measured -3dB point is around 95Hz, with a much lower F10 in the original review; this is not flat bass to the low-50Hz region.
Buy the Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus. It is rated higher for sound quality and still sold new, while the Kanto YU is discontinued.
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 compact desktop pair with an even midrange, Bluetooth and USB inputs, and automatic subwoofer crossover.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU | Vanatoo Transparent Zero Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $499.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #46 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 4” aluminum cone woofer, 4” long-throw passive radiator, 1” soft dome tweeter |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 8.5”H x 5.5”W x 6”D |
| Weight | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg) each |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 120W total (Class D) |
| Inputs | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX | Bluetooth (aptX HD), USB (24-bit/96kHz), Toslink Optical (24-bit/96kHz), 3.5mm Analog |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD |
| Country | Canada (design) | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.46 | 4.07 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.38 | 6.73 |
| 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 | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.2 | 5.1 |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 56Hz - 20kHz (+/-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 92Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Sensitivity | - | 88.5dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| DSP | - | Yes (8th-order Butterworth high-pass at 58Hz) |
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