Short answer: the Kanto YU2. It ranks #20 of 47 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.4/5, at $189.99. The Mackie CR4.5 ranks #25, rated 3.3/5, at $129.99, $60 cheaper, which does not close the gap in sound quality.
Why pick the Kanto YU2: A compact 2-way powered desktop speaker featuring 3-inch composite drivers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters driven by 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D amplification. Watch for: Awaiting Spinorama anechoic data.
Why pick the Mackie CR4.5: The third generation of the Mackie CR4 monitors, replacing the Mackie CR4-X. The tradeoff: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the Mackie CR4-X it replaces and the measured Mackie CR3-X.
Buy the Kanto YU2. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the $60 saving on the Mackie CR4.5 is not enough to make up the difference.
About the ratings: neither speaker has been measured yet, so both ratings are estimated from measured siblings and predecessors (likely ranges: Kanto YU2 3.2 to 3.6; Mackie CR4.5 2.9 to 3.6). Treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU2 | Mackie CR4.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $189.99 per pair | $129.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #20 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #25 of 47 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated |
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D | 50W total |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz | - |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 3.9” x 5.3” (150 x 100 x 135 mm) each | 8.9”H x 6.1”W x 8.3”D (226 x 155 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” composite woofer | 4.5” woven woofer, silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 55Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB digital audio, 3.5mm Aux | - |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | - |
| USB Input | Yes (DAC up to 16-bit/48kHz) | No |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) per pair | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (pair) |
| XLR Input | - | No |
| RCA Input | - | Yes |
| TRS Input | - | Yes |
| Optical Input | - | No |
| Coaxial Input | - | No |
| HDMI Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 100dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Headphone Output | - | Yes |
| DIY Kit | - | No |
Related Speaker Comparisons
How Kanto YU2 compares with other leading options:
- Audioengine A2+ vs Kanto YU2
- Kanto YU2 vs Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB
- Kanto YU2 vs Bose Companion 2 Series III
- Mackie CR4.5 vs Onkyo Creator Series GX-10DB
- Mackie CR4.5 vs Mackie CR4-X
Prices on this page were last checked October 11, 2026 at 4:59 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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The Two Speakers In Full
Kanto YU2: $189.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay
Same family: the Kanto YU4 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3.3/5) and the Kanto YU6 (larger bookshelf, rated 3.9/5). See every Kanto YU and Tuk generation.
Pros: A compact 2-way powered desktop speaker featuring 3-inch composite drivers and 3/4-inch silk dome tweeters driven by 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D amplification. Features a built-in USB DAC that bypasses noisy computer sound cards for pristine digital playback, plus a 3.5mm aux input and dedicated subwoofer output.
Cons: Awaiting Spinorama anechoic data. Small 3-inch cabinets have natural bass limitations below 80Hz without a connected subwoofer. Lacks Bluetooth on this base model.
Full Kanto YU2 review and specifications →
| Released | 2015 (11 years ago) |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 50W RMS (100W peak) Class D |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Crossover Frequency | 2.5kHz |
| Dimensions | 5.9” x 3.9” x 5.3” (150 x 100 x 135 mm) each |
| Drivers | 3/4” silk dome tweeter, 3” composite woofer |
| Frequency Response | 80Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Inputs | USB digital audio, 3.5mm Aux |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes (DAC up to 16-bit/48kHz) |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) per pair |
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Mackie CR4.5: $129.99 per pair Estimated Amazon Sweetwater eBay
Older models: the Mackie CR4-X (ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5) and the Mackie CR4 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5). See every Mackie CR generation.
Same family: the Mackie CR3.5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3/5).
Pros: The third generation of the Mackie CR4 monitors, replacing the Mackie CR4-X. A 4.5” woofer and silk dome tweeter are powered by 50W, rated 55Hz to 20kHz and 100dB, with the new tone control and desktop/bookshelf location switch, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm inputs and a front headphone jack.
Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the Mackie CR4-X it replaces and the measured Mackie CR3-X. Bass is rated only to 55Hz.
Full Mackie CR4.5 review and specifications →
| Released | Oct 2024 (2 years ago) |
|---|---|
| AES Input | No |
| Amplifier Power | 50W total |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| DIY Kit | No |
| Dimensions | 8.9”H x 6.1”W x 8.3”D (226 x 155 x 211 mm) |
| Drivers | 4.5” woven woofer, silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 55Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Headphone Output | Yes |
| Maximum SPL | 100dB (manufacturer specified) |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| TRS Input | Yes |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (pair) |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- No independent measurement review is linked for this model; it is ranked from hands-on listening and comparison against similarly priced speakers.
- Head-to-Head Comparisons