Short answer: the Kanto YU4 G2, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU ranks higher than it (#58 vs #64 of 108 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.7/5 vs 3.6/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Kanto YU4 G2 is still sold new at $449.99.
Why pick the Kanto YU4 G2: An upcoming powered pair with a phono preamp, optical, USB-C and Bluetooth inputs, a subwoofer output and a phone charging port. It keeps a wired aux input, which the Kanto YU lacks. Watch for: Not on sale yet: Kanto lists it as coming soon.
The case for the Kanto YU: A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, RCA inputs, a remote, tone controls and a subwoofer output for simple desktop setups. It supports aptX Bluetooth, which the Kanto YU4 G2 lacks. The catch: Standalone preference is 3.46 and the -3dB point is about 85Hz, so it lacks low-bass weight.
Buy the Kanto YU4 G2 new; the Kanto YU is no longer sold new, so it only makes sense as a used find.
Worth knowing: the Kanto YU4 G2 has not been measured yet. Its rating is estimated from related models, with a likely range of 3.4 to 3.8, so treat this verdict as provisional.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 G2 | Kanto YU | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449.99 per pair Upcoming | $349.99 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #64 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers Estimated | #58 of 108 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Amplifier Power | 110W RMS (160W peak) per pair | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, AAC | SBC, aptX |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.3 | 4.2 |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| Dimensions | 9.2”H x 5.5”W x 8.1”D (233 x 140 x 205 mm) | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1” silk dome tweeter, 4” abaca paper cone woofer | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) | 60Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| Inputs | RCA (switchable phono), Optical, USB-C, Aux, Bluetooth | RCA and Bluetooth 4.2 aptX |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| RCA Input | Yes (switchable phono preamp) | Yes |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes (automatic 80Hz crossover) | Yes |
| USB Input | Yes | No |
| Weight | 8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (active), 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) (passive) | 6.2 lbs (2.8 kg) active, 5.3 lbs (2.4 kg) passive |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| Enclosure | - | 2-way powered, rear-ported MDF |
| Country | - | Canada (design) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | - | 3.46 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | - | 6.38 |
| Outputs | - | Subwoofer |
| TRS Input | - | No |
| AES Input | - | No |
Where the Ratings Come From
- Kanto YU4 G2: manufacturer specifications and listening comparisons; no independent measurement has been published yet.
- Kanto YU: Spinorama.org measurements.
This comparison is generated from the ratings, specifications and measurements on each product’s own page, and it updates when that data changes. How we rank explains how each rating is decided.
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