Short answer: the Audioengine A2+. It ranks #19 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality (rated 3.4/5) at $299 and is still sold new; the Kanto YU4 ranks #23 (rated 3.3/5) and is discontinued, so it is only an option used. The Kanto YU4’s replacement, the Kanto YU4 G2, is rated 3.6/5 at $449.99.
What the Kanto YU4 does well: A compact powered pair with phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. Watch for: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span.
Why pick the Audioengine A2+: Tiny desktop speakers with Bluetooth, USB and analog inputs and a variable RCA output. Watch for: The 2.78 standalone score and roughly 106Hz measured -3dB point reveal how much bass is missing without reinforcement or a subwoofer.
Buy the Audioengine A2+. It is rated higher for sound quality, and the Kanto YU4 is discontinued, so it is only available used.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Audioengine A2+ | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair Discontinued | $299.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #19 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 0.75” silk dome tweeter, 2.75” fiber woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 65Hz - 22kHz (+-2dB, Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 15W RMS / 30W peak per channel |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | RCA, 3.5mm, USB, Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 6” x 4” x 5.2” (152 x 102 x 133 mm) |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) left / 3.1 lbs (1.4 kg) right |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | 2.78 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | 6.10 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes | Yes |
| XLR Input | No | No |
| RCA Input | Yes | Yes |
| TRS Input | No | No |
| Optical Input | Yes | No |
| Coaxial Input | No | No |
| USB Input | No | Yes |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 105.5Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58.9Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| EQ | - | No (fixed volume knob only) |
| App | - | No |
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