Short answer: the Audioengine HD3, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU4 ranks higher than it (#23 vs #29 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Audioengine HD3 is still sold new at $359. The Kanto YU4’s replacement, the Kanto YU4 G2, is rated 3.6/5 at $449.99.
The case for the Kanto YU4: 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.
What the Audioengine HD3 does well: Compact powered desktop speakers with Bluetooth and analog inputs for when space is tight. The tradeoff: Limited bass makes a subwoofer useful for fuller music reproduction.
Buy the Audioengine HD3, since the Kanto YU4 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Audioengine HD3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair Discontinued | $359.00 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #29 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 2.75” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 65 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 30W total (15W per speaker) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | Bluetooth, Aux, RCA Input |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | RCA variable output (subwoofer) |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 9”H x 5.5”W x 6.5”D (228.6 x 139.7 x 165.1 mm) |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | 7.3 lbs (3.3 kg) |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | - |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | - |
| 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 | No |
| HDMI Input | No | No |
| AES Input | No | No |
| Aux Input | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | 5.0 |
| App | - | No |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 58Hz |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 65Hz |
| EQ | - | No |
| Maximum SPL | - | 90dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified) |
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