Short answer: the Kanto YU4. It ranks #14 of 24 powered bookshelf speakers by sound quality, rated 3.3/5, at $479.99. The Fiio SP3 ranks #20, rated 2.9/5, at $299.99, $180 cheaper, a saving that is not big enough to make up the sound-quality gap.
Why pick the Kanto YU4: Phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, remote control and a subwoofer output make it convenient for a compact multi-source system. Watch for: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span.
The case for the Fiio SP3: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. Watch for: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior.
Buy the Kanto YU4. It is rated higher for sound quality, and saving $180 with the Fiio SP3 does not make up for the sound-quality gap.
Still deciding? The full Powered Home rankings cover every ranked option.
Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #14 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #20 of 24 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | - |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | AUX, RCA |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | - |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | 6.17 |
| Subwoofer Output | 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, 4.0 | No |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
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Prices on this page were last checked September 23, 2026 at 11:24 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 YU4: $479.99 per pair Kanto eBay
Pros: Phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, remote control and a subwoofer output make it convenient for a compact multi-source system. ASR’s measured horizontal coverage is broad enough for some freedom of seating position. The ideal-subwoofer preference score of 5.83 indicates that bass support would materially improve its usefulness.
Cons: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span. Response irregularities remain even after bass extension is removed from the comparison, so a subwoofer alone will not make it neutral. Sensitivity measured at an arbitrary powered-speaker gain setting is not a reliable basis for judging efficiency or maximum volume.
Full Kanto YU4 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes, 4.0 |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in |
| Drivers | 1" silk-dome tweeter, 4" Kevlar woofer |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm |
| Optical Input | Yes |
| Outputs | Subwoofer |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 |
| Subwoofer Output | Yes |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Kanto YU4 Measurements (spinorama.org)
- Jasper Tech: Best Powered Bookshelf Speakers for Every Budget - 2025 More from Jasper Tech →
- Jasper Tech: Best Premium Computer Speakers: Kanto ORA4 Review & Comparison
- Jasper Tech: Best Desktop Computer Speakers for Every Budget
- Erin’s Audio Corner: 10 Great (and Terrible) Speakers Under $300! More from Erin’s Audio Corner →
- Head-to-Head Comparisons
Fiio SP3: $299.99 per pair Amazon eBay
Pros: Compact cabinets and angled bases fit a small desk. The existing review found useful dynamic capability at higher frequencies, so lack of output is not the only issue. Erin’s Klippel data shows a measured -3dB bass point around 60Hz, deeper than several similarly sized alternatives. Measured bass extension of 59Hz (-3dB).
Cons: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior. Its 3.56 standalone and 6.17 ideal-subwoofer scores do not capture the full practical impact of the review’s boomy bass and off-axis tonal problems. Changing angle trades one coloration for another. Those audible limitations weigh against it more heavily than its numerical score or build quality.
Full Fiio SP3 review and specifications →
| AES Input | No |
|---|---|
| Amplifier Power | 40W total (30W midwoofer + 10W tweeter) |
| Aux Input | Yes |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | 53Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | 59Hz (measured, Erin's Audio Corner) |
| Bluetooth | No |
| Coaxial Input | No |
| Dimensions | 6.4"H x 4.7"W x 5.2"D (163 x 120 x 132 mm) |
| Drivers | 3.5" carbon fiber midwoofer, 1" silk dome tweeter |
| Frequency Response | 65Hz - 20kHz (±2dB) (Manufacturer specified) |
| HDMI Input | No |
| Inputs | AUX, RCA |
| Optical Input | No |
| RCA Input | Yes |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 3.56 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 6.17 |
| TRS Input | No |
| USB Input | No |
| Weight | 4.3 lbs (1.95 kg) each |
| XLR Input | No |
- Links
- Reviews, Comparisons and Sound Samples
- Head-to-Head Comparisons