Short answer: the Fiio SP3, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU4 ranks higher than it (#23 vs #38 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.3/5 vs 2.9/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Fiio SP3 is still sold new at $299.99. The Kanto YU4’s replacement, the Kanto YU4 G2, is rated 3.6/5 at $449.99.
The Kanto YU4 is the better-sounding choice. 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.
The Fiio SP3 is the more accurate option. Small angled desktop speakers that fit a tight desk and reach a little deeper in the bass than many similar sized pairs. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.56 against 2.89 for the Kanto YU4. Watch for: The response rises strongly toward the treble, about 1.13dB per octave, with a recessed midrange and problematic crossover behavior.
Buy the Fiio SP3, since the Kanto YU4 is discontinued and only worth hunting down used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Fiio SP3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair Discontinued | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #38 of 48 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 | No |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | - |
| Bass Extension (-3dB) | - | 59Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
| Bass Extension (-10dB) | - | 53Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner) |
Watch Them Compared
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