Short answer: both are discontinued, and they are rated the same for sound quality (#23 and #22 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers). Either one is only an option used, so choose on condition and price. If you want one new, the Kanto YU4 G2 replaces the Kanto YU4 and 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. The catch: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span.
The Monacor SOUND-4BT is the more accurate option. A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, optical and analog inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.58 against 2.89 for the Kanto YU4. The tradeoff: Predicted in-room response remains uneven despite the modest midrange span.
Buy the Kanto YU4 or the Monacor SOUND-4BT, whichever you find used in better condition; both are discontinued. For a new speaker, buy the Kanto YU4 G2, which replaces the Kanto YU4.
Looking for alternatives? See the complete Powered Home rankings.
A compact powered pair with phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output.
A compact powered pair with Bluetooth, optical and analog inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Monacor SOUND-4BT | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $349.99 per pair Discontinued | $310 per pair Discontinued |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #22 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | 2-way powered stereo pair, bass reflex |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 1” dome tweeter, 4” woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 45Hz - 20kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 2 x 30W RMS |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | Bluetooth 4.0 aptX, optical, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | Subwoofer |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 8.5H x 5.5W x 6.7D in |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)/pair |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | 3.58 |
| 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 | Yes |
| 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 | 4.0 |
Frequency Response Compared
Both speakers’ spinorama measurements, overlaid. A flatter line is more neutral: peaks sound forward or harsh, dips sound recessed. Each curve is shifted so its average from 300 Hz to 3 kHz sits at 0 dB, so loudness differences between the two are removed and only the shape is compared. The two were measured by different sources, so small differences, especially in the bass, can come from the measurement setup rather than the speakers.
Measurement data: Kanto YU4 (measured by Erin’s Audio Corner) and Monacor SOUND-4BT (measured by an independent reviewer), via spinorama.org.
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