Short answer: the Monoprice Monolith MM-3, if you are buying new. The Kanto YU4 ranks higher than it (#23 vs #28 of 48 powered bookshelf speakers, 3.3/5 vs 3.2/5) but is discontinued, so only consider it used; the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 is still sold new at $299.99. The Kanto YU4’s replacement, the Kanto YU4 G2, is rated 3.6/5 at $449.99.
Why pick the Kanto YU4: A compact powered pair with phono, optical and Bluetooth inputs, a remote and a subwoofer output. The tradeoff: Standalone preference is only 2.89, with a -3dB point around 86Hz and a 4.2dB midrange response span.
The Monoprice Monolith MM-3 is the more accurate option. A compact desktop pair with Bluetooth, analog inputs, a headphone jack and angled stands. Its measured preference score, a predictor of how neutral it sounds, is 3.82 against 2.89 for the Kanto YU4. Watch for: Its measurements and rating are for the ports plugged; left stock, the bass has a boomy peak and the midrange has more resonances.
Buy the Monoprice Monolith MM-3 if you want one new; the Kanto YU4 is discontinued, so only look for it used.
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Specifications Side By Side
| Kanto YU4 | Monoprice Monolith MM-3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $479.99 per pair Discontinued | $299.99 per pair |
| Ranked | #23 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers | #28 of 48 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers |
| Enclosure | Powered 2-way, rear-ported | 2-way active, rear slot port |
| Drivers | 1” silk-dome tweeter, 4” Kevlar woofer | 0.75” silk-dome tweeter, 3” polypropylene woofer |
| Frequency Response | 60Hz-20kHz | 50Hz - 22kHz (Manufacturer specified) |
| Amplifier Power | 70W RMS / 140W peak per pair | 50W total, bi-amplified |
| Inputs | Bluetooth, optical, RCA/phono, 3.5mm | Bluetooth aptX, RCA, 3.5mm |
| Bluetooth Codecs | SBC, aptX | SBC, aptX |
| Outputs | Subwoofer | - |
| Dimensions | 8.7H x 5.5W x 7.5D in | 8.3H x 5.5W x 6.3D in |
| Weight | 6.8 lbs (3.1 kg) powered / 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) passive | approx. 7.9 lbs (3.6 kg) each |
| Spinorama Preference Score | 2.89 | 3.82 |
| Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub | 5.83 | 6.24 |
| 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 | Yes |
| Bluetooth Version | 4.0 | - |
| Country | - | United States (design) |
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